How to Write 末 (end, close, tip, powder, posterity) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 5-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N3 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 4 (小学4年生)) character 末 (“end, close, tip, powder, posterity”), indexed under the 木 (き / きへん (tree)) radical. Practice 末 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 末 (すえ (sue) — end), 末 (うら (ura) — end).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (末)
Primary Radical (部首): 木 — き / きへん (tree)
Radical Position: Left (Hen / 偏) (偏 (Hen))
Semantic Theme: Trees, plants, wooden artifacts, and forest nature
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 4 (小学4年生) (JLPT N3). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (マツ, バツ) when 末 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (すえ, うら, うれ) when 末 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (5画): With only 5 strokes, 末 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 木 (き / きへん (tree)) structure (Left (Hen / 偏) position) cleanly around the center intersection and finish terminal strokes with crisp tome (stop) or harai (sweep) release.
📜 Etymology & Mnemonic Insight (六書 / Rikusho)
Radical: 木 (き / きへん (tree))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 5 strokes under radical 木.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 末
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 末 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 末 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 末 ("end, close, tip, powder, posterity") is written with 5 strokes (5画) as a JLPT N3 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 4 (小学4年生)) foundational low-stroke shape (1–5 strokes) indexed under the 木 (き / きへん (tree)) radical. With only 5 strokes, 末 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 木 (き / きへん (tree)) structure (Left (Hen / 偏) position) cleanly around the center intersection and finish terminal strokes with crisp tome (stop) or harai (sweep) release.
What are the Onyomi, Kunyomi, and Jukugo words for 末?
For 末 (JLPT N3), the Onyomi is マツ, バツ and the Kunyomi is すえ, うら, うれ. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (マツ, バツ) when 末 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (すえ, うら, うれ) when 末 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 末 includes 末 (すえ (sue) — end), 末 (うら (ura) — end).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 末 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 5 strokes of 末 (end, close, tip, powder, posterity), start with the 木 (き / きへん (tree)) 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 末 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
More JLPT N3 Characters to Practice Next
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