Quick answer
緒 is the kanji for "Beginning". Its reading is お (o). This page includes example sentences and a stroke-order diagram.
Meaning
Beginning
Also : Cord · End · Strap
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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 緒 represents 'THONG'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of thong.
On-reading: しょ — remember this sound by associating it with thong. Kun-reading: お.
Example Sentences
一緒に食べましょう。
いっしょにたべましょう。
Let's eat together.
彼女とはずっと一緒にいたいと思っています。
かのじょとはずっといっしょにいたいとおもっています。
I want to always be together with her.
Vocabulary using 緒
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 17, 2026
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