Quick answer
小 is the kanji for "Small". The most common reading is ちい.さい (chiisai). Mnemonics and example sentences are listed below.
Meaning
Small
Also : Little
Learn 小 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
3 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
A person (人) squeezed from both sides — two opposing forces compress the figure, making it tiny. Compare to 大 where arms spread wide.
しょう (shou) sounds like "show" — show me how small it is!
Example Sentences
小さい猫を飼っています。
ちいさいねこをかっています。
I have a small cat.
小学校の先生です。
しょうがっこうのせんせいです。
I'm an elementary school teacher.
Vocabulary using 小
Grammar to study at this level
Last updated Jun 11, 2026
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