在: the kanji for exist; be located
在 is a JLPT N3 kanji that means exist; be located. Below are its readings, 4 common words and example sentences, all with audio.
Stroke order
在 is written in 6 strokes. The red stroke is the one to write next, and the dot shows where it starts.
Words by reading
在 has 2 readings in the official Jōyō Kanji Table. Below are 4 common words grouped by reading. Tap ▶ to hear each word (audio plays with a free account).
ザイ (zai)
On reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 存在そんざい · sonzai | existence |
| 現在げんざい · genzai | present; now |
| 不在ふざい · fuzai | absence |
ある (aru)
Kun reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 在るある · aru | to exist; to be located |
Example sentences for work and daily life
- 彼の存在は大きい。Kare no sonzai wa ōkii.His presence is significant.
- 現在の状況を教えてください。Genzai no jōkyō o oshiete kudasai.Please tell me the current situation.
- 担当者は今、不在です。Tantōsha wa ima, fuzai desu.The person in charge is absent right now.
- この会社は東京に在る。Kono kaisha wa Tōkyō ni aru.This company is located in Tokyo.
- 現在、五名が参加を予定している。Genzai, gomei ga sanka o yotei shite iru.Currently, five people are planning to participate.
Questions about 在
How many strokes does 在 have?
在 is written in 6 strokes. The stroke order is shown at the top of this page.
What are the readings of 在?
The on readings are zai (ザイ). The kun readings are aru (ある).
What JLPT level is 在?
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
Study and communication
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 在
- 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.