How to Write 大 (big, large, great) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 3-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N5 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 1 (小学1年生)) character 大 (“big, large, great”), indexed under the 大 (だい (big)) radical. Practice 大 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 大きい (おおきい (ookii) — big / large), 大学 (だいがく (daigaku) — university / college), 大変 (たいへん (taihen) — tough / very).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (大)
Primary Radical (部首): 大 — だい (big)
Radical Position: Standalone / Integrated (部首)
Semantic Theme: Radical 大
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 1 (小学1年生) (JLPT N5). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ダイ, タイ) when 大 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (おお-, おお.きい) when 大 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (3画): With only 3 strokes, 大 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 大 (だい (big)) structure (Standalone / Integrated 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: 大 (だい (big))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 3 strokes under radical 大.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 大
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 大 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 大 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 大 ("big, large, great") is written with 3 strokes (3画) as a JLPT N5 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 1 (小学1年生)) foundational low-stroke shape (1–5 strokes) indexed under the 大 (だい (big)) radical. With only 3 strokes, 大 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 大 (だい (big)) structure (Standalone / Integrated 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 大?
For 大 (JLPT N5), the Onyomi is ダイ, タイ and the Kunyomi is おお-, おお.きい. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ダイ, タイ) when 大 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (おお-, おお.きい) when 大 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 大 includes 大きい (おおきい (ookii) — big / large), 大学 (だいがく (daigaku) — university / college), 大変 (たいへん (taihen) — tough / very).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 大 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 3 strokes of 大 (big, large, great), start with the 大 (だい (big)) 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 大 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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