Beginning in Japanese
"beginning" in Japanese, with the kanji that carry the meaning.
6 Japanese kanji carry the meaning "beginning". The most common choice is shown first.
Top pick
beginning, former time, origin
Reading: gen
4 strokes
Where it comes from
Shape emphasizing person's head. Beginning, origin.
What it carries
Origin, vitality, New Year's Day. Represents beginning and foundation.
Related kanji for "beginning"
beginning
chou
Composed of brush, door, and strike. Beginning with door.
beginning
sho
Composed of clothing and sword. Beginning of cutting cloth.
beginning
sho
Composed of thread and person. Beginning of thread.
beginning
jo
Composed of roof and beforehand. Arranging beforehand at house.
beginning
mou · spiritual
Composed of child and dish. Child on dish.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Japanese kanji for beginning?
The most common kanji for "beginning" is 元, read as gen. It means beginning, former time, origin. Related kanji: 肇 (beginning), 初 (beginning), 緒 (beginning), 序 (beginning), 孟 (beginning).
How many strokes does 元 have?
元 has 4 strokes.