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道Nihongo Path
将

将·general, commander, about to, future

On-yomi
ショウ
Kun-yomi
none

By Nihongo PathUpdated

Stroke order

Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.

10 strokes, numbered in writing order. Data: KanjiVG (CC BY-SA 3.0).

Common words

WordReadingMeaning
将来しょうらいfuture
将軍しょうぐんshogun, general
将棋しょうぎshogi, Japanese chess
主将しゅしょうteam captain

Example sentences

  1. 将来は医者になりたいです。

    しょうらいはいしゃになりたいです。

    I want to become a doctor in the future.

  2. 祖父と将棋をするのが楽しみだ。

    そふとしょうぎをするのがたのしみだ。

    I look forward to playing shogi with my grandfather.

  3. 彼はチームの主将に選ばれた。

    かれはちーむのしゅしょうにえらばれた。

    He was chosen as the team captain.

Similar-looking kanji

Do not confuse these on the exam.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 将来 (the future generally) with 未来 (the distant or abstract future) — plans for yourself use 将来
  • Reading 将棋 as *しょうき; it is しょうぎ

Memory aid

Picture it

A hand (寸) holding meat beside an altar — the commander who hands out the rations leads the troops.

Vocabulary using this kanji

Quick check

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What does the kanji 将 mean?