How to Write 序 (preface, beginning, order, precedence, occasion) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 7-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N1 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 5 (小学5年生)) character 序 (“preface, beginning, order, precedence, occasion”), indexed under the 广 (まだれ (dotted cliff)) radical. Practice 序 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 序で (ついで (tsuide) — preface), 序 (ついで (tsuide) — preface).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (序)
Primary Radical (部首): 广 — まだれ (dotted cliff)
Radical Position: Hanging (Tare / 垂) (垂 (Tare))
Semantic Theme: Halls, shops, courts, broad buildings, and pavilions
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 5 (小学5年生) (JLPT N1). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ジョ) when 序 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (つい.で, ついで) when 序 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (7画): Written with 7 strokes, 序 is an intermediate multi-component character built around the 广 (まだれ (dotted cliff)) radical (Hanging (Tare / 垂) position). Establish the 广 component first in its quadrant so the remaining 5 strokes maintain balanced left-right or top-bottom proportions.
📜 Etymology & Mnemonic Insight (六書 / Rikusho)
Radical: 广 (まだれ (dotted cliff))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 7 strokes under radical 广.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 序
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 序 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 序 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 序 ("preface, beginning, order, precedence, occasion") is written with 7 strokes (7画) as a JLPT N1 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 5 (小学5年生)) intermediate multi-component Kanji (6–11 strokes) indexed under the 广 (まだれ (dotted cliff)) radical. Written with 7 strokes, 序 is an intermediate multi-component character built around the 广 (まだれ (dotted cliff)) radical (Hanging (Tare / 垂) position). Establish the 广 component first in its quadrant so the remaining 5 strokes maintain balanced left-right or top-bottom proportions.
What are the Onyomi, Kunyomi, and Jukugo words for 序?
For 序 (JLPT N1), the Onyomi is ジョ and the Kunyomi is つい.で, ついで. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ジョ) when 序 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (つい.で, ついで) when 序 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 序 includes 序で (ついで (tsuide) — preface), 序 (ついで (tsuide) — preface).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 序 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 7 strokes of 序 (preface, beginning, order, precedence, occasion), start with the 广 (まだれ (dotted cliff)) 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 序 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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