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What does the kanji 善 mean?

善 means goodness, virtue, kindness. On'yomi ゼン. Kun'yomi よ.い、い.い、よ.く、よし.とする.

Quick facts
On'yomiゼン
Kun'yomiよ.い、い.い、よ.く、よし.とする
Strokes12
Main radical口
Level (estimated, JLPT framework)N1
On'yomi ゼンKun'yomi よ.い、い.い、よ.く、よし.とする
N1 · estimated, JLPT framework12 strokes

goodness, virtue, kindness

Memory hook

The gentle sheep (羊) and the mouth (口) in accord — GOOD, VIRTUOUS.

Main radical

口mouth 3 strokes

Built from

Stroke order · 12 strokes

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
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  • 10
  • 11
  • 12

Common words

  • 改善かいぜんimprovement
  • 最善さいぜんthe best, one's utmost
  • 親善しんぜんfriendship, goodwill

More words with this kanji

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Data sources and licences

English meanings, On/Kun readings, stroke counts: KANJIDIC2 — Electronic Dictionary Research and Development Group (EDRDG), licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Components: KRADFILE (EDRDG). Stroke order: KanjiVG (Ulrich Apel), licensed CC BY-SA 3.0. Mnemonics written by GoMe.

Voice: VOICEVOX Nemo.

N5–N1 levels on this page are estimates based on the JLPT framework, drawn from community benchmarks. GoMe Nihongo is not affiliated with the Japan Foundation or JEES, which administer the JLPT.