How to Write 失 (lose, error, fault, disadvantage, loss) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 5-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N3 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 4 (小学4年生)) character 失 (“lose, error, fault, disadvantage, loss”), indexed under the 大 (だい (big)) radical. Practice 失 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 失う (うしなう (ushinau) — lose), 失せる (うせる (useru) — lose).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (失)
Primary Radical (部首): 大 — だい (big)
Radical Position: Standalone / Integrated (部首)
Semantic Theme: Radical 大
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 4 (小学4年生) (JLPT N3). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (シツ) when 失 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (うしな.う, う.せる) when 失 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (5画): With only 5 strokes, 失 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 5 strokes under radical 大.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 失
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 失 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 失 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 失 ("lose, error, fault, disadvantage, loss") is written with 5 strokes (5画) as a JLPT N3 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 4 (小学4年生)) foundational low-stroke shape (1–5 strokes) indexed under the 大 (だい (big)) radical. With only 5 strokes, 失 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 失?
For 失 (JLPT N3), the Onyomi is シツ and the Kunyomi is うしな.う, う.せる. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (シツ) when 失 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (うしな.う, う.せる) when 失 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 失 includes 失う (うしなう (ushinau) — lose), 失せる (うせる (useru) — lose).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 失 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 5 strokes of 失 (lose, error, fault, disadvantage, loss), 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 失 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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