How to Write 太 (plump, thick, big around) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 4-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N3 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生)) character 太 (“plump, thick, big around”), indexed under the 大 (だい (big)) radical. Practice 太 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 太い (ふとい (futoi) — plump), 太る (ふとる (futoru) — plump).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (太)
Primary Radical (部首): 大 — だい (big)
Radical Position: Standalone / Integrated (部首)
Semantic Theme: Radical 大
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生) (JLPT N3). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (タイ, タ) when 太 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (ふと.い, ふと.る) when 太 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (4画): With only 4 strokes, 太 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 4 strokes under radical 大.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 太
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 太 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 太 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 太 ("plump, thick, big around") is written with 4 strokes (4画) as a JLPT N3 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生)) foundational low-stroke shape (1–5 strokes) indexed under the 大 (だい (big)) radical. With only 4 strokes, 太 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 太?
For 太 (JLPT N3), the Onyomi is タイ, タ and the Kunyomi is ふと.い, ふと.る. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (タイ, タ) when 太 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (ふと.い, ふと.る) when 太 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 太 includes 太い (ふとい (futoi) — plump), 太る (ふとる (futoru) — plump).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 太 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 4 strokes of 太 (plump, thick, big around), 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 太 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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