千 – Thousand (Sen Kanji)
Learn the meaning, Onyomi and Kunyomi readings, stroke order, common vocabulary, and example sentences for the Japanese Kanji 千.
Kanji 千 Readings – Onyomi & Kunyomi
千 has both an Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading and Kunyomi (native Japanese) readings, each used in different word contexts.
Used in compound words such as 千円 (senen – one thousand yen). The sound changes to ぜん (zen) in some compounds, such as 三千 (sanzen – three thousand) and 千葉 (Chiba, a place name).
A rare native reading used mainly in poetic language and names, such as 千代 (chiyo – a thousand generations, eternity) and 八千代 (Yachiyo – a place/personal name).
千 Stroke Order – How to Write 千
千 is written with 3 strokes. Follow the numbered order below to write it correctly.
💡 Tip: Write the short top-left diagonal stroke first, then cross it with the long diagonal, finishing with the horizontal stroke.
Common Words Using 千 (Vocabulary List)
Here are 10 essential words that use the kanji 千, worth memorizing first.
Example Sentences with 千
See 千 used in real, natural Japanese sentences with Kanji, Kana, Romaji and English meaning.
このバッグは千円です。
この ばっぐは せんえんです。
Kono baggu wa senen desu.
This bag is one thousand yen.
千人以上が参加しました。
せんにん いじょうが さんかしました。
Sennin ijou ga sanka shimashita.
More than a thousand people participated.
私は千葉に住んでいます。
わたしは ちばに すんでいます。
Watashi wa Chiba ni sunde imasu.
I live in Chiba.
このノートは三千円でした。
この のーとは さんぜんえんでした。
Kono nooto wa sanzen'en deshita.
This laptop was three thousand yen.
意見は千差万別です。
いけんは せんさばんべつです。
Iken wa sensabanbetsu desu.
Opinions vary greatly from person to person.
Frequently Asked Questions About 千
What does the Kanji 千 mean?
千 means thousand. It is a common JLPT N5 kanji used for counting large numbers, as in 千円 (senen, one thousand yen) and 三千 (sanzen, three thousand).
What is the Onyomi reading of 千?
The Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading of 千 is セン (sen), as in 千円 (senen, one thousand yen). The sound changes to ぜん (zen) in some compounds, such as 三千 (sanzen, three thousand).
Does 千 have a Kunyomi reading?
千 does have a rare Kunyomi reading, ち (chi), seen in words like 千代 (chiyo, a thousand generations). However, for everyday use — counting, money, quantities — the Onyomi セン (sen) is what you will almost always encounter, as in 千円 (senen, one thousand yen).
How many strokes does 千 have?
千 is written with 3 strokes.
Is 千 a JLPT N5 kanji?
Yes, 千 is part of the official JLPT N5 kanji list and is essential for counting numbers in Japanese.
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