乙
KanjiJLPT N1
The Latter
the latter, duplicate, strange, witty, fishhook radical (no. 5)
Mnemonic
A single curving stroke that hooks at the end — meaning the latter.
Details
The keyword for 乙 is the latter. This kanji originally referred to the second position in a traditional ordering system, similar to how "B" follows "A" in Western conventions. In East Asian culture, it is the second of the ten Heavenly Stems, making it synonymous with being second or subordinate. By extension, it can also carry connotations of something stylish, quaint, or having a subtle charm, though its primary function is to designate the second in a sequence.
- On'yomi
- おつ、いつ
- Kun'yomi
- おと-、きのと