How to Write 改 (reformation, change, modify, mend, renew) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 7-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N2 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 4 (小学4年生)) character 改 (“reformation, change, modify, mend, renew”), indexed under the 攴 (ぼくづくり (strike)) radical. Practice 改 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 改める (あらためる (aratameru) — reformation), 改まる (あらたまる (aratamaru) — reformation).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (改)
Primary Radical (部首): 攴 — ぼくづくり (strike)
Radical Position: Right (Tsukuri / 旁) (旁 (Tsukuri))
Semantic Theme: Tapping, governing, discipline, and intentional action
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 4 (小学4年生) (JLPT N2). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (カイ) when 改 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (あらた.める, あらた.まる) when 改 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (7画): Written with 7 strokes, 改 is an intermediate multi-component character built around the 攴 (ぼくづくり (strike)) radical (Right (Tsukuri / 旁) position). Establish the 攴 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: 攴 (ぼくづくり (strike))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 7 strokes under radical 攴.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 改
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 改 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 改 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 改 ("reformation, change, modify, mend, renew") is written with 7 strokes (7画) as a JLPT N2 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 4 (小学4年生)) intermediate multi-component Kanji (6–11 strokes) indexed under the 攴 (ぼくづくり (strike)) radical. Written with 7 strokes, 改 is an intermediate multi-component character built around the 攴 (ぼくづくり (strike)) radical (Right (Tsukuri / 旁) position). Establish the 攴 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 改?
For 改 (JLPT N2), the Onyomi is カイ and the Kunyomi is あらた.める, あらた.まる. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (カイ) when 改 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (あらた.める, あらた.まる) when 改 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 改 includes 改める (あらためる (aratameru) — reformation), 改まる (あらたまる (aratamaru) — reformation).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 改 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 7 strokes of 改 (reformation, change, modify, mend, renew), start with the 攴 (ぼくづくり (strike)) in the Right (Tsukuri / 旁) (旁 (Tsukuri)) 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 改 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
More JLPT N2 Characters to Practice Next
View Full JLPT N2 Kanji List →Unlock All 2,000+ JLPT N5–N1 Kanji, AI Sensei & Unlimited Genkō Yōshi PDF Books
Get lifetime access to all 2,136 Jōyō Kanji (JLPT N5–N1), AI Kanji Sensei mnemonics, and unlimited Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheets for a one-time payment of $17.99 USD (10% OFF the $19.99 Lifetime Pro Pass with promo code KANJI10). Zero monthly subscriptions!