Nihongo

Kanji Detail of 先

Level:N5 Mid
Strokes:6
Stroke Order
Related Words
AI Explanation
Basic Meaning

The kanji primarily conveys the idea of "before," "ahead," "previous," or "future." It indicates something that comes earlier in time, position, or sequence. It can also imply priority or precedence.

Readings

・On-yomi (音読み): セン ・Kun-yomi (訓読み): さき

Usage Examples

⚫︎ 先生 (せんせい) Translation: Teacher; (literally, "one who came before," referring to someone with more experience or knowledge) ⚫︎ 先月 (せんげつ) Translation: Last month; (literally, "the month before") ⚫︎ 先週 (せんしゅう) Translation: Last week; (literally, "the week before")

Correspondence with Your Native Language

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Origin and Formation

The kanji is a pictograph. It depicts a person's foot, specifically showing the foot's toes pointing forward. This represents the concept of "leading" or "going ahead." Over time, the form evolved from the original picture of a foot to its present shape. The upper part of the character (originally representing the foot) points forward, signaling the concept of "before" or "ahead".

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