How to Write 尺 (shaku, Japanese foot, measure, scale, rule) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 4-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N1 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 6 (小学6年生)) character 尺 (“shaku, Japanese foot, measure, scale, rule”), indexed under the 尸 (しかばね (corpse)) radical. Practice 尺 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 尺 (さし (sashi) — shaku).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (尺)
Primary Radical (部首): 尸 — しかばね (corpse)
Radical Position: Hanging (Tare / 垂) (垂 (Tare))
Semantic Theme: Body postures, dwellings, screens, and coverings
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 6 (小学6年生) (JLPT N1). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (シャク, セキ) when 尺 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (さし) when 尺 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (4画): With only 4 strokes, 尺 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 尸 (しかばね (corpse)) structure (Hanging (Tare / 垂) 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: 尸 (しかばね (corpse))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 4 strokes under radical 尸.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 尺
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 尺 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 尺 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 尺 ("shaku, Japanese foot, measure, scale, rule") is written with 4 strokes (4画) as a JLPT N1 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 6 (小学6年生)) foundational low-stroke shape (1–5 strokes) indexed under the 尸 (しかばね (corpse)) radical. With only 4 strokes, 尺 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 尸 (しかばね (corpse)) structure (Hanging (Tare / 垂) 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 尺?
For 尺 (JLPT N1), the Onyomi is シャク, セキ and the Kunyomi is さし. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (シャク, セキ) when 尺 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (さし) when 尺 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 尺 includes 尺 (さし (sashi) — shaku).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 尺 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 4 strokes of 尺 (shaku, Japanese foot, measure, scale, rule), start with the 尸 (しかばね (corpse)) in the Hanging (Tare / 垂) (垂 (Tare)) 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 尺 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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