祖

Ancestor or founder

Readings

Other forms

祖母 This kanji is almost always used as part of a compound word.

先祖 This kanji is almost always used as part of a compound word.

元祖 This kanji is almost always used as part of a compound word.

祖父 This kanji is almost always used as part of a compound word.

1 Noun (used in compounds)

Ancestor

Indicates a direct lineage to past generations or family members two generations removed.

Example

私の祖父は９０歳です。

My grandfather is 90 years old.

3 more examples in the mobile app

2 Noun (used in compounds)

Founder / Originator

Identifies the originator, pioneer, or starting point of a specific lineage, tradition, or sect.

Usage notes & examples available in the mobile app

Free forever · No card needed

Study this term on the app

Every word on Amenokori — including 祖 — comes with full meanings, example sentences, audio, and FSRS-powered review scheduling. 10K+ entries from N5 to N1.

Zero deck building Full context & nuance FSRS algorithm

App Store Google Play

100% free to start

amenokori · review

5 day streak

VOCAB 2 / 30

祖

そ

Ancestor or founder

Example

この言葉を覚えましょう。

Let's memorize this word.

Again

Hard

Good

Easy