Readings: セン (Onyomi), さき (Kunyomi)
Meaning: ahead, previous, earlier, future
The kanji 先 is frequently used in words like 先生 (teacher), 先週 (last week), and 先に (ahead). It expresses the idea of something coming before in time or space.
View JLPT N5 Kanji ListKanji Details
| Radical | 儿 (legs) |
|---|---|
| Strokes | 6 |
| JLPT Level | N5 |
| Grade | 1st Grade |
Readings
| Onyomi | セン |
|---|---|
| Kunyomi | さき |
How to Write – Stroke Order
先 is made of the components meaning “before” and “legs,” implying the idea of going ahead or leading. It has six strokes and is commonly seen in daily use.
Example Sentences
Japanese: 先生は親切です。
Kana: せんせいはしんせつです。
Romaji: Sensei wa shinsetsu desu.
English: The teacher is kind.
Japanese: 先週、京都に行きました。
Kana: せんしゅう、きょうとにいきました。
Romaji: Senshuu, Kyoto ni ikimashita.
English: I went to Kyoto last week.
Japanese: どうぞお先に。
Kana: どうぞおさきに。
Romaji: Douzo osaki ni.
English: Please go ahead.
Vocabulary Using 先
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 先生 | せんせい | teacher |
| 先週 | せんしゅう | last week |
| 先に | さきに | ahead, before |
| 先月 | せんげつ | last month |
| 行き先 | いきさき | destination |
🔗 N5 Grammar & Vocabulary
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