Quick answer
頭 is the kanji for "Head". It is a JLPT N3 kanji. The main reading is あたま (atama). Stroke-order practice is available below.
Meaning
Head
Learn 頭 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
16 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 頭 represents 'HEAD'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of head.
On-reading: とう — remember this sound by associating it with head. Kun-reading: あたま.
Example Sentences
頭が痛くて薬を飲みました。
あたまがいたくてくすりをのみました。
My head hurt so I took medicine.
頭を使う仕事が好きです。
あたまをつかうしごとがすきです。
I like work that uses the mind.
Vocabulary using 頭
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 18, 2026
Learn 頭 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.