About this Draft
This page is part of the early access version of The Kanji Speedrun. The essentials—kanji meanings and mnemonics—are already in place and usable, but nearly every part of the page is still being polished. Some entries may contain mistakes, but please rest assured we are working hard to make revisions.
We’re sharing these drafts now so you can keep learning while we polish the full experience. If you notice something off, please don’t hesitate to let me know—it’s a huge help in improving the course!
仙
HERMIT ・ SAGE
Mnemonic
On the left is man (亻), and on the right is mountain (山). Imagine a man retreating into the mountains, living simply, meditating, and gaining wisdom. That’s the image of a HERMIT or SAGE.
In folklore and history, 仙 refers to wise figures who lived apart from society, believed to have mystical powers and long life. The kanji keeps this aura of wisdom linked to mountains and solitude.
Example Vocabulary
- 仙人（せんにん） – hermit, immortal sage
- 仙境（せんきょう） – fairyland; secluded, idyllic place
- 仙女（せんにょ） – mountain goddess, immortal maiden
- 仙薬（せんやく） – elixir of immortality
- 仙山（せんざん） – sacred or legendary mountain
Legends of the 仙
仙 evokes images from Chinese and Japanese tradition — solitary sages, mystical mountains, and tales of hidden elixirs.
Whether in 仙人 (hermit) or 仙境 (fairyland), the kanji reminds us of wisdom found away from the bustle of ordinary life.
Example Sentences
- 山に住む仙人の話を聞きました。– I heard a story about a mountain hermit.
- その景色はまるで仙境のようでした。– The scenery looked just like a fairyland.