How to Write 乏 (destitution, scarce, limited) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 4-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N1 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 8 (小学8年生)) character 乏 (“destitution, scarce, limited”), indexed under the 丿 (の (slash)) radical. Practice 乏 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 乏しい (とぼしい (toboshii) — destitution), 乏しい (ともしい (tomoshii) — destitution).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (乏)
Primary Radical (部首): 丿 — の (slash)
Radical Position: Standalone / Integrated (部首)
Semantic Theme: Radical 丿
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 8 (小学8年生) (JLPT N1). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ボウ) when 乏 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (とぼ.しい, とも.しい) when 乏 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (4画): With only 4 strokes, 乏 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 4 strokes under radical 丿.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 乏
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 乏 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 乏 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 乏 ("destitution, scarce, limited") is written with 4 strokes (4画) as a JLPT N1 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 8 (小学8年生)) foundational low-stroke shape (1–5 strokes) indexed under the 丿 (の (slash)) radical. With only 4 strokes, 乏 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 乏?
For 乏 (JLPT N1), the Onyomi is ボウ and the Kunyomi is とぼ.しい, とも.しい. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ボウ) when 乏 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (とぼ.しい, とも.しい) when 乏 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 乏 includes 乏しい (とぼしい (toboshii) — destitution), 乏しい (ともしい (tomoshii) — destitution).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 乏 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 4 strokes of 乏 (destitution, scarce, limited), 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 乏 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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