How to Write 囚 (captured, criminal, arrest, catch) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 5-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N1 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 8 (小学8年生)) character 囚 (“captured, criminal, arrest, catch”), indexed under the 囗 (くにがまえ (enclosure)) radical. Practice 囚 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 囚われる (とらわれる (torawareru) — captured).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (囚)
Primary Radical (部首): 囗 — くにがまえ (enclosure)
Radical Position: Enclosure (Kamae / 構) (構 (Kamae))
Semantic Theme: Enclosed borders, walls, territory, and countries
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 8 (小学8年生) (JLPT N1). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (シュウ) when 囚 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (とら.われる) when 囚 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (5画): With only 5 strokes, 囚 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 囗 (くにがまえ (enclosure)) structure (Enclosure (Kamae / 構) 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: 囗 (くにがまえ (enclosure))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 5 strokes under radical 囗.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 囚
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 囚 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 囚 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 囚 ("captured, criminal, arrest, catch") is written with 5 strokes (5画) as a JLPT N1 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 8 (小学8年生)) foundational low-stroke shape (1–5 strokes) indexed under the 囗 (くにがまえ (enclosure)) radical. With only 5 strokes, 囚 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 囗 (くにがまえ (enclosure)) structure (Enclosure (Kamae / 構) 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 囚?
For 囚 (JLPT N1), the Onyomi is シュウ and the Kunyomi is とら.われる. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (シュウ) when 囚 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (とら.われる) when 囚 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 囚 includes 囚われる (とらわれる (torawareru) — captured).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 囚 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 5 strokes of 囚 (captured, criminal, arrest, catch), start with the 囗 (くにがまえ (enclosure)) in the Enclosure (Kamae / 構) (構 (Kamae)) 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 囚 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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