Quick answer
際 is the kanji for "Side". The most common reading is きわ (kiwa). Mnemonics and example sentences are listed below.
Meaning
Side
Also : Edge · Time · When · Occasion · Verge
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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 際 represents 'OCCASION'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of occasion.
On-reading: さい — remember this sound by associating it with occasion. Kun-reading: きわ.
Example Sentences
実際に試してみましょう。
じっさいにためしてみましょう。
Let's actually try it.
国際的な問題を考えます。
こくさいてきなもんだいをかんがえます。
I think about international issues.
Vocabulary using 際
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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