Quick answer
総 is the kanji for "All". The most common reading is す.べて (subete). Mnemonics and example sentences are listed below.
Meaning
All
Also : Whole · Total · General
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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 総 represents 'GENERAL'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of general.
On-reading: そう — remember this sound by associating it with general. Kun-reading: す.べて.
Example Sentences
総合的に判断した結果、この案を採用することにしました。
そうごうてきにはんだんしたけっか、このあんをさいようすることにしました。
As a result of comprehensive judgment, I decided to adopt this plan.
首相は総選挙に向けて、準備を進めています。
しゅしょうはそうせんきょにむけて、じゅんびをすすめています。
The prime minister is preparing for the general election.
Vocabulary using 総
Grammar to study at this level
- [Noun] + に伴い～に伴い (ni tomonai) - Along with / In accordance with
- [Noun] + をはじめ～をはじめ (wo hajime) - Starting with / Including
- [Noun] + に応じて～に応じて (ni oujite) - According to / In response to
- [Noun] + から + [Noun] + にかけて～にかけて (ni kakete) - From...to / In the area of
- [Noun] + に限り～に限り (ni kagiri) - Limited to / Only
Last updated Jul 25, 2026
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