有 means “possess, exist”

ゆう · yuu

Also: have, happen

Kun'yomi (Japanese reading)

ある

On'yomi (Chinese reading)

ユウ, ウ

JLPT N4 · Taught in grade 3 · 6 strokes

The story

A hand holding meat: the ancient image of having something worth holding. To be 有名 is to "have a name" the whole country knows.

Used in 有名 (yuumei, famous), 有る (aru, to exist/have), and 有料 (yuuryou, paid/fee-charging)

More from Everyday Japan

• 何 what
• 映 reflect
• 毎 every
• 写 copy
• 便 convenience
• 服 clothing
• 曜 day of week
• 飯 meal
• 洗 wash
• 同 same
• 円 circle
• 度 degrees

Learn 有 and more kanji free on Fuji Learning · All kanji

Readings from KANJIDIC2, © EDRDG, CC BY-SA.