How to Write 川 (stream, river) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 3-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N5 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 1 (小学1年生)) character 川 (“stream, river”), indexed under the 川 (かわ (river)) radical. Practice 川 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 川 (かわ (kawa) — river), 河川 (かせん (kasen) — rivers).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (川)
Primary Radical (部首): 川 — かわ (river)
Radical Position: Standalone / Integrated (部首)
Semantic Theme: Radical 川
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 1 (小学1年生) (JLPT N5). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (セン) when 川 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (かわ) when 川 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (3画): With only 3 strokes, 川 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 川 (かわ (river)) structure (Standalone / Integrated position) cleanly around the center intersection and finish terminal strokes with crisp tome (stop) or harai (sweep) release.
📜 Etymology & Mnemonic Insight (六書 / Rikusho)
River (川)
Three sinuous vertical lines representing running river currents between riverbanks.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 川
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 川 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 川 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 川 ("stream, river") is written with 3 strokes (3画) as a JLPT N5 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 1 (小学1年生)) foundational low-stroke shape (1–5 strokes) indexed under the 川 (かわ (river)) radical. With only 3 strokes, 川 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 川 (かわ (river)) structure (Standalone / Integrated 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 川?
For 川 (JLPT N5), the Onyomi is セン and the Kunyomi is かわ. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (セン) when 川 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (かわ) when 川 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 川 includes 川 (かわ (kawa) — river), 河川 (かせん (kasen) — rivers).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 川 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 3 strokes of 川 (stream, river), start with the 川 (かわ (river)) 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 川 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
More JLPT N5 Characters to Practice Next
View Full JLPT N5 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!