How to Write 上 (above, up) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 3-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N5 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 1 (小学1年生)) character 上 (“above, up”), indexed under the 一 (いち (one)) radical. Practice 上 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 上 (うえ (ue) — above / up), 上手 (じょうず (jouzu) — skillful / good at), 上がる (あがる (agaru) — to go up / rise).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (上)
Primary Radical (部首): 一 — いち (one)
Radical Position: Standalone / Integrated (部首)
Semantic Theme: Radical 一
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 1 (小学1年生) (JLPT N5). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ジョウ, ショウ) when 上 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (うえ, あ.がる, のぼ.る) when 上 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (3画): With only 3 strokes, 上 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 一 (いち (one)) structure (Standalone / Integrated position) cleanly around the center intersection and finish terminal strokes with crisp tome (stop) or harai (sweep) release.
📜 Etymology & Mnemonic Insight (六書 / Rikusho)
Baseline + upper mark
A baseline with a mark pointing upward above it, indicating 'above' or 'top'.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 上
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 上 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 上 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 上 ("above, up") is written with 3 strokes (3画) as a JLPT N5 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 1 (小学1年生)) foundational low-stroke shape (1–5 strokes) indexed under the 一 (いち (one)) radical. With only 3 strokes, 上 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 一 (いち (one)) structure (Standalone / Integrated position) 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 上?
For 上 (JLPT N5), the Onyomi is ジョウ, ショウ and the Kunyomi is うえ, あ.がる, のぼ.る. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ジョウ, ショウ) when 上 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (うえ, あ.がる, のぼ.る) when 上 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 上 includes 上 (うえ (ue) — above / up), 上手 (じょうず (jouzu) — skillful / good at), 上がる (あがる (agaru) — to go up / rise).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 上 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 3 strokes of 上 (above, up), start with the 一 (いち (one)) in the Standalone / Integrated (部首) position and follow standard Japanese Hitsujun (筆順) principles: top to bottom (上から下) and left to right (左から右). Practice 上 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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