勢
勢·force, power, momentum
- On-yomi
- セイ
- Kun-yomi
- いきお(い)
By Nihongo PathUpdated
Stroke order
Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.
Common words
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 勢力 | せいりょく | influence, force |
| 姿勢 | しせい | posture, attitude |
| 大勢 | おおぜい | a large number of people |
| 勢い | いきおい | momentum, vigor |
Example sentences
公園に大勢の人が集まった。
こうえんにおおぜいのひとがあつまった。
A large crowd gathered in the park.
台風の勢いが強くなってきた。
たいふうのいきおいがつよくなってきた。
The typhoon has been gaining strength.
先生に姿勢がよくないと注意された。
せんせいにしせいがよくないとちゅういされた。
The teacher warned me that my posture was poor.
Similar-looking kanji
Do not confuse these on the exam.
Common mistakes
- Reading 大勢 as たいせい when it means a crowd — that sense is おおぜい
- Using 大勢 for things; it counts people only
Memory aid
Picture it
Strength (力) under a figure planting with both hands — effort building up into momentum.
Vocabulary using this kanji
- 劣勢れっせいinferior; being at a disadvantage
- 姿勢しせいposture, pose; attitude, stance
- 大勢おおぜいmany (people)
- 勢いいきおいforce, vigour, energy, momentum
- 情勢じょうせいsituation, state of affairs (political, economic, international)
- 優勢ゆうせいsuperior; dominant; having the upper hand
- 勢力せいりょくinfluence; power; force (as a political or natural force)
- 態勢たいせいposture; readiness; footing; preparations (for dealing with something)
- 形勢けいせいthe state of play; how a contest stands; prospects
Quick check
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What does the kanji 勢 mean?