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N5- Onyomi
- セン
- Kunyomi
- さき
- Stroke count
- 6
- JLPT
- N5
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
A foot stepping out ahead of others. 先 means ahead, previous, or "teacher" (先生).
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 6
General writing tips
These general rules have exceptions. Follow the animation and numbered frames for this character.
- •上から下へ書きます。Write from top to bottom.
- •左から右へ書きます。Write from left to right.
- •横の画を先に、縦の画を後に書きます。Write horizontal strokes before the vertical strokes that cross them.
- •外側の囲みを先に書き、中を後で書きます。Draw an outer enclosure first, then fill in what is inside.
- •中央を先に、左右を後に書きます。In symmetric shapes, write the centre before the left and right sides.
- •この漢字は6画です。下の練習エリアで順番に書いてみましょう。This kanji has 6 strokes — trace them in order in the practice area below.
Step by step
Practice Writing
Free writing practice — compare your writing with the example. This canvas does not check your shape or stroke order. Draw with a mouse, finger, or pen; scroll outside the square to move down the page.
Trace the faded character, or hide the outline to practise from memory.
Writing Tips
- Follow the order strictly: top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Correct order makes the shape balanced and natural.
- Keep each stroke in one smooth motion — don't lift the pen in the middle of a stroke.
- Close enclosing strokes cleanly so the character does not look open or broken.
- Common mistake: drawing strokes bottom-to-top or right-to-left. Even if the result looks similar, the wrong order shows in handwriting and makes it harder to read.
Example words
先生
sensei
teacher
先週
senshuu
last week
先端
sentan
cutting edge
先輩
senpai
senior (at work
取引先
torihikisaki
business partner
得意先
tokuisaki
regular customer
Example sentences (2)
先生に日本語を習っています。
せんせい に にほんご を ならっています。
sensei ni nihongo o naratteimasu.
I am learning Japanese from my teacher.
先生の話はとても面白いです。
せんせい の はなし は とても おもしろい です。
sensei no hanashi wa totemo omoshiroi desu.
My teacher's talks are very interesting.