How to Write 暁 (daybreak, dawn, in the event) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 12-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N1 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 8 (小学8年生)) character 暁 (“daybreak, dawn, in the event”), indexed under the 日 (ひ / にち (sun/day)) radical. Practice 暁 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 暁 (あかつき (akatsuki) — daybreak), 暁る (さとる (satoru) — daybreak).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (暁)
Primary Radical (部首): 日 — ひ / にち (sun/day)
Radical Position: Left (Hen / 偏) (偏 (Hen))
Semantic Theme: Sun, daylight, time, brightness, and warmth
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 8 (小学8年生) (JLPT N1). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ギョウ, キョウ) when 暁 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (あかつき, さと.る) when 暁 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (12画): At 12 strokes, 暁 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 日 (ひ / にち (sun/day)) 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: 日 (ひ / にち (sun/day))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 12 strokes under radical 日.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 暁
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 暁 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 暁 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 暁 ("daybreak, dawn, in the event") is written with 12 strokes (12画) as a JLPT N1 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 8 (小学8年生)) high-density multi-component Kanji (12+ strokes) indexed under the 日 (ひ / にち (sun/day)) radical. At 12 strokes, 暁 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 日 (ひ / にち (sun/day)) 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 暁?
For 暁 (JLPT N1), the Onyomi is ギョウ, キョウ and the Kunyomi is あかつき, さと.る. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ギョウ, キョウ) when 暁 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (あかつき, さと.る) when 暁 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 暁 includes 暁 (あかつき (akatsuki) — daybreak), 暁る (さとる (satoru) — daybreak).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 暁 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 12 strokes of 暁 (daybreak, dawn, in the event), start with the 日 (ひ / にち (sun/day)) 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 暁 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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