How to Write 尼 (nun) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 5-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N1 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 8 (小学8年生)) character 尼 (“nun”), indexed under the 尸 (しかばね (corpse)) radical. Practice 尼 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 尼 (あま (ama) — nun).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (尼)
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 8 (小学8年生) (JLPT N1). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ニ) when 尼 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (あま) when 尼 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (5画): With only 5 strokes, 尼 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 5 strokes under radical 尸.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 尼
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 尼 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 尼 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 尼 ("nun") is written with 5 strokes (5画) as a JLPT N1 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 8 (小学8年生)) foundational low-stroke shape (1–5 strokes) indexed under the 尸 (しかばね (corpse)) radical. With only 5 strokes, 尼 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 尼?
For 尼 (JLPT N1), the Onyomi is ニ and the Kunyomi is あま. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ニ) when 尼 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (あま) when 尼 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 尼 includes 尼 (あま (ama) — nun).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 尼 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 5 strokes of 尼 (nun), 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 尼 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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