小

小 — little, small

Learn the correct stroke order for 小 (little), a 3-stroke kanji.

JLPT N5Grade 13 strokes

Stroke Order

Stroke 0 / 3

On'yomi (音読み)ショウshou

Kun'yomi (訓読み)ちい.さいchiisai、こ-ko、お-o、さ-sa

Strokes3

Radical小

Frequency#114

Meaningslittle, small

Step-by-Step Diagram

Try Writing It

Practice writing each stroke in the correct order and direction. Start from the green dot.

Draw stroke 1 of 3 — start from the green dot

Common Words

最小さいしょうsmallest (in size, degree, etc.); least; minimumnoun

縮小しゅくしょうreduction; curtailment; cutnoun

小雨こさめlight rain; drizzlenoun

小屋こやhut; cabin; shednoun

小学しょうがくelementary school; primary school; grade schoolnoun

小結こむすびwrestler of the fourth highest ranknoun

Usage & Examples

Usage Notes

The kanji 小 (little) is taught in grade 1 of Japanese elementary school and appears at JLPT N5 level. It has 3 strokes with radical 小.

In newspaper frequency rankings, 小 is #114, making it one of the most commonly used kanji.

Example Words in Context

最小さいしょう — smallest (in size, degree, etc.); least; minimum

縮小しゅくしょう — reduction; curtailment; cut

小雨こさめ — light rain; drizzle

Practice Sheet

Trace then write on your own. Print this row as a PDF practice sheet.

Related Kanji

Same radical (小)

少few 尚esteem

Same reading

生life 上above

Frequently Asked Questions

How many strokes does 小 have?

The kanji 小 (little) has 3 strokes. Watch the animation above to see the correct order.

What is the correct stroke order for 小?

小 follows the standard Japanese stroke order as taught in schools. Use the step-by-step diagram or the "Try Writing" tool above to practice each stroke in sequence.

What does 小 mean?

小 means: little, small. On'yomi readings: ショウ. Kun'yomi readings: ちい.さい, こ-, お-, さ-.

What JLPT level is 小?

小 is a JLPT N5 kanji. This is a beginner-level kanji.