How to Write 口 (mouth, opening) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 3-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N5 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 1 (小学1年生)) character 口 (“mouth, opening”), indexed under the 口 (くち (mouth)) radical. Practice 口 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 口 (くち (kuchi) — mouth), 入口 (いりぐち (iriguchi) — entrance), 出口 (でぐち (deguchi) — exit).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (口)
Primary Radical (部首): 口 — くち (mouth)
Radical Position: Left (Hen / 偏) (偏 (Hen))
Semantic Theme: Mouth, speaking, eating, openings, and vocalization
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 1 (小学1年生) (JLPT N5). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (コウ, ク) when 口 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (くち) when 口 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (3画): With only 3 strokes, 口 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 口 (くち (mouth)) structure (Left (Hen / 偏) 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: 口 (くち (mouth))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 3 strokes under radical 口.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 口
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 口 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 口 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 口 ("mouth, opening") is written with 3 strokes (3画) as a JLPT N5 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 1 (小学1年生)) foundational low-stroke shape (1–5 strokes) indexed under the 口 (くち (mouth)) radical. With only 3 strokes, 口 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 口 (くち (mouth)) structure (Left (Hen / 偏) 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 口?
For 口 (JLPT N5), the Onyomi is コウ, ク and the Kunyomi is くち. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (コウ, ク) when 口 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (くち) when 口 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 口 includes 口 (くち (kuchi) — mouth), 入口 (いりぐち (iriguchi) — entrance), 出口 (でぐち (deguchi) — exit).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 口 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 3 strokes of 口 (mouth, opening), start with the 口 (くち (mouth)) in the Left (Hen / 偏) (偏 (Hen)) 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 口 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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