How to Write 分 (part, minute of time, understand) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 4-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N5 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生)) character 分 (“part, minute of time, understand”), indexed under the 刀 (かたな (sword)) radical. Practice 分 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 分かる (わかる (wakaru) — to understand), 五分 (ごふん (gofun) — five minutes), 半分 (はんぶん (hanbun) — half).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (分)
Primary Radical (部首): 刀 — かたな (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 N5). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ブン, フン, ブ) when 分 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (わ.かる, わ.ける) when 分 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (4画): With only 4 strokes, 分 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 (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 (sword))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 4 strokes under radical 刀.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 分
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 分 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 分 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 分 ("part, minute of time, understand") is written with 4 strokes (4画) as a JLPT N5 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生)) foundational low-stroke shape (1–5 strokes) indexed under the 刀 (かたな (sword)) radical. With only 4 strokes, 分 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 (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 分?
For 分 (JLPT N5), the Onyomi is ブン, フン, ブ and the Kunyomi is わ.かる, わ.ける. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ブン, フン, ブ) when 分 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (わ.かる, わ.ける) when 分 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 分 includes 分かる (わかる (wakaru) — to understand), 五分 (ごふん (gofun) — five minutes), 半分 (はんぶん (hanbun) — half).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 分 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 4 strokes of 分 (part, minute of time, understand), start with the 刀 (かたな (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 分 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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