Quick answer
選 is the kanji for "Elect". A common reading is えら.ぶ (erabu). You can also practice writing it on this page.
Meaning
Elect
Also : Select · Choose · Prefer
Learn 選 with SRS
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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
15 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 選 represents 'ELECT'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of elect.
On-reading: せん — remember this sound by associating it with elect. Kun-reading: えら.ぶ.
Example Sentences
どの道を選ぶか考えています。
どのみちをえらぶかかんがえています。
I'm thinking about which path to choose.
選挙に行きましょう。
せんきょにいきましょう。
Let's go vote.
Vocabulary using 選
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 Jul 22, 2026
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