How to Write 寧 (rather, preferably, peaceful, quiet, tranquility) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 14-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N1 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 8 (小学8年生)) character 寧 (“rather, preferably, peaceful, quiet, tranquility”), indexed under the 宀 (うかんむり (roof)) radical. Practice 寧 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 寧ろ (むしろ (mushiro) — rather).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (寧)
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 8 (小学8年生) (JLPT N1). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ネイ) when 寧 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (むし.ろ) when 寧 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (14画): At 14 strokes, 寧 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 宀 (うかんむり (roof)) radical (Top (Kanmuri / 冠) position) slim and space internal horizontal strokes evenly so all 14 strokes fit inside the Genkō Yōshi margins.
📜 Etymology & Mnemonic Insight (六書 / Rikusho)
Radical: 宀 (うかんむり (roof))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 14 strokes under radical 宀.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 寧
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 寧 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 寧 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 寧 ("rather, preferably, peaceful, quiet, tranquility") is written with 14 strokes (14画) as a JLPT N1 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 8 (小学8年生)) high-density multi-component Kanji (12+ strokes) indexed under the 宀 (うかんむり (roof)) radical. At 14 strokes, 寧 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 宀 (うかんむり (roof)) radical (Top (Kanmuri / 冠) position) slim and space internal horizontal strokes evenly so all 14 strokes fit inside the Genkō Yōshi margins.
What are the Onyomi, Kunyomi, and Jukugo words for 寧?
For 寧 (JLPT N1), the Onyomi is ネイ and the Kunyomi is むし.ろ. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ネイ) when 寧 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (むし.ろ) when 寧 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 寧 includes 寧ろ (むしろ (mushiro) — rather).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 寧 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 14 strokes of 寧 (rather, preferably, peaceful, quiet, tranquility), 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 寧 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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