JLPT N2 · Japanese kanji

姓

姓 — surname

Reading
セイ・ショウ
Meaning
surname
JLPT level
N2
Language
Japanese

About this kanji

姓 is a japanese kanji character commonly studied at the JLPT N2 level. Its primary reading is セイ・ショウ and it means surname. To master it, see it in real Japanese content — import an article or YouTube video into InputDojo and every occurrence becomes a one-tap lookup.

姓 appears in everyday japanese words such as 姓 (surname) and 姓名 (full name).

Japanese words containing 姓

Frequently asked questions

What does 姓 mean in Japanese?

姓 means surname in Japanese. It is one of the JLPT N2 kanji every learner meets at that level.

How is 姓 read?

姓 is read セイ・ショウ. Reading it inside real words — 姓 and 姓名 — is the fastest way to remember it.

What level is 姓 — is it JLPT N2?

Yes. 姓 is on the official JLPT N2 kanji list, so it can appear in that exam's reading and vocabulary sections.

How do you use 姓 in a word?

A common word containing 姓 is 姓 (せい) — "surname". More examples are listed below, each with a one-tap dictionary entry.

How do I learn 姓 effectively?

Read it in context. Import any Japanese article or video into InputDojo and every occurrence of 姓 becomes a one-tap lookup with SRS flashcards, so you meet it in real sentences instead of a list.

More JLPT N2 kanji

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