Quick answer
祖 is the kanji for "Ancestor". Its reading is そ (so). This page includes example sentences and a stroke-order diagram.
Meaning
Ancestor
Also : Pioneer · Founder
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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 祖 represents 'ANCESTOR'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of ancestor.
On-reading: そ — remember this sound by associating it with ancestor.
Example Sentences
先祖を大切にしています。
せんぞをたいせつにしています。
I cherish my ancestors.
祖父母に会いに行きました。
そふぼにあいにいきました。
I went to see my grandparents.
Vocabulary using 祖
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 18, 2026
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