Explore 貝 in words for shellfish and shells, and connect each reading to a useful context.
The idea
貝 has 7 strokes; follow the linked diagram. Read 貝（かい）, 貝殻（かいがら） and 貝類（かいるい） as whole words. 貝 can refer to the animal or its shell; 殻 specifies the shell and 類 groups kinds together.
| Japanese word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 貝 | かい | shellfish; shell |
| 貝殻 | かいがら | shell |
| 貝類 | かいるい | shellfish |
Examples
- 浜辺で貝を見つけました。I found a shell on the beach.
- この貝はきれいです。This shell is beautiful.
- 貝殻を水で洗いました。I washed the shell with water.
- この市場では貝類を売っています。Shellfish are sold at this market.
- 夕食に貝のスープを食べました。I ate shellfish soup for dinner.
- 妹は貝殻を集めています。My younger sister collects shells.
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
Do not confuse 貝 with 買, which contains 貝 but means buy. 貝殻 is the shell, while 貝類 refers to shellfish as a group.
Try it yourself
Write the reading of 貝 in hiragana.
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かい
貝 is read かい; on a beach it can refer to a shell.
Write the reading of 貝殻 in hiragana.
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かいがら
貝殻 is かいがら: 殻 specifies the shell. Learn the whole word.
Choose the missing kanji: ＿類（かいるい）［貝／買］.
Show answer or example answer
貝
貝 completes 貝類（かいるい）, meaning shellfish as a group. 買 means buy.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Japanese sentences where available. We keep your score.
Write the reading of 貝 in hiragana.
Write the reading of 貝殻 in hiragana.
Choose the missing kanji: ＿類（かいるい）［貝／買］.
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 貝 following the diagram. Cover the table, read 貝殻 and 貝類, then make a sentence using one.