How to Write 換 (interchange, period, change, convert, replace) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 12-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N2 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 8 (小学8年生)) character 換 (“interchange, period, change, convert, replace”), indexed under the 手 (て / てへん (hand)) radical. Practice 換 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 換える (かえる (kaeru) — interchange), 換える (かえる (kaeru) — interchange).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (換)
Primary Radical (部首): 手 — て / てへん (hand)
Radical Position: Left (Hen / 偏) (偏 (Hen))
Semantic Theme: Hands, holding, grasping, craft, and manual action
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 8 (小学8年生) (JLPT N2). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (カン) when 換 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (か.える, -か.える, か.わる) when 換 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (12画): At 12 strokes, 換 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 手 (て / てへん (hand)) radical (Left (Hen / 偏) position) slim and space internal horizontal strokes evenly so all 12 strokes fit inside the Genkō Yōshi margins.
📜 Etymology & Mnemonic Insight (六書 / Rikusho)
Radical: 手 (て / てへん (hand))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 12 strokes under radical 手.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 換
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 換 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 換 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 換 ("interchange, period, change, convert, replace") is written with 12 strokes (12画) as a JLPT N2 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 8 (小学8年生)) high-density multi-component Kanji (12+ strokes) indexed under the 手 (て / てへん (hand)) radical. At 12 strokes, 換 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 手 (て / てへん (hand)) radical (Left (Hen / 偏) position) slim and space internal horizontal strokes evenly so all 12 strokes fit inside the Genkō Yōshi margins.
What are the Onyomi, Kunyomi, and Jukugo words for 換?
For 換 (JLPT N2), the Onyomi is カン and the Kunyomi is か.える, -か.える, か.わる. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (カン) when 換 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (か.える, -か.える, か.わる) when 換 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 換 includes 換える (かえる (kaeru) — interchange), 換える (かえる (kaeru) — interchange).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 換 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 12 strokes of 換 (interchange, period, change, convert, replace), start with the 手 (て / てへん (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 換 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
More JLPT N2 Characters to Practice Next
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