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JapanLingo

choose

N3
Onyomi
Kunyomi
Stroke count
15
JLPT
N3

Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.

Memory tip

A flat illustration of two identical items set out side by side with one of them lifted away along a curving trail, with the kanji 選 ("choose") drawn into the picture.

Break 選 down and you get 巽 (gentle / compliant) — two matching shapes set side by side, bending the same way in the wind, and beside it ⻌ (road / movement) — a road running along the bottom of the character. Picture two identical items set out side by side with one of them lifted away along a curving trail, put 選 inside it, and let that scene stand for "choose" — choose. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.

Stroke Order

Stroke count: 15

General writing tips

These general rules have exceptions. Follow the animation and numbered frames for this character.

  • •Write from top to bottom.
  • •Write from left to right.
  • •Write horizontal strokes before the vertical strokes that cross them.
  • •Draw an outer enclosure first, then fill in what is inside.
  • •In symmetric shapes, write the centre before the left and right sides.
  • •This kanji has 15 strokes — trace them in order in the practice area below.

Step by step

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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

sentaku

selection

erabu

to choose

tousen

winning an election

rakusen

losing an election

senbetsu

sorting

erande

choose — te-form

Example sentences (5)

mittsu no naka kara hitotsu sentaku shite kudasai.

Please choose one of the three.

sentaku o machigaeru to, saisho kara yarinaosu koto ni narimasu.

If you choose wrong, you will have to start over from the beginning.

menyuu kara sukina ryouri o erabimasu.

I choose the dish I like from the menu.

dochira o erande mo ii desu ga, yoku kangaeta hou ga ii desu.

You may choose either one, but it is better to think it over.

futatsu no puran o hikaku shite erabimashita.

I compared the two plans and chose one.