Quick answer
肩 is the kanji for "Shoulder". It is a JLPT N2 kanji. The main reading is かた (kata). Stroke-order practice is available below.
Meaning
Shoulder
Learn 肩 with SRS
Free to start — no credit card. Track every review with spaced repetition.
Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
8 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 肩 represents 'SHOULDER'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of shoulder.
On-reading: けん — remember this sound by associating it with shoulder. Kun-reading: かた.
Example Sentences
重い荷物を肩に背負って、山を登りました。
おもいにもつをかたにせおって、やまをのぼりました。
Carrying heavy baggage on my shoulders, I climbed the mountain.
同僚が困っているとき、肩を貸すことが大切です。
どうりょうがこまっているとき、かたをかすことがたいせつです。
When a colleague is in trouble, it's important to lend a shoulder (help).
Vocabulary using 肩
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 22, 2026
Learn 肩 with Spaced Repetition
InitialJ uses scientifically proven SRS to help you memorize kanji and vocabulary for the JLPT. N5 is free forever; no credit card required.