How to Write 布 (linen, cloth, spread, distribute) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 5-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N2 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 5 (小学5年生)) character 布 (“linen, cloth, spread, distribute”), indexed under the 巾 (はば (towel)) radical. Practice 布 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 布 (ぬの (nuno) — linen), 布く (しく (shiku) — linen).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (布)
Primary Radical (部首): 巾 — はば (towel)
Radical Position: Standalone / Integrated (部首)
Semantic Theme: Radical 巾
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 5 (小学5年生) (JLPT N2). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (フ, ホ) when 布 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (ぬの, し.く, きれ) when 布 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (5画): With only 5 strokes, 布 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 巾 (はば (towel)) 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)
Radical: 巾 (はば (towel))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 5 strokes under radical 巾.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 布
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 布 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 布 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 布 ("linen, cloth, spread, distribute") is written with 5 strokes (5画) as a JLPT N2 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 5 (小学5年生)) foundational low-stroke shape (1–5 strokes) indexed under the 巾 (はば (towel)) radical. With only 5 strokes, 布 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 巾 (はば (towel)) 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 布?
For 布 (JLPT N2), the Onyomi is フ, ホ and the Kunyomi is ぬの, し.く, きれ. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (フ, ホ) when 布 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (ぬの, し.く, きれ) when 布 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 布 includes 布 (ぬの (nuno) — linen), 布く (しく (shiku) — linen).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 布 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 5 strokes of 布 (linen, cloth, spread, distribute), start with the 巾 (はば (towel)) 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 布 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
More JLPT N2 Characters to Practice Next
View Full JLPT N2 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!