Quick answer
番 is the kanji for "Turn". Its reading is つが.い (tsugai). This page includes example sentences and a stroke-order diagram.
Meaning
Turn
Also : Number · Guard
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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
12 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 番 represents 'TURN'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of turn.
On-reading: ばん — remember this sound by associating it with turn. Kun-reading: つが.い.
Example Sentences
順番を守ってください。
じゅんばんをまもってください。
Please take turns.
今番組が始まるから、テレビの前に座ってください。
いまばんぐみがはじまるから、てれびのまえにすわってください。
The programme is about to start, so please sit in front of the TV.
Vocabulary using 番
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 Jun 11, 2026
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