Explore 放 in words about letting go, broadcasting and the time after school. Learn each reading with a whole word.

The idea

放 has 8 strokes; follow the linked diagram. 放す is はなす; compounds such as 放送, 解放 and 放課後 use ほう.

Patterns to compare
Japanese wordReadingExample in context
放すはなすShe released the bird into the sky.
放送ほうそうThis programme will be broadcast tomorrow.
解放かいほうThe prisoners were freed.
放課後ほうかごI study with friends after school.

Examples

  • 彼女かのじょは鳥とりを空そらに放はなしました。She released the bird into the sky.
  • 私わたしの手てを放はなさないでください。Please do not let go of my hand.
  • この番組ばんぐみは明日あした放送ほうそうされます。This programme will be broadcast tomorrow.
  • ラジオの放送ほうそうでニュースを聞ききました。I listened to the news on the radio.
  • 捕虜ほりょが解放かいほうされました。The prisoners were freed.
  • 放課後ほうかご、友達ともだちと勉強べんきょうします。I study with friends after school.

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Watch out

放す means release or let go; 放送 means broadcast. Do not confuse 放す（はなす） with 話す（はなす）, to speak.

Try it yourself

  1. Write the reading of 放す in hiragana.

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    はなす

    放す is はなす: it can mean to release a bird or let go of a hand.

  2. Write the reading of 放送 in hiragana.

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    ほうそう

    放送 is ほうそう: it refers to a broadcast, as in the programme example.

  3. Choose the missing kanji: ＿課後（ほうかご）［放／方］.

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    放

    放 completes 放課後（ほうかご）, the time after school. 方 has a different shape.

Use it today

Write 放 in stroke order, cover the table and read 放す and 放送. Make a sentence with one.