先 – Before / Ahead / Previous (Sen Kanji)
Learn the meaning, Onyomi and Kunyomi readings, stroke order, common vocabulary, and example sentences for the Japanese Kanji 先.
Kanji 先 Readings – Onyomi & Kunyomi
先 has both an Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading and Kunyomi (native Japanese) readings, each used in different word contexts.
Used in compound words such as 先生 (sensei – teacher), 先週 (senshuu – last week), and 先月 (sengetsu – last month).
Used to mean "ahead," "tip," or "destination," as in 先に (saki ni – ahead of, first) and 行き先 (ikisaki – destination).
先 Stroke Order – How to Write 先
先 is written with 6 strokes. Follow the numbered order below to write it correctly.
💡 Tip: Write the top strokes forming 土-like shape first (horizontal, vertical, horizontal), then finish with the two diagonal strokes of 儿 at the bottom.
Common Words Using 先 (Vocabulary List)
Here are 10 essential words that use the kanji 先, worth memorizing first.
Example Sentences with 先
See 先 used in real, natural Japanese sentences with Kanji, Kana, Romaji and English meaning.
先生はとても親切です。
せんせいは とても しんせつです。
Sensei wa totemo shinsetsu desu.
The teacher is very kind.
先週京都へ行きました。
せんしゅう きょうとへ いきました。
Senshuu Kyouto e ikimashita.
I went to Kyoto last week.
どうぞお先に行ってください。
どうぞ おさきに いってください。
Douzo o-saki ni itte kudasai.
Please go ahead of me.
このバスの行き先はどこですか。
この バスの いきさきは どこですか。
Kono basu no ikisaki wa doko desu ka.
Where is this bus headed?
彼は大学の先輩です。
かれは だいがくの せんぱいです。
Kare wa daigaku no senpai desu.
He is my senior from university.
Frequently Asked Questions About 先
What does the Kanji 先 mean?
先 means "before," "ahead," or "previous." It is a common JLPT N5 kanji, seen in words like 先生 (sensei, teacher) and 先週 (senshuu, last week).
What is the Onyomi reading of 先?
The Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading of 先 is セン (sen), as in 先生 (sensei, teacher) and 先月 (sengetsu, last month).
What is the Kunyomi reading of 先?
The Kunyomi (native Japanese) reading of 先 is さき (saki), meaning "ahead" or "tip/point."
How many strokes does 先 have?
先 is written with 6 strokes.
Is 先 a JLPT N5 kanji?
Yes, 先 is part of the official JLPT N5 kanji list and is very common, appearing in essential words like 先生 (teacher) and 先週 (last week).
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