使
JLPT N5Kun-yomi (Japanese reading)
つか-う、つか-い
On-yomi (Chinese reading)
シ
Meaning
Ambassador, cause, envoy, messenger, order, send on a mission, use
Stroke Count
8 strokes
Examples
使い方
Related Vocabulary
📝 How to Remember
「使」has 8 strokes. Break it into smaller visual components — most complex kanji are combinations of simpler parts you already know.
⚠️ Teacher's Note — On-yomi vs Kun-yomi
「使」has both On-yomi (シ) and Kun-yomi (つか-う、つか-い). On-yomi is typically used in compound words (two kanji together), while Kun-yomi appears when the kanji stands alone or with hiragana.
🎯 JLPT N5 — How It's Tested
もんだい1 (Kanji Reading) & もんだい2 (Kanji Writing)
「使」typically appears in もんだい1, where you choose the correct reading, and もんだい2, where you choose the correct kanji for a hiragana word. Make sure you can recognize it both ways.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How do you read the kanji 「使」?+
On-yomi: シ. Kun-yomi: つか-う、つか-い.
What does 「使」mean in Japanese?+
「使」means "Ambassador, cause, envoy, messenger, order, send on a mission, use". It is a JLPT N5 kanji — one of the most essential characters for beginners.
How many strokes does 「使」have?+
「使」is written with 8 strokes.
Is 「使」on the JLPT N5?+
Yes, 「使」is an official JLPT N5 kanji. Knowing all ~110 N5 kanji is essential for passing the exam.
Can you give an example sentence using 「使」?+
Yes: 使い方. Practicing kanji in context is one of the most effective ways to remember them.
Practice 「使」 with AI