Quick answer
昨 is the kanji for "Yesterday". A common reading is さく (saku). You can also practice writing it on this page.
Meaning
Yesterday
Also : Previous
Learn 昨 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
9 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 昨 represents 'YESTERDAY'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of yesterday.
On-reading: さく — remember this sound by associating it with yesterday.
Example Sentences
昨夜は早く寝ました。
さくやははやくねました。
I went to bed early last night.
昨年比で成績が上がりました。
さくねんひでせいせきがあがりました。
Grades improved compared to last year.
Vocabulary using 昨
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように～ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする～ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる～ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり～ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ～はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jul 4, 2026
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