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道Nihongo Path
選

選·choose

On-yomi
セン
Kun-yomi
えらぶ

By Nihongo PathUpdated

Stroke order

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

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

Common words

WordReadingMeaning
選ぶえらぶto choose
選手せんしゅathlete, player
選挙せんきょelection
予選よせんpreliminary round, qualifier

Example sentences

  1. 好きな色を選んでください。

    すきないろをえらんでください。

    Please choose the color you like.

  2. 兄はサッカーの選手です。

    あにはさっかーのせんしゅです。

    My older brother is a soccer player.

  3. 来月、市長の選挙があります。

    らいげつ、しちょうのせんきょがあります。

    There's an election for mayor next month.

Similar-looking kanji

Do not confuse these on the exam.

Common mistakes

  • Reading 選手 as *せんて — it is せんしゅ
  • 選ぶ is 'pick from options'; for 'decide' use 決める

Memory aid

Picture it

Two figures set side by side on the road (⻌) — you look them over and pick one out.

Vocabulary using this kanji

Quick check

1 / 2Multiple choiceDifficulty 2 of 5

What does the kanji 選 mean?