How to Write 両 (both, old Japanese coin, counter for carriages (e.g., in a train), two) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 6-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N3 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 3 (小学3年生)) character 両 (“both, old Japanese coin, counter for carriages (e.g., in a train), two”), indexed under the 一 (いち (one)) radical. Practice 両 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 両 (てる (teru) — both), 両 (ふたつ (futatsu) — both).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (両)
Primary Radical (部首): 一 — いち (one)
Radical Position: Standalone / Integrated (部首)
Semantic Theme: Radical 一
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 3 (小学3年生) (JLPT N3). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (リョウ) when 両 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (てる, ふたつ) when 両 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (6画): Written with 6 strokes, 両 is an intermediate multi-component character built around the 一 (いち (one)) radical (Standalone / Integrated position). Establish the 一 component first in its quadrant so the remaining 4 strokes maintain balanced left-right or top-bottom proportions.
📜 Etymology & Mnemonic Insight (六書 / Rikusho)
Radical: 一 (いち (one))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 6 strokes under radical 一.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 両
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 両 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 両 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 両 ("both, old Japanese coin, counter for carriages (e.g., in a train), two") is written with 6 strokes (6画) as a JLPT N3 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 3 (小学3年生)) intermediate multi-component Kanji (6–11 strokes) indexed under the 一 (いち (one)) radical. Written with 6 strokes, 両 is an intermediate multi-component character built around the 一 (いち (one)) radical (Standalone / Integrated position). Establish the 一 component first in its quadrant so the remaining 4 strokes maintain balanced left-right or top-bottom proportions.
What are the Onyomi, Kunyomi, and Jukugo words for 両?
For 両 (JLPT N3), the Onyomi is リョウ and the Kunyomi is てる, ふたつ. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (リョウ) when 両 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (てる, ふたつ) when 両 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 両 includes 両 (てる (teru) — both), 両 (ふたつ (futatsu) — both).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 両 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 6 strokes of 両 (both, old Japanese coin, counter for carriages (e.g., in a train), two), 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 両 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
More JLPT N3 Characters to Practice Next
View Full JLPT N3 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!