沿
そ.う
sou
JLPT N18 strokesKanjiLevel 97 - JLPT N1
Quick answer
沿 is the kanji for "Run alongside". The most common reading is そ.う (sou). Mnemonics and example sentences are listed below.
Meaning
Run alongside
Also : Follow along · Lie along
Learn 沿 with SRS
Free to start — no credit card. Track every review with spaced repetition.
Readings
kunそ.う/ soukunぞ.い/ zoionえん/ en
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
8 strokes
Radicals
氵几口
Example Sentences
春の朝に川沿いをゆっくりと散歩した。
はるのあさにかわぞいをゆっくりとさんぽした。
I took a leisurely walk along the river on a spring morning.
この地域の沿岸部は一年中風が強い。
このちいきのえんがんぶはいちねんじゅうかぜがつよい。
The coastal area of this region is windy all year round.
Vocabulary using 沿
Grammar to study at this level
- [Noun/Verb dictionary form] + に際して~に際して (ni saishite) - On the occasion of
- [Noun] + をもとに(して)~をもとに (wo moto ni) - Based on
- [Noun/Verb dictionary form] + にあたって~にあたって (ni atatte) - When doing; Upon
- [Verb/Adjective/Noun] + にしろ/にせよ~にしろ/にせよ (ni shiro/ni seyo) - Even if; Regardless of
- [Noun] + をめぐって~をめぐって (wo megutte) - Concerning; Over; Surrounding
Last updated Jul 22, 2026
Learn 沿 with Spaced Repetition
InitialJ uses scientifically proven SRS to help you memorize kanji and vocabulary for the JLPT. N5 is free forever; no credit card required.