How to Write 奥 (heart, interior) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 12-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N2 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 8 (小学8年生)) character 奥 (“heart, interior”), indexed under the 大 (だい (big)) radical. Practice 奥 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 奥 (おく (oku) — heart), 奥まる (おくまる (okumaru) — heart).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (奥)
Primary Radical (部首): 大 — だい (big)
Radical Position: Standalone / Integrated (部首)
Semantic Theme: Radical 大
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 8 (小学8年生) (JLPT N2). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (オウ) when 奥 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (おく, おく.まる, くま) when 奥 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (12画): At 12 strokes, 奥 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 大 (だい (big)) radical (Standalone / Integrated position) slim and space internal horizontal strokes evenly so all 12 strokes fit inside the Genkō Yōshi margins.
📜 Etymology & Mnemonic Insight (六書 / Rikusho)
Radical: 大 (だい (big))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 12 strokes under radical 大.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 奥
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 奥 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 奥 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 奥 ("heart, interior") is written with 12 strokes (12画) as a JLPT N2 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 8 (小学8年生)) high-density multi-component Kanji (12+ strokes) indexed under the 大 (だい (big)) radical. At 12 strokes, 奥 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 大 (だい (big)) radical (Standalone / Integrated position) slim and space internal horizontal strokes evenly so all 12 strokes fit inside the Genkō Yōshi margins.
What are the Onyomi, Kunyomi, and Jukugo words for 奥?
For 奥 (JLPT N2), the Onyomi is オウ and the Kunyomi is おく, おく.まる, くま. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (オウ) when 奥 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (おく, おく.まる, くま) when 奥 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 奥 includes 奥 (おく (oku) — heart), 奥まる (おくまる (okumaru) — heart).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 奥 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 12 strokes of 奥 (heart, interior), 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 奥 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
More JLPT N2 Characters to Practice Next
View Full JLPT N2 Kanji List →Unlock All 2,000+ JLPT N5–N1 Kanji, AI Sensei & Unlimited Genkō Yōshi PDF Books
Get lifetime access to all 2,136 Jōyō Kanji (JLPT N5–N1), AI Kanji Sensei mnemonics, and unlimited Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheets for a one-time payment of $17.99 USD (10% OFF the $19.99 Lifetime Pro Pass with promo code KANJI10). Zero monthly subscriptions!