How to Write マ (Katakana 'ma') — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 2-stroke writing sequence of the Katakana (カタカナ) (Foundational Japanese Kana Syllabary) character マ (“Katakana 'ma'”), indexed under the マ (—) radical. Practice マ alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as マスク (masuku — mask).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (マ)
Primary Radical (部首): マ — —
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Foundational Japanese Kana Syllabary (Katakana (カタカナ)). As a phonetic Katakana (カタカナ) syllable pronounced "ma", マ represents a fixed mora sound rather than splitting into Onyomi and Kunyomi readings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (2画): With only 2 strokes, マ is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the マ (—) 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), マ conveys the core meaning “Katakana 'ma'” and is built around the マ (—) radical across 2 strokes (foundational low-stroke shape (1–5 strokes)). Reinforce マ in memory by pairing its radical structure with real Jukugo vocabulary: マスク (masuku — mask).
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using マ
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji マ (FAQ)
How many strokes are in マ and how is it structured?
The Japanese character マ ("Katakana 'ma'") is written with 2 strokes (2画) as a Katakana (カタカナ) (Foundational Japanese Kana Syllabary) foundational low-stroke shape (1–5 strokes) indexed under the マ (—) radical. With only 2 strokes, マ is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the マ (—) 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 マ?
For マ (Katakana (カタカナ)), the Onyomi is — and the Kunyomi is ma. As a phonetic Katakana (カタカナ) syllable pronounced "ma", マ represents a fixed mora sound rather than splitting into Onyomi and Kunyomi readings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using マ includes マスク (masuku — mask).
What is the stroke order rule for writing マ on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 2 strokes of マ (Katakana 'ma'), start with the マ (—) and follow standard Japanese Hitsujun (筆順) principles: top to bottom (上から下) and left to right (左から右). Practice マ interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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