Meaning & readings

commonplace, ordinary, mediocre

On’yomi ボン、ハン
Kun’yomi およ.そ、おうよ.そ、すべ.て
Nanori なみ、ひろ、みな

Origin

This character combines two simple strokes to express the idea of "commonplace" or "ordinary." The component 几 (a small table or support) represents something basic and ordinary, while the dot above it adds a subtle marking. Together, these minimal strokes suggest something plain and unremarkable—just the bare essentials, nothing special or elaborate. The simplicity of the character's own form mirrors its meaning: just as the kanji uses only three strokes, "ordinary" things are plain and straightforward without extra flourishes.

凡 3 strokes

Components

  • 几 radical
  • 丶 meaning part

Common words

  • 平凡 へいぼん ordinary; common
  • 凡そ およそ about; roughly
  • 凡庸 ぼんよう mediocre; ordinary
  • 凡人 ぼんじん ordinary person; average person

Reference

Strokes
3
Kangxi radical
16
Formation type
Compound ideographic (combined meanings)
Grade
Jōyō (secondary school)
Frequency rank
#1730 (newspapers)
Former JLPT
level 1
Unicode
U+051E1