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[Fun Brain Training!] Introducing a quiz on the world’s least-stroke-count kanji

Kanji are highly effective for brain training because they help prevent dementia and improve both mental and physical well-being.

For many older adults, kanji may seem difficult, so they might not be inclined to try kanji quizzes.

This time, we’ll introduce a simple quiz using the kanji with the fewest strokes in the world, so seniors can enjoy it casually.

It’s said that continuing with daily kanji quizzes can have positive effects on the mental and physical health of older adults.

Also, to keep it enjoyable, the key is to design quizzes that match the skill level of the seniors.

[Have Fun Training Your Brain!] Introducing the World’s Least-Stroke Kanji Quiz (1–10)

How do you pronounce 予て?

  1. dare to
  2. in preparation for; to prepare for; in case of
  3. for some time; for a long time; previously; in advance
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for some time; for a long time; previously; in advance

It’s the kanji used when predicting the future, like in prophecies or precognitive dreams. “Kanete” (予て) means “for a long time already” or “in advance.” It’s used in sentences like, “I had already decided to go on a trip for some time.”

Nanaka
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How do you read the character 乃?

  1. want to
  2. Don't underestimate (me/it).
  3. namely
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namely

The character “乃,” which is often used in girls’ names, is said to originate from the image of a bowstring that has come off and is hanging loosely. There is also a theory that it represents the shape of a baby in its mother’s womb.

Nanaka
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How do you read “杏”?

  1. apricot
  2. sweet red bean paste
  3. sweet
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apricot

“Anzu,” which is also often used as a girl’s name, is a deciduous tall tree in the rose family. Its blossoms are a beautiful pale pink, and in early summer they become cute orange fruits. It has also reportedly been used medicinally since ancient times.

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[Fun Brain Training!] Introducing the Quiz on the World’s Least-Stroke Kanji (11–20)

「几」はどう読みますか？

  1. desk
  2. ruler (measuring ruler)
  3. ki
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ki

This kanji is read as “ki.” Its kun’yomi (Japanese reading) is tsukue. The meaning is an armrest or a stand for placing objects. The kanji “几” is said to have a difficult reading at level 1 of the kanji proficiency scale. If older adults can answer it too, it could really boost their confidence!

Nanaka
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How do you read 乂める?

  1. osameru
  2. to work; to serve; to be employed (at); to act (as)
  3. to kill oneself; to commit suicide
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osameru

The reading is “osa.” It can also be read as “gai” in the on’yomi. The kanji 乂 has the meaning “to govern,” and the compound 乂安 is said to mean “to bring peace to the world” or “to rule the world.” It’s surprising that a character with only two strokes can have such complex readings—doesn’t this open the door to new discoveries?

Nanaka
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How do you pronounce “杢”?

  1. Mokkō
  2. moku
  3. bond
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moku

“Moku” is a kanji you don’t hear very often, isn’t it? It’s said to mean the wood grain of lumber with complex patterns. The kanji is also used in fashion to refer to “moku gray,” a color with a nuanced look created by a mix of dark and light tones.

Nanaka
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How do you read the swastika (卍)?

  1. man
  2. manji
  3. manji manji
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manji

It seems that the swastika (manji) is often used as a symbol or emblem for temples. It might be a kanji you’re not very familiar with, but for a time it was frequently used as a buzzword among high school girls. Apparently, it’s a word they use when they’re excited or in high spirits.

Nanaka
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How do you read the word for “strawberry” (苺)?