斬
斬·slash, cut down
- On-yomi
- ザン
- Kun-yomi
- き(る)
By Nihongo PathUpdated
Stroke order
Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.
Common words
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 斬新 | ざんしん | novel, strikingly original |
| 斬る | きる | to slay with a blade |
| 斬殺 | ざんさつ | killing with a sword |
| 斬首 | ざんしゅ | decapitation |
Example sentences
そのデザインは斬新で目を引く。
そのデザインはざんしんでめをひく。
The design is strikingly original and catches the eye.
時代劇で侍が悪人を斬った。
じだいげきでさむらいがあくにんをきった。
In the period drama, the samurai cut down the villain.
Similar-looking kanji
Do not confuse these on the exam.
Common mistakes
- Using 斬る for ordinary cutting — bread, paper and hair all take 切る; 斬る means to cut down with a blade
- 斬新 is ざんしん and is a compliment, unrelated to violence
Memory aid
Picture it
車 (cart) beside 斤 (axe): the axe coming down and splitting it apart — a slashing cut.
Vocabulary using this kanji
Quick check
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What does the kanji 斬 mean?