Readings: セン (Onyomi), あざ.やか (Kunyomi)
Meaning: Fresh, vivid, clear, distinct
The kanji 鮮 is formed by combining 魚 (fish) and 羊 (sheep). The “fish” component directly relates to the meaning of “fresh fish” and by extension, “freshness” in general. The “sheep” component acts as a phonetic element (yáng in Chinese, related to a sound similar to sen) and also potentially reinforces the idea of something good or auspicious, as sheep were often associated with beauty and goodness in ancient China, extending to concepts like vividness or brightness.
View JLPT N1 Kanji ListHow to Write – Stroke Order
The kanji 鮮 (sen, azayaka) consists of 17 strokes. It is composed of the radical 魚 (fish) on the left, followed by 羊 (sheep) on the right. Follow the standard stroke order for both components, starting with 魚, then 羊.
Kanji Details
| Radical | 魚 |
|---|---|
| Strokes | 17 |
| JLPT Level | N1 |
| Grade | S |
Readings with English Transcription
Onyomi (Chinese readings)
- セン (Sen)
Kunyomi (Japanese readings)
- あざやか (azayaka)
Common Words Using 鮮
Onyomi Readings
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 新鮮 | しんせん | fresh; new |
| 鮮度 | せんど | freshness; quality |
| 鮮明 | せんめい | clear; distinct; vivid |
| 鮮烈 | せんれつ | striking; vivid; strong |
| 生鮮 | せいせん | fresh (produce) |
| 鮮魚 | せんぎょ | fresh fish |
| 海鮮 | かいせん | seafood |
| 鮮血 | せんけつ | fresh blood |
| 鮮紅 | せんこう | bright red |
| 鮮緑 | せんりょく | bright green |
Kunyomi Readings
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 鮮やか | あざやか | vivid; brilliant; clear; fresh |
| 鮮やかに | あざやかに | vividly; brilliantly; clearly |
| 鮮やかな色 | あざやかないろ | vivid color |
| 鮮やかな記憶 | あざやかなきおく | vivid memory |
| 鮮やかなコントラスト | あざやかなこんとらすと | vivid contrast |
| 鮮やかな描写 | あざやかなびょうしゃ | vivid depiction |
| 鮮やかな色彩 | あざやかなしきさい | vivid colors |
| 鮮やかに描く | あざやかにえがく | to draw vividly |
| 鮮やかに映る | あざやかにうつる | to reflect vividly |
| 鮮やかに蘇る | あざやかに甦る | to vividly revive/come back to life |
Example Sentences
Japanese: この魚はとても新鮮です。
Kana: このさかなはとてもしんせんです。
Romaji: Kono sakana wa totemo shinsen desu.
English: This fish is very fresh.
Japanese: 鮮やかな色が目を引きます。
Kana: あざやかないろがめをひきます。
Romaji: Azayaka na iro ga me o hikimasu.
English: The vivid colors catch the eye.
Japanese: 彼の記憶はまだ鮮明だ。
Kana: かれのきおくはまだせんめいだ。
Romaji: Kare no kioku wa mada senmei da.
English: His memory is still clear.
Japanese: 生鮮食品は早めに消費してください。
Kana: せいせんしょくひんははやめにしょうひしてください。
Romaji: Seisen shokuhin wa hayame ni shouhi shite kudasai.
English: Please consume fresh food promptly.
Japanese: 海鮮丼は日本の人気料理です。
Kana: かいせんどんはにほんのにんきりょうりです。
Romaji: Kaisendon wa Nihon no ninki ryouri desu.
English: Seafood bowl is a popular Japanese dish.
Japanese: 鮮度を保つために、冷蔵庫で保管してください。
Kana: せんどをたもつために、れいぞうこでほかんしてください。
Romaji: Sendo o tamotsu tame ni, reizouko de hokan shite kudasai.
English: Please store in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Japanese: 彼女の歌声は鮮烈な印象を与えた。
Kana: かのじょのうたごえはせんれつないんしょうをあたえた。
Romaji: Kanojo no utagoe wa senretsu na inshou o ataeta.
English: Her singing voice left a striking impression.
Japanese: 早朝の空気は鮮やかで気持ちがいい。
Kana: そうちょうのくうきはあざやかできもちがいい。
Romaji: Soucho no kuuki wa azayaka de kimochi ga ii.
English: The early morning air is fresh and feels good.
Japanese: 市場では新鮮な野菜が手に入ります。
Kana: いちばではしんせんなやさいがてにはいります。
Romaji: Ichiba de wa shinsen na yasai ga te ni hairimasu.
English: You can get fresh vegetables at the market.
Japanese: この絵は鮮やかな色彩が特徴です。
Kana: このえはあざやかなしきさいがとくちょうです。
Romaji: Kono e wa azayaka na shikisai ga tokuchou desu.
English: This painting is characterized by its vivid colors.
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