How to Write 塞 (close, shut, cover, block, obstruct) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 13-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N1 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 8 (小学8年生)) character 塞 (“close, shut, cover, block, obstruct”), indexed under the 土 (つち (earth)) radical. Practice 塞 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 塞ぐ (ふさぐ (fusagu) — close), 塞 (とりで (toride) — close).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (塞)
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 N1). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ソク, サイ) when 塞 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (ふさ.ぐ, とりで, み.ちる) when 塞 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (13画): At 13 strokes, 塞 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 13 strokes fit inside the Genkō Yōshi margins.
📜 Etymology & Mnemonic Insight (六書 / Rikusho)
Radical: 土 (つち (earth))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 13 strokes under radical 土.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 塞
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 塞 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 塞 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 塞 ("close, shut, cover, block, obstruct") is written with 13 strokes (13画) as a JLPT N1 (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 13 strokes, 塞 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 13 strokes fit inside the Genkō Yōshi margins.
What are the Onyomi, Kunyomi, and Jukugo words for 塞?
For 塞 (JLPT N1), the Onyomi is ソク, サイ and the Kunyomi is ふさ.ぐ, とりで, み.ちる. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ソク, サイ) when 塞 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (ふさ.ぐ, とりで, み.ちる) when 塞 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 塞 includes 塞ぐ (ふさぐ (fusagu) — close), 塞 (とりで (toride) — close).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 塞 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 13 strokes of 塞 (close, shut, cover, block, obstruct), 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 塞 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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