How to Write 手 (hand) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 4-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N5 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 1 (小学1年生)) character 手 (“hand”), indexed under the 手 (て (hand)) radical. Practice 手 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 手紙 (てがみ (tegami) — letter), 上手 (じょうず (jouzu) — skillful / good at).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (手)
Primary Radical (部首): 手 — て (hand)
Radical Position: Left (Hen / 偏) (偏 (Hen))
Semantic Theme: Hands, holding, grasping, craft, and manual action
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 1 (小学1年生) (JLPT N5). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (シュ) when 手 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (て) when 手 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (4画): With only 4 strokes, 手 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 手 (て (hand)) structure (Left (Hen / 偏) 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: 手 (て (hand))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 4 strokes under radical 手.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 手
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 手 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 手 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 手 ("hand") is written with 4 strokes (4画) as a JLPT N5 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 1 (小学1年生)) foundational low-stroke shape (1–5 strokes) indexed under the 手 (て (hand)) radical. With only 4 strokes, 手 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 手 (て (hand)) structure (Left (Hen / 偏) 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 手?
For 手 (JLPT N5), the Onyomi is シュ and the Kunyomi is て. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (シュ) when 手 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (て) when 手 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 手 includes 手紙 (てがみ (tegami) — letter), 上手 (じょうず (jouzu) — skillful / good at).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 手 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 4 strokes of 手 (hand), start with the 手 (て (hand)) in the Left (Hen / 偏) (偏 (Hen)) 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 手 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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