Quick answer
先 is the kanji for "Before". A common reading is さき (saki). You can also practice writing it on this page.
Meaning
Before
Also : Ahead · Future · Previous
Learn 先 with SRS
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
6 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
Feet (the bottom strokes) going ahead of a person — your feet lead you forward, arriving before the rest of you. They're always one step ahead.
せん (sen) — sensei (先生) is the one who "went before" — the master leads the way.
Example Sentences
先生に質問しました。
せんせいにしつもんしました。
I asked the teacher a question.
先週、映画を見ました。
せんしゅう、えいがをみました。
I watched a movie last week.
Vocabulary using 先
Grammar to study at this level
Last updated Jun 11, 2026
Learn 先 with Spaced Repetition
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