Explore 脳 in words for the brain and intellect. Connect each reading with a complete word and a useful context.
The idea
脳 has 11 strokes; follow the linked diagram. Its common reading is のう, as in 脳（のう）, 大脳（だいのう） and 頭脳（ずのう）. Learn each compound as a whole.
Examples
- 脳は体を動かします。The brain controls the body.
- 睡眠は脳にとって大切です。Sleep is important for the brain.
- 医師が脳を調べました。The doctor examined the brain.
- 大脳は脳の一部です。The cerebrum is a part of the brain.
- 彼女はチームの頭脳です。She is the brains of the team.
- 科学者は脳の働きを研究しています。The scientist studies how the brain works.
Read-aloud uses a synthetic Japanese voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.
No Japanese device voice is available. You can still read the text and use the linked listening resources.
Watch out
頭 means head, while 脳 means brain. 頭脳 can also refer figuratively to intellect or the brains behind a team; 大脳 names an anatomical part.
Try it yourself
Write the reading of 脳 in hiragana.
Show answer or example answer
のう
脳 is のう: it names the brain, as in 脳は体を動かします。
Write the reading of 頭脳 in hiragana.
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ずのう
頭脳 is ずのう: it can mean intellect or the brains of a team.
Choose the missing kanji: 大＿（だいのう）［脳／頭］.
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脳
脳 completes 大脳（だいのう）, the cerebrum, a part of the brain.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Japanese sentences where available. We keep your score.
Write the reading of 脳 in hiragana.
Write the reading of 頭脳 in hiragana.
Choose the missing kanji: 大＿（だいのう）［脳／頭］.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Write 脳 using the stroke-order diagram. Read 大脳 and 頭脳 aloud, then make a sentence with one of them.