Kanji · N5 · 3 strokes

/ small

Kanji for small or little.

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Readings

TypeReadingNotes
On (音)ショウSino-Japanese readings — common in compounds.
Kun (訓)ちい.さい、こ、おNative Japanese readings — common standalone or with okurigana.
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Meaning

小 carries the meaning small or little.

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How to write 小

Trace 小 on the canvas at the top of the page. The animation below plays the stroke order — watch how each numbered stroke is drawn, then trace along yourself.

How to write 小
Animated stroke order — 3 strokes
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Common compounds with 小

ちいさいsmall
しょうがっこうelementary school
こぎってcheck
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小 in context

このせーたーはちいさいです

This sweater is small.

しんじゅくしょうがっこうはどこですか

Where is Shinjuku Elementary School?

こぎってではらいました

I paid by check.

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Printable practice sheet

Print this worksheet to practice writing 小 by hand — the top row shows the stroke order to trace, then fill the blank squares.

Printable kanji practice sheet for 小 (small) — trace the stroke order, then fill the grid
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