Quick answer
殺 is the kanji for "Kill". Its reading is ころ.す (korosu). This page includes example sentences and a stroke-order diagram.
Meaning
Kill
Also : Murder · Split · Reduce
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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
10 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 殺 represents 'KILL'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of kill.
On-reading: さつ — remember this sound by associating it with kill. Kun-reading: ころ.す.
Example Sentences
虫を殺さずに外に逃がしました。
むしをころさずにそとにのがしました。
I released the insect outside without killing it.
殺人事件のニュースが報道されました。
さつじんじけんのにゅーすがほうどうされました。
News of the murder case was reported.
Vocabulary using 殺
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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