川 – River (Sen / Kawa Kanji)
Learn the meaning, Onyomi and Kunyomi readings, stroke order, common vocabulary, and example sentences for the Japanese Kanji 川.
Kanji 川 Readings – Onyomi & Kunyomi
川 has both an Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading and Kunyomi (native Japanese) readings, each used in different word contexts.
Used in compound words such as 河川 (kasen – rivers) and 桂川 (Katsuragawa).
Used to mean a river, as in綺麗な川が流れています (kirei na kawa ga nagarete imasu).
川 Stroke Order – How to Write 川
川 is written with 3 strokes. Follow the numbered order below to write it correctly.
💡 Tip: Write the short left vertical curving stroke first, followed by the central longer vertical dropping line, and finish with the right vertical line flowing downwards.
Common Words Using 川 (Vocabulary List)
Here are 6 essential words that use the kanji 川, worth memorizing first.
Example Sentences with 川
See 川 used in real, natural Japanese sentences with Kanji, Kana, Romaji and English meaning.
子供たちが川で遊んでいます。
こどもたちが かわで あそんでいま.す。
Kodomotachi ga kawa ga asonde imasu.
Children are playing in the river.
この川の水はとてもきれいです。
この かわの みは とても きれいです。
Kono kawa no mizu wa totemo kirei desu.
The water in this river is very clean.
川沿いを散歩するのが好きです。
かわぞいを さんぽするの が すきです。
Kawazoi o sanposuru no ga suki desu.
I like taking a walk along the river.
小川のせせらぎが聞こえます。
おがわの せせらぎが きこえます。
Ogawa no seseragi ga kikoemasu.
You can hear the murmur of the brook.
橋を渡って川の向こうに行きます。
はしを わたって かわの むこうに いきます。
Hashi o watatte kawa no mukō ni ikimasu.
I will cross the bridge to go to the other side of the river.
Frequently Asked Questions About 川
What does the Kanji 川 mean?
川 means "river." It is a fundamental JLPT N5 kanji used in words like 川 (kawa, river) and 小川 (ogawa, stream).
What is the Onyomi reading of 川?
The primary Onyomi reading of 川 is セン (sen), as seen in compound words like 河川 (kasen, rivers).
What is the Kunyomi reading of 川?
The main Kunyomi reading is かわ (kawa) when referring to a river.
How many strokes does 川 have?
川 is written with 3 strokes.
Is 川 a JLPT N5 kanji?
Yes, 川 is an essential JLPT N5 kanji taught in grade 1 of Japanese elementary school.
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