How to Write 列 (file, row, rank, tier, column) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 6-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N3 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 3 (小学3年生)) character 列 (“file, row, rank, tier, column”), indexed under the 刀 (かたな / りっとう (sword)) radical. Practice 列 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 列 (レツ / れつ (retsu) — file).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (列)
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 3 (小学3年生) (JLPT N3). 列 is primarily read using its Sino-Japanese Onyomi (レツ, レ) inside formal Jukugo compound words rather than as a standalone Kunyomi stem.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (6画): Written with 6 strokes, 列 is an intermediate multi-component character built around the 刀 (かたな / りっとう (sword)) radical (Right (Tsukuri / 旁) position). Establish the 刀 component first in its quadrant so the remaining 4 strokes maintain balanced left-right or top-bottom proportions.
📜 Etymology & Mnemonic Insight (六書 / Rikusho)
Radical: 刀 (かたな / りっとう (sword))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 6 strokes under radical 刀.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 列
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 列 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 列 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 列 ("file, row, rank, tier, column") is written with 6 strokes (6画) as a JLPT N3 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 3 (小学3年生)) intermediate multi-component Kanji (6–11 strokes) indexed under the 刀 (かたな / りっとう (sword)) radical. Written with 6 strokes, 列 is an intermediate multi-component character built around the 刀 (かたな / りっとう (sword)) radical (Right (Tsukuri / 旁) position). Establish the 刀 component first in its quadrant so the remaining 4 strokes maintain balanced left-right or top-bottom proportions.
What are the Onyomi, Kunyomi, and Jukugo words for 列?
For 列 (JLPT N3), the Onyomi is レツ, レ and the Kunyomi is —. 列 is primarily read using its Sino-Japanese Onyomi (レツ, レ) inside formal Jukugo compound words rather than as a standalone Kunyomi stem. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 列 includes 列 (レツ / れつ (retsu) — file).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 列 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 6 strokes of 列 (file, row, rank, tier, column), 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 列 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
More JLPT N3 Characters to Practice Next
View Full JLPT N3 Kanji List →Unlock All 2,000+ JLPT N5–N1 Kanji, AI Sensei & Unlimited Genkō Yōshi PDF Books
Get lifetime access to all 2,136 Jōyō Kanji (JLPT N5–N1), AI Kanji Sensei mnemonics, and unlimited Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheets for a one-time payment of $17.99 USD (10% OFF the $19.99 Lifetime Pro Pass with promo code KANJI10). Zero monthly subscriptions!