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以
“by means of / because” in Japanese is 以, read i (い). It is a Grade 4 Kyōiku kanji, taught in year 4 of Japanese elementary school, and appears in words such as 以上 (above / that is all).
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What does 以 mean?
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三時以上待った。
さんじいじょうまった。I waited more than three hours.
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Full details, readings & example
| Kanji | 以 |
|---|---|
| Meaning | by means of / because |
| Readings | い |
| Grade | Grade 4 (Upper) |
| Curriculum | Kyōiku kanji · Japanese elementary school |
| Example | 以上 (above / that is all) |
How to read 以
以 is read i (い) depending on the word.
Words with 以
- 以上いじょう
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Updated: 2026-08-28