What does the kanji 生 mean?

The kanji 生 means "life, genuine, birth". It is a JLPT N5 character.

How do you write the kanji 生?

Write 生 ("life") 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 生?

生 has these readings: onyomi (Chinese-derived) せい、しょう, kunyomi (native Japanese) い（きる）、う（む）、お（う）、は（える）、なま.

MichiKanji

生“life” Kanji

JLPT N5

Stroke Order Animation

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Meaning & Readings

Meaning

life, genuine, birth

Onyomi (音読み)

せい、しょう

Chinese reading

Kunyomi (訓読み)

い（きる）、う（む）、お（う）、は（える）、なま

Japanese reading

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Related Kanji

本

book, present, true, counter for long cylindrical things

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学

study, learning, science

school, exam

name, noted, distinguished, reputation

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語

word, speech, language

JLPT N5

先

before, ahead, previous, future, precedence

learn

teach, faith, doctrine

JLPT N4

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生 — "life" Kanji: Stroke Order & Readings (JLPT N5)