How to Write 可 (can, passable, approval) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 5-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N4 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 5 (小学5年生)) character 可 (“can, passable, approval”), indexed under the 口 (くち (mouth)) radical. Practice 可 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 可き (べき (beki) — can), 可し (べし (beshi) — can).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (可)
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 5 (小学5年生) (JLPT N4). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (カ, コク) when 可 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (-べ.き, -べ.し) when 可 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (5画): With only 5 strokes, 可 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 可
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 可 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 可 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 可 ("can, passable, approval") is written with 5 strokes (5画) as a JLPT N4 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 5 (小学5年生)) foundational low-stroke shape (1–5 strokes) indexed under the 口 (くち (mouth)) radical. With only 5 strokes, 可 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 可?
For 可 (JLPT N4), the Onyomi is カ, コク and the Kunyomi is -べ.き, -べ.し. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (カ, コク) when 可 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (-べ.き, -べ.し) when 可 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 可 includes 可き (べき (beki) — can), 可し (べし (beshi) — can).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 可 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 5 strokes of 可 (can, passable, approval), 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 可 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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