How to Write 単 (simple, one, single, merely) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 9-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N3 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 4 (小学4年生)) character 単 (“simple, one, single, merely”), indexed under the 十 (じゅう (ten)) radical. Practice 単 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 単 (ひとえ (hitoe) — simple).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (単)
Primary Radical (部首): 十 — じゅう (ten)
Radical Position: Standalone / Integrated (部首)
Semantic Theme: Radical 十
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 4 (小学4年生) (JLPT N3). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (タン) when 単 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (ひとえ) when 単 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (9画): Written with 9 strokes, 単 is an intermediate multi-component character built around the 十 (じゅう (ten)) radical (Standalone / Integrated position). Establish the 十 component first in its quadrant so the remaining 7 strokes maintain balanced left-right or top-bottom proportions.
📜 Etymology & Mnemonic Insight (六書 / Rikusho)
Radical: 十 (じゅう (ten))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 9 strokes under radical 十.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 単
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 単 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 単 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 単 ("simple, one, single, merely") is written with 9 strokes (9画) as a JLPT N3 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 4 (小学4年生)) intermediate multi-component Kanji (6–11 strokes) indexed under the 十 (じゅう (ten)) radical. Written with 9 strokes, 単 is an intermediate multi-component character built around the 十 (じゅう (ten)) radical (Standalone / Integrated position). Establish the 十 component first in its quadrant so the remaining 7 strokes maintain balanced left-right or top-bottom proportions.
What are the Onyomi, Kunyomi, and Jukugo words for 単?
For 単 (JLPT N3), the Onyomi is タン and the Kunyomi is ひとえ. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (タン) when 単 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (ひとえ) when 単 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 単 includes 単 (ひとえ (hitoe) — simple).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 単 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 9 strokes of 単 (simple, one, single, merely), start with the 十 (じゅう (ten)) 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 単 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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