Kanji · N5 · 6 strokes
先 / before
Kanji for before, ahead, or previous.
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Readings
| Type | Reading | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| On (音) | セン | Sino-Japanese readings — common in compounds. |
| Kun (訓) | さき | Native Japanese readings — common standalone or with okurigana. |
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Meaning
先 carries the meaning before, ahead, or previous.
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How to write 先
Trace 先 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.
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Common compounds with 先
先生せんせいteacher
先にさきにfirst, ahead
先週せんしゅうlast week
先月せんげつlast month
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先 in context
メアリーさんは先生です。
めありーさんはせんせいです
Mary is a teacher.
どうぞお先に。
どうぞおさきに
Please go ahead.
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Printable practice sheet
Print this worksheet to practice writing 先 by hand — the top row shows the stroke order to trace, then fill the blank squares.
先 — Kanji Practice
6 strokes · studyhiragana.com/kanji/先
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