How to Write 只 (only, free, in addition) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 5-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N1 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 9 (小学9年生)) character 只 (“only, free, in addition”), indexed under the 口 (くち (mouth)) radical. Practice 只 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 只 (ただ (tada) — only).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (只)
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 9 (小学9年生) (JLPT N1). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (シ) when 只 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (ただ) when 只 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (5画): With only 5 strokes, 只 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 5 strokes under radical 口.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 只
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 只 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 只 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 只 ("only, free, in addition") is written with 5 strokes (5画) as a JLPT N1 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 9 (小学9年生)) foundational low-stroke shape (1–5 strokes) indexed under the 口 (くち (mouth)) radical. With only 5 strokes, 只 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 只?
For 只 (JLPT N1), the Onyomi is シ and the Kunyomi is ただ. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (シ) when 只 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (ただ) when 只 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 只 includes 只 (ただ (tada) — only).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 只 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 5 strokes of 只 (only, free, in addition), 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 只 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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