How to Write シ (Katakana 'shi') — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 3-stroke writing sequence of the Katakana (カタカナ) (Foundational Japanese Kana Syllabary) character シ (“Katakana 'shi'”), indexed under the シ (—) radical. Practice シ alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as シャツ (shatsu — shirt).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (シ)
Primary Radical (部首): シ — —
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Foundational Japanese Kana Syllabary (Katakana (カタカナ)). As a phonetic Katakana (カタカナ) syllable pronounced "shi", シ represents a fixed mora sound rather than splitting into Onyomi and Kunyomi readings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (3画): With only 3 strokes, シ is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the シ (—) 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), シ conveys the core meaning “Katakana 'shi'” and is built around the シ (—) radical across 3 strokes (foundational low-stroke shape (1–5 strokes)). Reinforce シ in memory by pairing its radical structure with real Jukugo vocabulary: シャツ (shatsu — shirt).
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using シ
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji シ (FAQ)
How many strokes are in シ and how is it structured?
The Japanese character シ ("Katakana 'shi'") 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 シ (—) radical. With only 3 strokes, シ is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the シ (—) 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 シ?
For シ (Katakana (カタカナ)), the Onyomi is — and the Kunyomi is shi. As a phonetic Katakana (カタカナ) syllable pronounced "shi", シ represents a fixed mora sound rather than splitting into Onyomi and Kunyomi readings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using シ includes シャツ (shatsu — shirt).
What is the stroke order rule for writing シ on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 3 strokes of シ (Katakana 'shi'), start with the シ (—) and follow standard Japanese Hitsujun (筆順) principles: top to bottom (上から下) and left to right (左から右). Practice シ 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
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