How to Write 久 (long time, old story) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 3-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N2 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 5 (小学5年生)) character 久 (“long time, old story”), indexed under the 丿 (の (slash)) radical. Practice 久 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 久しい (ひさしい (hisashii) — long time).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (久)
Primary Radical (部首): 丿 — の (slash)
Radical Position: Standalone / Integrated (部首)
Semantic Theme: Radical 丿
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 5 (小学5年生) (JLPT N2). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (キュウ, ク) when 久 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (ひさ.しい) when 久 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (3画): With only 3 strokes, 久 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 丿 (の (slash)) 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: 丿 (の (slash))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 3 strokes under radical 丿.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 久
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 久 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 久 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 久 ("long time, old story") is written with 3 strokes (3画) as a JLPT N2 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 5 (小学5年生)) foundational low-stroke shape (1–5 strokes) indexed under the 丿 (の (slash)) radical. With only 3 strokes, 久 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 丿 (の (slash)) 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 久?
For 久 (JLPT N2), the Onyomi is キュウ, ク and the Kunyomi is ひさ.しい. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (キュウ, ク) when 久 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (ひさ.しい) when 久 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 久 includes 久しい (ひさしい (hisashii) — long time).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 久 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 3 strokes of 久 (long time, old story), start with the 丿 (の (slash)) 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 久 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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