How to Write 塔 (pagoda, tower, steeple) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 12-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N2 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 8 (小学8年生)) character 塔 (“pagoda, tower, steeple”), indexed under the 土 (つち (earth)) radical. Practice 塔 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 塔 (トウ / とう (tou) — pagoda).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (塔)
Primary Radical (部首): 土 — つち (earth)
Radical Position: Left (Hen / 偏) (偏 (Hen))
Semantic Theme: Ground, earth, clay, soil, land, and territory
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 8 (小学8年生) (JLPT N2). 塔 is primarily read using its Sino-Japanese Onyomi (トウ) inside formal Jukugo compound words rather than as a standalone Kunyomi stem.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (12画): At 12 strokes, 塔 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 土 (つち (earth)) radical (Left (Hen / 偏) position) slim and space internal horizontal strokes evenly so all 12 strokes fit inside the Genkō Yōshi margins.
📜 Etymology & Mnemonic Insight (六書 / Rikusho)
Radical: 土 (つち (earth))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 12 strokes under radical 土.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 塔
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 塔 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 塔 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 塔 ("pagoda, tower, steeple") is written with 12 strokes (12画) as a JLPT N2 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 8 (小学8年生)) high-density multi-component Kanji (12+ strokes) indexed under the 土 (つち (earth)) radical. At 12 strokes, 塔 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 土 (つち (earth)) radical (Left (Hen / 偏) position) slim and space internal horizontal strokes evenly so all 12 strokes fit inside the Genkō Yōshi margins.
What are the Onyomi, Kunyomi, and Jukugo words for 塔?
For 塔 (JLPT N2), the Onyomi is トウ and the Kunyomi is —. 塔 is primarily read using its Sino-Japanese Onyomi (トウ) inside formal Jukugo compound words rather than as a standalone Kunyomi stem. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 塔 includes 塔 (トウ / とう (tou) — pagoda).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 塔 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 12 strokes of 塔 (pagoda, tower, steeple), start with the 土 (つち (earth)) 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 塔 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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