How to Write 周 (circumference, circuit, lap) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 8-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N2 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 4 (小学4年生)) character 周 (“circumference, circuit, lap”), indexed under the 口 (くち (mouth)) radical. Practice 周 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 周り (まわり (mawari) — circumference).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (周)
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 4 (小学4年生) (JLPT N2). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (シュウ) when 周 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (まわ.り) when 周 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (8画): Written with 8 strokes, 周 is an intermediate multi-component character built around the 口 (くち (mouth)) radical (Left (Hen / 偏) position). Establish the 口 component first in its quadrant so the remaining 6 strokes maintain balanced left-right or top-bottom proportions.
📜 Etymology & Mnemonic Insight (六書 / Rikusho)
Radical: 口 (くち (mouth))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 8 strokes under radical 口.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 周
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 周 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 周 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 周 ("circumference, circuit, lap") is written with 8 strokes (8画) as a JLPT N2 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 4 (小学4年生)) intermediate multi-component Kanji (6–11 strokes) indexed under the 口 (くち (mouth)) radical. Written with 8 strokes, 周 is an intermediate multi-component character built around the 口 (くち (mouth)) radical (Left (Hen / 偏) position). Establish the 口 component first in its quadrant so the remaining 6 strokes maintain balanced left-right or top-bottom proportions.
What are the Onyomi, Kunyomi, and Jukugo words for 周?
For 周 (JLPT N2), the Onyomi is シュウ and the Kunyomi is まわ.り. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (シュウ) when 周 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (まわ.り) when 周 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 周 includes 周り (まわり (mawari) — circumference).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 周 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 8 strokes of 周 (circumference, circuit, lap), 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 周 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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