How to Write 幻 (phantasm, vision, dream, illusion, apparition) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 4-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N1 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 8 (小学8年生)) character 幻 (“phantasm, vision, dream, illusion, apparition”), indexed under the 幺 (いとがしら (short thread)) radical. Practice 幻 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 幻 (まぼろし (maboroshi) — phantasm).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (幻)
Primary Radical (部首): 幺 — いとがしら (short thread)
Radical Position: Standalone / Integrated (部首)
Semantic Theme: Radical 幺
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 8 (小学8年生) (JLPT N1). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ゲン) when 幻 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (まぼろし) when 幻 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (4画): With only 4 strokes, 幻 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 幺 (いとがしら (short thread)) 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: 幺 (いとがしら (short thread))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 4 strokes under radical 幺.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 幻
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 幻 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 幻 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 幻 ("phantasm, vision, dream, illusion, apparition") is written with 4 strokes (4画) as a JLPT N1 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 8 (小学8年生)) foundational low-stroke shape (1–5 strokes) indexed under the 幺 (いとがしら (short thread)) radical. With only 4 strokes, 幻 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 幺 (いとがしら (short thread)) 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 幻?
For 幻 (JLPT N1), the Onyomi is ゲン and the Kunyomi is まぼろし. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ゲン) when 幻 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (まぼろし) when 幻 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 幻 includes 幻 (まぼろし (maboroshi) — phantasm).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 幻 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 4 strokes of 幻 (phantasm, vision, dream, illusion, apparition), start with the 幺 (いとがしら (short thread)) 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 幻 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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