N3

meaning and readings

This page brings together the meaning, readings, radical or component hints, formula, and short story for one kanji so you can move straight into review.

Kanji

N3
Meaning
beginning, beginning
Onyomi
ショ
Kunyomi
はじ(め)、はじ(めて)、はつ、うい、そ(める)
Formula
初 = 衤 + 刀。

Story

初 is analyzed as a combination of 衤 (clothes, fabric), 刀 (knife) and denotes beginning, beginning.

Continue with study

This kanji belongs to JLPT N3.

Recommended cumulative chapter: 1–50 cumulative review

More kanji in this level

Looking at other N3 kanji together makes it easier to group meanings and readings.