Quick answer
種 is the kanji for "Kind". Its reading is たね (tane). This page includes example sentences and a stroke-order diagram.
Meaning
Kind
Also : Class · Species · Variety · Seed
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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
14 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 種 represents 'SPECIES'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of species.
On-reading: しゅ — remember this sound by associating it with species. Kun-reading: たね.
Example Sentences
このお店にはいろいろな種類のパンが売っています。
このおみせにはいろいろなしゅるいのぱんがうっています。
This shop sells various kinds of bread.
この植物の種を集めています。
このしょくぶつのたねをあつめています。
I'm collecting seeds of this plant.
Vocabulary using 種
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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