How to Write 最 (utmost, most, extreme) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 12-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N3 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 4 (小学4年生)) character 最 (“utmost, most, extreme”), indexed under the 曰 (ひらび (say)) radical. Practice 最 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 最も (もっとも (mottomo) — utmost), 最 (つま (tsuma) — utmost).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (最)
Primary Radical (部首): 曰 — ひらび (say)
Radical Position: Standalone / Integrated (部首)
Semantic Theme: Radical 曰
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 4 (小学4年生) (JLPT N3). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (サイ, シュ) when 最 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (もっと.も, つま) when 最 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (12画): At 12 strokes, 最 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 曰 (ひらび (say)) radical (Standalone / Integrated 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: 曰 (ひらび (say))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 12 strokes under radical 曰.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 最
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 最 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 最 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 最 ("utmost, most, extreme") is written with 12 strokes (12画) as a JLPT N3 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 4 (小学4年生)) high-density multi-component Kanji (12+ strokes) indexed under the 曰 (ひらび (say)) radical. At 12 strokes, 最 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 曰 (ひらび (say)) radical (Standalone / Integrated 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 最?
For 最 (JLPT N3), the Onyomi is サイ, シュ and the Kunyomi is もっと.も, つま. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (サイ, シュ) when 最 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (もっと.も, つま) when 最 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 最 includes 最も (もっとも (mottomo) — utmost), 最 (つま (tsuma) — utmost).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 最 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 12 strokes of 最 (utmost, most, extreme), start with the 曰 (ひらび (say)) 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 最 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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