How to Write 新 (new) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 13-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N5 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生)) character 新 (“new”), indexed under the 斤 (おの (axe)) radical. Practice 新 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 新しい (あたらしい (atarashii) — new), 新聞 (しんぶん (shinbun) — newspaper).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (新)
Primary Radical (部首): 斤 — おの (axe)
Radical Position: Standalone / Integrated (部首)
Semantic Theme: Radical 斤
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生) (JLPT N5). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (シン) when 新 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (あたら.しい, あら.た) when 新 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (13画): At 13 strokes, 新 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 斤 (おの (axe)) radical (Standalone / Integrated position) slim and space internal horizontal strokes evenly so all 13 strokes fit inside the Genkō Yōshi margins.
📜 Etymology & Mnemonic Insight (六書 / Rikusho)
Radical: 斤 (おの (axe))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 13 strokes under radical 斤.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 新
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 新 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 新 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 新 ("new") is written with 13 strokes (13画) as a JLPT N5 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生)) high-density multi-component Kanji (12+ strokes) indexed under the 斤 (おの (axe)) radical. At 13 strokes, 新 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 斤 (おの (axe)) radical (Standalone / Integrated position) slim and space internal horizontal strokes evenly so all 13 strokes fit inside the Genkō Yōshi margins.
What are the Onyomi, Kunyomi, and Jukugo words for 新?
For 新 (JLPT N5), the Onyomi is シン and the Kunyomi is あたら.しい, あら.た. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (シン) when 新 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (あたら.しい, あら.た) when 新 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 新 includes 新しい (あたらしい (atarashii) — new), 新聞 (しんぶん (shinbun) — newspaper).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 新 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 13 strokes of 新 (new), start with the 斤 (おの (axe)) 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 新 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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