How to Write 声 (voice) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 7-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N3 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生)) character 声 (“voice”), indexed under the 士 (さむらい (scholar)) radical. Practice 声 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 声 (こえ (koe) — voice), 声 (こわ (kowa) — voice).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (声)
Primary Radical (部首): 士 — さむらい (scholar)
Radical Position: Standalone / Integrated (部首)
Semantic Theme: Radical 士
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生) (JLPT N3). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (セイ, ショウ) when 声 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (こえ, こわ-) when 声 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (7画): Written with 7 strokes, 声 is an intermediate multi-component character built around the 士 (さむらい (scholar)) radical (Standalone / Integrated position). Establish the 士 component first in its quadrant so the remaining 5 strokes maintain balanced left-right or top-bottom proportions.
📜 Etymology & Mnemonic Insight (六書 / Rikusho)
Radical: 士 (さむらい (scholar))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 7 strokes under radical 士.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 声
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 声 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 声 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 声 ("voice") is written with 7 strokes (7画) as a JLPT N3 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生)) intermediate multi-component Kanji (6–11 strokes) indexed under the 士 (さむらい (scholar)) radical. Written with 7 strokes, 声 is an intermediate multi-component character built around the 士 (さむらい (scholar)) radical (Standalone / Integrated position). Establish the 士 component first in its quadrant so the remaining 5 strokes maintain balanced left-right or top-bottom proportions.
What are the Onyomi, Kunyomi, and Jukugo words for 声?
For 声 (JLPT N3), the Onyomi is セイ, ショウ and the Kunyomi is こえ, こわ-. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (セイ, ショウ) when 声 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (こえ, こわ-) when 声 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 声 includes 声 (こえ (koe) — voice), 声 (こわ (kowa) — voice).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 声 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 7 strokes of 声 (voice), start with the 士 (さむらい (scholar)) in the Standalone / Integrated (部首) 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 声 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
More JLPT N3 Characters to Practice Next
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