応 means “respond, apply”

おう · ou

Also: answer, yes, OK

Kun'yomi (Japanese reading)

あたる, まさに, こたえる

On'yomi (Chinese reading)

オウ, ヨウ, -ノウ

JLPT N1 · Taught in grade 5 · 7 strokes

The story

A heart (心) under a roof (广): picture someone inside who hears a knock and answers from the heart. 応 is responding: 対応 is how a shop handles your problem, 反応 a reaction, and 応援 the cheering of a packed Koshien stand.

Used in 対応 (taiou, response/handling), 応援 (ouen, cheering/support), and 反応 (hannou, reaction)

More from Ask & Persuade

• 請 request
• 迫 close in
• 誘 invite
• 促 urge
• 勧 advise
• 薦 recommend
• 励 encourage
• 奨 encourage
• 諾 consent
• 嘱 entrust
• 乞 beg

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

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