How to Write 守 (guard, protect, defend, obey) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 6-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N3 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 3 (小学3年生)) character 守 (“guard, protect, defend, obey”), indexed under the 宀 (うかんむり (roof)) radical. Practice 守 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 守る (まもる (mamoru) — guard), 守り (まもり (mamori) — guard).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (守)
Primary Radical (部首): 宀 — うかんむり (roof)
Radical Position: Top (Kanmuri / 冠) (冠 (Kanmuri))
Semantic Theme: Roofs, buildings, houses, shelter, and enclosures
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 3 (小学3年生) (JLPT N3). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (シュ, ス) when 守 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (まも.る, まも.り, もり, -もり, かみ) when 守 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (6画): Written with 6 strokes, 守 is an intermediate multi-component character built around the 宀 (うかんむり (roof)) radical (Top (Kanmuri / 冠) position). Establish the 宀 component first in its quadrant so the remaining 4 strokes maintain balanced left-right or top-bottom proportions.
📜 Etymology & Mnemonic Insight (六書 / Rikusho)
Radical: 宀 (うかんむり (roof))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 6 strokes under radical 宀.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 守
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 守 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 守 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 守 ("guard, protect, defend, obey") is written with 6 strokes (6画) as a JLPT N3 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 3 (小学3年生)) intermediate multi-component Kanji (6–11 strokes) indexed under the 宀 (うかんむり (roof)) radical. Written with 6 strokes, 守 is an intermediate multi-component character built around the 宀 (うかんむり (roof)) radical (Top (Kanmuri / 冠) position). Establish the 宀 component first in its quadrant so the remaining 4 strokes maintain balanced left-right or top-bottom proportions.
What are the Onyomi, Kunyomi, and Jukugo words for 守?
For 守 (JLPT N3), the Onyomi is シュ, ス and the Kunyomi is まも.る, まも.り, もり, -もり, かみ. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (シュ, ス) when 守 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (まも.る, まも.り, もり, -もり, かみ) when 守 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 守 includes 守る (まもる (mamoru) — guard), 守り (まもり (mamori) — guard).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 守 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 6 strokes of 守 (guard, protect, defend, obey), start with the 宀 (うかんむり (roof)) in the Top (Kanmuri / 冠) (冠 (Kanmuri)) 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 守 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
More JLPT N3 Characters to Practice Next
View Full JLPT N3 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!