How to Write 導 (guidance, leading, conduct, usher) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 15-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N2 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 5 (小学5年生)) character 導 (“guidance, leading, conduct, usher”), indexed under the 寸 (すん (inch)) radical. Practice 導 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 導く (みちびく (michibiku) — guidance).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (導)
Primary Radical (部首): 寸 — すん (inch)
Radical Position: Standalone / Integrated (部首)
Semantic Theme: Radical 寸
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 5 (小学5年生) (JLPT N2). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ドウ) when 導 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (みちび.く) when 導 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (15画): At 15 strokes, 導 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 寸 (すん (inch)) radical (Standalone / Integrated position) slim and space internal horizontal strokes evenly so all 15 strokes fit inside the Genkō Yōshi margins.
📜 Etymology & Mnemonic Insight (六書 / Rikusho)
Radical: 寸 (すん (inch))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 15 strokes under radical 寸.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 導
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 導 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 導 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 導 ("guidance, leading, conduct, usher") is written with 15 strokes (15画) as a JLPT N2 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 5 (小学5年生)) high-density multi-component Kanji (12+ strokes) indexed under the 寸 (すん (inch)) radical. At 15 strokes, 導 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 寸 (すん (inch)) radical (Standalone / Integrated position) slim and space internal horizontal strokes evenly so all 15 strokes fit inside the Genkō Yōshi margins.
What are the Onyomi, Kunyomi, and Jukugo words for 導?
For 導 (JLPT N2), the Onyomi is ドウ and the Kunyomi is みちび.く. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ドウ) when 導 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (みちび.く) when 導 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 導 includes 導く (みちびく (michibiku) — guidance).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 導 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 15 strokes of 導 (guidance, leading, conduct, usher), start with the 寸 (すん (inch)) 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 導 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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