先

Before, Ahead, Previous

さき (saki)

JLPT N5

Interesting Fact

The word 先生 (sensei) is often translated as "teacher," but its original meaning is closer to "someone who was born before." The idea isn't that a teacher knows everything—it's that they've walked the path before you. That's why doctors, lawyers, artists, and teachers can all be called sensei in Japan.

Memory Trick

Give a look at this Kanji: 先, The lower part looks like running legs, while the upper part resembles a gear lever. Imagine someone shifting gears and sprinting ahead in a race.