小 — Small
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Learners often mix up 小 (Small) with these lookalike characters. Tap a tile to see how their visual mnemonics differ:
Common Japanese Words with 小 (Small)
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The adjective form of small (小) means little.
The adjective form of small (小) means little.
The kanji for small (小) simply means small.
A small (小) roof (屋) makes a hut or shed.
Frequently Asked Questions About 小 (Small)
What is the best kanji mnemonic for 小 (Small)?
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The Shibashi Japanese kanji mnemonic for 小 ("Small", read as しょう) is: The Chief (ちい) Shogun (しょう) was impressed with the intricate details on the small needle. Using visual kanji mnemonics that combine the character's radicals, meaning, and reading into a single illustrated scene makes 小 effortless to recall.
What does the kanji 小 mean and how is it read in Japanese?
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The Japanese kanji 小 means "Small". Its primary reading is しょう (On'yomi: しょう; Kun'yomi: ちい). Our Japanese kanji mnemonics tie the reading directly into the visual story so you remember both the meaning and pronunciation together.
What are common Japanese words and compounds with 小?
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Essential Japanese vocabulary words containing 小 include: 小さな (ちいさな - little), 小さい (ちいさい - little), 小 (しょう - small), 小屋 (こや - hut, cabin, shed, (animal) pen).
How do Japanese kanji mnemonics help you remember 小 (Small) faster?
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Traditional rote stroke repetition fades quickly. Shibashi's Japanese kanji mnemonics turn 小 (Small) and its shared visual radical family into memorable characters and objects, paired with smart Spaced Repetition (SRS) and native audio so the memory sticks permanently.