将 means “commander, general”

しょう · shou

Also: leader, admiral

Kun'yomi (Japanese reading): まさに, はた, まさ, ひきいる, もって
On'yomi (Chinese reading): ショウ, ソウ

JLPT N2 · Taught in grade 6 · 10 strokes

The story

Picture a hand (寸) issuing orders from a camp bed (丬): the general in his tent. 将軍 is the shogun, 将棋 is Japanese chess, and regulars call a sushi chef 大将, boss. 将 also means about to, so 将来, what is about to come, is the future.

Used in 将来 (shourai, future), 将軍 (shougun, shogun), and 将棋 (shougi, shogi/Japanese chess)

将 means “commander, general”

The story

More from Warriors & Rivals