What does the kanji 先 mean?

The kanji 先 means "before, ahead, previous, future, precedence". It is a JLPT N5 character.

How do you write the kanji 先?

Write 先 ("before") by following the correct stroke order. Use the interactive, step-by-step stroke order animation on this page to practise each stroke in sequence and build muscle memory.

What are the readings of 先?

先 has these readings: onyomi (Chinese-derived) せん, kunyomi (native Japanese) さき、ま（ず）.

MichiKanji

先“before” Kanji

JLPT N5

Stroke Order Animation

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Meaning & Readings

Meaning

before, ahead, previous, future, precedence

Onyomi (音読み)

せん

Chinese reading

Kunyomi (訓読み)

さき、ま（ず）

Japanese reading

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Related Kanji

本

book, present, true, counter for long cylindrical things

life, genuine, birth

study, learning, science

school, exam

name, noted, distinguished, reputation

JLPT N5

語

word, speech, language

learn

teach, faith, doctrine

JLPT N4

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先 — "before" Kanji: Stroke Order & Readings (JLPT N5)