How to Write 中 (middle, inside, center) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 4-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N5 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 1 (小学1年生)) character 中 (“middle, inside, center”), indexed under the 丨 (ぼう (vertical line)) radical. Practice 中 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 中 (なか (naka) — inside / middle), 中学校 (ちゅうがっこう (chuugakkou) — junior high school), 一日中 (いちにちじゅう (ichinichijuu) — all day long).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (中)
Primary Radical (部首): 丨 — ぼう (vertical line)
Radical Position: Standalone / Integrated (部首)
Semantic Theme: Radical 丨
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 1 (小学1年生) (JLPT N5). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (チュウ) when 中 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (なか) when 中 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (4画): With only 4 strokes, 中 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 丨 (ぼう (vertical line)) 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)
Radical: 丨 (ぼう (vertical line))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 4 strokes under radical 丨.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 中
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 中 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 中 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 中 ("middle, inside, center") is written with 4 strokes (4画) as a JLPT N5 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 1 (小学1年生)) foundational low-stroke shape (1–5 strokes) indexed under the 丨 (ぼう (vertical line)) radical. With only 4 strokes, 中 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 丨 (ぼう (vertical line)) 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 中?
For 中 (JLPT N5), the Onyomi is チュウ and the Kunyomi is なか. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (チュウ) when 中 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (なか) when 中 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 中 includes 中 (なか (naka) — inside / middle), 中学校 (ちゅうがっこう (chuugakkou) — junior high school), 一日中 (いちにちじゅう (ichinichijuu) — all day long).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 中 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 4 strokes of 中 (middle, inside, center), start with the 丨 (ぼう (vertical line)) 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 中 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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