首: the kanji for neck; head
首 is a JLPT N3 kanji that means neck; head. Below are its readings, 2 common words and example sentences, all with audio.
Stroke order
首 is written in 9 strokes. The red stroke is the one to write next, and the dot shows where it starts.
Words by reading
首 has 2 readings in the official Jōyō Kanji Table. Below are 2 common words grouped by reading. Tap ▶ to hear each word (audio plays with a free account).
シュ (shu)
On reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 首相しゅしょう · shushō | prime minister |
くび (kubi)
Kun reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 首くび · kubi | neck |
Example sentences for work and daily life
- 首相が新しい政策を発表した。Shushō ga atarashii seisaku o happyō shita.The prime minister announced a new policy.
- 長時間座っていて首が痛い。Chōjikan suwatte ite kubi ga itai.My neck hurts from sitting for a long time.
- 首相は記者会見を行った。Shushō wa kishakaiken o okonatta.The prime minister held a press conference.
- 首を回して体をほぐした。Kubi o mawashite karada o hogushita.I turned my neck to loosen up my body.
- 新しい首相が選ばれた。Atarashii shushō ga erabareta.A new prime minister was chosen.
Questions about 首
How many strokes does 首 have?
首 is written in 9 strokes. The stroke order is shown at the top of this page.
What are the readings of 首?
The on readings are shu (シュ). The kun readings are kubi (くび).
What JLPT level is 首?
N3. The JLPT does not publish official kanji lists, so this level is a guide based on the official Test Content Specifications used through 2009.
About the JLPT level
The JLPT does not publish official lists of kanji for each level. The level on this page is a guide based on the official Test Content Specifications used for the test through 2009. The JLPT states that the current N3 falls between the former Levels 2 and 3.
More JLPT N3 kanji
Body and health
Executive Japanese by CCN is one-on-one online Japanese for managers and directors doing business in Japan.
Sources
- Jōyō Kanji Table (常用漢字表), Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, 2010: readings and special readings of 首
- JLPT Frequently Asked Questions, The Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services: how current levels match the former levels
- Stroke order diagrams are based on KanjiVG by Ulrich Apel, used under CC BY-SA 3.0. The diagrams on this page are shared under the same license.