Quick answer
首 is the kanji for "Neck". Its reading is くび (kubi). This page includes example sentences and a stroke-order diagram.
Meaning
Neck
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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
9 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 首 represents 'NECK'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of neck.
On-reading: しゅ — remember this sound by associating it with neck. Kun-reading: くび.
Example Sentences
首相が会見を開きました。
しゅしょうがかいけんをひらきました。
The prime minister held a press conference.
首都東京に住んでいます。
しゅとうとうきょうにすんでいます。
I live in Tokyo, the capital.
Vocabulary using 首
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 4, 2026
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