How to Write 刀 (sword, saber, knife) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 2-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N1 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生)) character 刀 (“sword, saber, knife”), indexed under the 刀 (かたな / りっとう (sword)) radical. Practice 刀 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 刀 (かたな (katana) — sword), 刀 (そり (sori) — sword).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (刀)
Primary Radical (部首): 刀 — かたな / りっとう (sword)
Radical Position: Right (Tsukuri / 旁) (旁 (Tsukuri))
Semantic Theme: Knives, swords, cutting, dividing, and sharpness
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生) (JLPT N1). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (トウ) when 刀 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (かたな, そり) when 刀 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (2画): With only 2 strokes, 刀 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 刀 (かたな / りっとう (sword)) structure (Right (Tsukuri / 旁) 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: 刀 (かたな / りっとう (sword))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 2 strokes under radical 刀.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 刀
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 刀 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 刀 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 刀 ("sword, saber, knife") is written with 2 strokes (2画) as a JLPT N1 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生)) foundational low-stroke shape (1–5 strokes) indexed under the 刀 (かたな / りっとう (sword)) radical. With only 2 strokes, 刀 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 刀 (かたな / りっとう (sword)) structure (Right (Tsukuri / 旁) 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 刀?
For 刀 (JLPT N1), the Onyomi is トウ and the Kunyomi is かたな, そり. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (トウ) when 刀 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (かたな, そり) when 刀 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 刀 includes 刀 (かたな (katana) — sword), 刀 (そり (sori) — sword).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 刀 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 2 strokes of 刀 (sword, saber, knife), start with the 刀 (かたな / りっとう (sword)) in the Right (Tsukuri / 旁) (旁 (Tsukuri)) 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 刀 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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