How to Write 也 (to be (classical)) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 3-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N1 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 9 (小学9年生)) character 也 (“to be (classical)”), indexed under the 乙 (おつ (second)) radical. Practice 也 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 也 (なり (nari) — to be (classical)), 也 (か (ka) — to be (classical)).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (也)
Primary Radical (部首): 乙 — おつ (second)
Radical Position: Standalone / Integrated (部首)
Semantic Theme: Radical 乙
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 9 (小学9年生) (JLPT N1). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ヤ, エ) when 也 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (なり, か, また) when 也 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (3画): With only 3 strokes, 也 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 乙 (おつ (second)) 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: 乙 (おつ (second))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 3 strokes under radical 乙.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 也
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 也 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 也 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 也 ("to be (classical)") is written with 3 strokes (3画) as a JLPT N1 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 9 (小学9年生)) foundational low-stroke shape (1–5 strokes) indexed under the 乙 (おつ (second)) radical. With only 3 strokes, 也 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 乙 (おつ (second)) 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 也?
For 也 (JLPT N1), the Onyomi is ヤ, エ and the Kunyomi is なり, か, また. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ヤ, エ) when 也 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (なり, か, また) when 也 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 也 includes 也 (なり (nari) — to be (classical)), 也 (か (ka) — to be (classical)).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 也 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 3 strokes of 也 (to be (classical)), start with the 乙 (おつ (second)) 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 也 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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