How to Write 了 (complete, finish) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 2-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N2 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 8 (小学8年生)) character 了 (“complete, finish”), indexed under the 亅 (はねぼう (hook)) radical. Practice 了 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 了 (リョウ / りょう (ryou) — complete).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (了)
Primary Radical (部首): 亅 — はねぼう (hook)
Radical Position: Standalone / Integrated (部首)
Semantic Theme: Radical 亅
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 8 (小学8年生) (JLPT N2). 了 is primarily read using its Sino-Japanese Onyomi (リョウ) inside formal Jukugo compound words rather than as a standalone Kunyomi stem.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (2画): With only 2 strokes, 了 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 亅 (はねぼう (hook)) 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: 亅 (はねぼう (hook))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 2 strokes under radical 亅.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 了
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 了 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 了 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 了 ("complete, finish") is written with 2 strokes (2画) as a JLPT N2 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 8 (小学8年生)) foundational low-stroke shape (1–5 strokes) indexed under the 亅 (はねぼう (hook)) radical. With only 2 strokes, 了 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 亅 (はねぼう (hook)) 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 了?
For 了 (JLPT N2), the Onyomi is リョウ and the Kunyomi is —. 了 is primarily read using its Sino-Japanese Onyomi (リョウ) inside formal Jukugo compound words rather than as a standalone Kunyomi stem. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 了 includes 了 (リョウ / りょう (ryou) — complete).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 了 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 2 strokes of 了 (complete, finish), start with the 亅 (はねぼう (hook)) 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 了 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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