存

Exist, Preserve

ながら-える (nagara-eru), と-う (to-u)

JLPT N3

Interesting Fact

The word 存在 (sonzai), meaning 'existence,' is one of the most common compounds using this kanji. You'll also hear ご存じですか? ('Do you know?') in polite Japanese.

Memory Trick

Imagine protecting a precious treasure so it continues to EXIST for future generations. Preserving something keeps it alive.

Readings

Onyomi: ソン (son), ゾン (zon)

Kunyomi: ながら-える (nagara-eru), と-う (to-u)

Example Words

存在

そんざい (sonzai)

Existence

保存

ほぞん (hozon)

Preservation

生存

せいぞん (seizon)

Survival

ご存じ

ごぞんじ (gozonji)

Knowing (honorific)

Example Sentence

この建物は今も存在しています。

このたてものはいまもそんざいしています。

kono tatemono wa ima mo sonzai shiteimasu

This building still exists today.

Related Kanjis