薦 — “Recommend / Mat / Advise / Encourage” in Japanese

Master (高手)せん, すす

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“Recommend / Mat / Advise / Encourage” in Japanese is 薦, read sen, susu (せん, すす). It is a Jōyō kanji taught in Japanese secondary school (junior & senior high) — the 高手 · Master tier beyond the grade 1–6 Kyōiku set, and appears in words such as 推薦 (recommendation).

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What does 薦 mean?

Full details, readings & example

Kanji	薦
Meaning	Recommend / Mat / Advise / Encourage
Readings	せん, すす
Grade	Master (高手 · secondary school)
Curriculum	Jōyō kanji · Japanese secondary school (JLPT N1–N2)
Example	推薦 (recommendation)

How to read 薦

薦 is read sen (せん) or susu (すす) depending on the word.

Words with 薦

推薦

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Kanji read the same way as 薦

Same sound, different character — the classic trap. Compare them side by side:

Updated: 2026-08-28