How to Write 形 (shape, form, style) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 7-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N3 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生)) character 形 (“shape, form, style”), indexed under the 彡 (さんづくり (bristle/hair)) radical. Practice 形 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 形 (かた (kata) — shape), 形 (がた (gata) — shape).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (形)
Primary Radical (部首): 彡 — さんづくり (bristle/hair)
Radical Position: Standalone / Integrated (部首)
Semantic Theme: Radical 彡
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生) (JLPT N3). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ケイ, ギョウ) when 形 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (かた, -がた, かたち, なり) when 形 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (7画): Written with 7 strokes, 形 is an intermediate multi-component character built around the 彡 (さんづくり (bristle/hair)) radical (Standalone / Integrated position). Establish the 彡 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: 彡 (さんづくり (bristle/hair))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 7 strokes under radical 彡.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 形
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 形 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 形 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 形 ("shape, form, style") is written with 7 strokes (7画) as a JLPT N3 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生)) intermediate multi-component Kanji (6–11 strokes) indexed under the 彡 (さんづくり (bristle/hair)) radical. Written with 7 strokes, 形 is an intermediate multi-component character built around the 彡 (さんづくり (bristle/hair)) radical (Standalone / Integrated position). Establish the 彡 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 形?
For 形 (JLPT N3), the Onyomi is ケイ, ギョウ and the Kunyomi is かた, -がた, かたち, なり. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ケイ, ギョウ) when 形 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (かた, -がた, かたち, なり) when 形 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 形 includes 形 (かた (kata) — shape), 形 (がた (gata) — shape).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 形 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 7 strokes of 形 (shape, form, style), start with the 彡 (さんづくり (bristle/hair)) 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 形 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
More JLPT N3 Characters to Practice Next
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