Japanese Symbols

Japanese Kanji

首

shu

neck · counter for songs and poems

Grade 2 · JLPT N3 · 9 strokes

Readings

  • ONシュshu
  • KUNくびkubi

Meaning

Neck, counter for songs and poems.

Stroke order

Stroke order for 首

首 is taught in grade 2 of Japanese elementary school — one of the earliest kanji children learn. In the JLPT proficiency test it appears at N3 (intermediate) level. With 9 strokes, this character appears in numerous compound words throughout written Japanese.

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