Explore 除 in words about removing things and making exceptions. Learn each reading in a whole word.
The idea
除 has 10 strokes. Follow the linked diagram. 除く（のぞく） means remove or exclude; compounds include 削除（さくじょ） and 掃除（そうじ）.
Examples
- 名前をリストから除きます。I remove the name from the list.
- 日曜日を除いて、毎日働きます。I work every day except Sunday.
- 不要なファイルを削除します。I delete unnecessary files.
- 部屋を掃除します。I clean the room.
- 危険なものを取り除きます。I remove dangerous objects.
- この料金は税金を除いた金額です。This price displays the amount excluding tax.
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No Japanese device voice is available. You can still read the text and use the linked listening resources.
Watch out
除いて can mark an exception, as in Sunday excluded. 掃除 means cleaning, not simply excluding; learn its irregular reading as a word.
Try it yourself
Write the reading of 除く in hiragana.
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のぞく
除く is のぞく: it can mean removing a name from a list.
Write the reading of 削除 in hiragana.
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さくじょ
削除 is さくじょ: it is used for deleting files.
Choose the missing kanji: 掃＿（そうじ）［除／余］.
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除
除 completes 掃除（そうじ）, the word for cleaning.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Japanese sentences where available. We keep your score.
Write the reading of 除く in hiragana.
Write the reading of 削除 in hiragana.
Choose the missing kanji: 掃＿（そうじ）［除／余］.
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 除 using the diagram, then cover the readings and make a sentence with 除く.