How to Write 加 (add, addition, increase, join, include) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 5-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N3 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 4 (小学4年生)) character 加 (“add, addition, increase, join, include”), indexed under the 力 (ちから (power)) radical. Practice 加 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 加える (くわえる (kuwaeru) — add), 加わる (くわわる (kuwawaru) — add).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (加)
Primary Radical (部首): 力 — ちから (power)
Radical Position: Right (Tsukuri / 旁) (旁 (Tsukuri))
Semantic Theme: Physical strength, effort, power, and labor
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 4 (小学4年生) (JLPT N3). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (カ) when 加 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (くわ.える, くわ.わる) when 加 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (5画): With only 5 strokes, 加 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 力 (ちから (power)) 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: 力 (ちから (power))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 5 strokes under radical 力.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 加
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 加 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 加 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 加 ("add, addition, increase, join, include") is written with 5 strokes (5画) as a JLPT N3 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 4 (小学4年生)) foundational low-stroke shape (1–5 strokes) indexed under the 力 (ちから (power)) radical. With only 5 strokes, 加 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 力 (ちから (power)) 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 加?
For 加 (JLPT N3), the Onyomi is カ and the Kunyomi is くわ.える, くわ.わる. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (カ) when 加 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (くわ.える, くわ.わる) when 加 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 加 includes 加える (くわえる (kuwaeru) — add), 加わる (くわわる (kuwawaru) — add).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 加 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 5 strokes of 加 (add, addition, increase, join, include), start with the 力 (ちから (power)) 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 加 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
More JLPT N3 Characters to Practice Next
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