始
JLPT N5Kun-yomi (Japanese reading)
はじ-まる、はじ-める
On-yomi (Chinese reading)
シ
Meaning
Begin, start
Stroke Count
8 strokes
Examples
始まる
Related Vocabulary
📝 How to Remember
「始」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
「始」has both On-yomi (シ) and Kun-yomi (はじ-まる、はじ-める). 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)
「始」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 「始」?+
On-yomi: シ. Kun-yomi: はじ-まる、はじ-める.
What does 「始」mean in Japanese?+
「始」means "Begin, start". It is a JLPT N5 kanji — one of the most essential characters for beginners.
How many strokes does 「始」have?+
「始」is written with 8 strokes.
Is 「始」on the JLPT N5?+
Yes, 「始」is an official JLPT N5 kanji. Knowing all ~110 N5 kanji is essential for passing the exam.
Can you give an example sentence using 「始」?+
Yes: 始まる. Practicing kanji in context is one of the most effective ways to remember them.
Practice 「始」 with AI