Explore 複 through words about plurality, copying and complexity. Learn each reading with its complete word.

The idea

複 has 14 strokes and is read ふく in 複数（ふくすう）, 複写（ふくしゃ） and 複雑（ふくざつ）. 重複 is commonly read ちょうふく; じゅうふく is also used. Follow the linked stroke diagram.

Patterns to compare
WordReadingExample in context
複数ふくすうPlease select multiple answers.
複写ふくしゃI copied the document.
重複ちょうふくThe reservations overlap.
複雑ふくざつThe problem is complicated.

Examples

  • 複数ふくすうの答こたえを選えらんでください。Please select multiple answers.
  • 書類しょるいを複写ふくしゃしました。I copied the document.
  • 予約よやくが重複ちょうふくしています。The reservations overlap.
  • その問題もんだいは複雑ふくざつです。The problem is complicated.
  • 複数ふくすうの人ひとが会議かいぎに参加さんかしました。Several people took part in the meeting.
  • 重複ちょうふくした項目こうもくがないか確認かくにんしてください。Please check that there are no duplicate entries.

Read-aloud uses a synthetic Japanese voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.

Watch out

複数 means more than one, whereas 複雑 describes complexity; neither always means a duplicate. Do not confuse 複 with the similar-looking 服.

Try it yourself

  1. Write the reading of 複数 in hiragana.

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    ふくすう

    複数 is ふくすう: it means multiple, as in selecting several answers.

  2. Write the reading of 複雑 in hiragana.

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    ふくざつ

    複雑 is ふくざつ: it describes something complicated, such as a problem.

  3. Choose the missing kanji: 重＿（ちょうふく）［複／服］.

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    複

    複 completes 重複（ちょうふく）, an overlap or duplication, as with overlapping reservations.

Use it today

Write 複 using the stroke diagram, then cover the readings and make a sentence with 複数 or 複雑.