How to Write キ (Katakana 'ki') — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 3-stroke writing sequence of the Katakana (カタカナ) (Foundational Japanese Kana Syllabary) character キ (“Katakana 'ki'”), indexed under the キ (—) radical. Practice キ alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as キロ (kiro — kilo).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (キ)
Primary Radical (部首): キ — —
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Foundational Japanese Kana Syllabary (Katakana (カタカナ)). As a phonetic Katakana (カタカナ) syllable pronounced "ki", キ represents a fixed mora sound rather than splitting into Onyomi and Kunyomi readings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (3画): With only 3 strokes, キ is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the キ (—) structure cleanly around the center intersection and finish terminal strokes with crisp tome (stop) or harai (sweep) release.
📜 Etymology & Mnemonic Insight (六書 / Rikusho)
In Katakana (カタカナ) (Foundational Japanese Kana Syllabary), キ conveys the core meaning “Katakana 'ki'” and is built around the キ (—) radical across 3 strokes (foundational low-stroke shape (1–5 strokes)). Reinforce キ in memory by pairing its radical structure with real Jukugo vocabulary: キロ (kiro — kilo).
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using キ
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji キ (FAQ)
How many strokes are in キ and how is it structured?
The Japanese character キ ("Katakana 'ki'") is written with 3 strokes (3画) as a Katakana (カタカナ) (Foundational Japanese Kana Syllabary) foundational low-stroke shape (1–5 strokes) indexed under the キ (—) radical. With only 3 strokes, キ is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the キ (—) structure cleanly around the center intersection and finish terminal strokes with crisp tome (stop) or harai (sweep) release.
What are the Onyomi, Kunyomi, and Jukugo words for キ?
For キ (Katakana (カタカナ)), the Onyomi is — and the Kunyomi is ki. As a phonetic Katakana (カタカナ) syllable pronounced "ki", キ represents a fixed mora sound rather than splitting into Onyomi and Kunyomi readings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using キ includes キロ (kiro — kilo).
What is the stroke order rule for writing キ on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 3 strokes of キ (Katakana 'ki'), start with the キ (—) and follow standard Japanese Hitsujun (筆順) principles: top to bottom (上から下) and left to right (左から右). Practice キ interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
More Katakana (カタカナ) Characters to Practice Next
View Full Katakana (カタカナ) Kanji List →Unlock All 2,000+ JLPT N5–N1 Kanji, AI Sensei & Unlimited Genkō Yōshi PDF Books
Get lifetime access to all 2,136 Jōyō Kanji (JLPT N5–N1), AI Kanji Sensei mnemonics, and unlimited Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheets for a one-time payment of $17.99 USD (10% OFF the $19.99 Lifetime Pro Pass with promo code KANJI10). Zero monthly subscriptions!