How to Write 止 (stop, halt) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 4-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N4 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生)) character 止 (“stop, halt”), indexed under the 止 (とめる (stop)) radical. Practice 止 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 止まる (とまる (tomaru) — stop), 止まり (どまり (domari) — stop).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (止)
Primary Radical (部首): 止 — とめる (stop)
Radical Position: Standalone / Integrated (部首)
Semantic Theme: Radical 止
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生) (JLPT N4). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (シ) when 止 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (と.まる, -ど.まり, と.める, -と.める, -ど.め, とど.める, とど.め, とど.まる, や.める, や.む, -や.む, よ.す, -さ.す, -さ.し) when 止 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (4画): With only 4 strokes, 止 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 止 (とめる (stop)) structure (Standalone / Integrated 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: 止 (とめる (stop))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 4 strokes under radical 止.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 止
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 止 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 止 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 止 ("stop, halt") is written with 4 strokes (4画) as a JLPT N4 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生)) foundational low-stroke shape (1–5 strokes) indexed under the 止 (とめる (stop)) radical. With only 4 strokes, 止 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 止 (とめる (stop)) structure (Standalone / Integrated 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 止?
For 止 (JLPT N4), the Onyomi is シ and the Kunyomi is と.まる, -ど.まり, と.める, -と.める, -ど.め, とど.める, とど.め, とど.まる, や.める, や.む, -や.む, よ.す, -さ.す, -さ.し. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (シ) when 止 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (と.まる, -ど.まり, と.める, -と.める, -ど.め, とど.める, とど.め, とど.まる, や.める, や.む, -や.む, よ.す, -さ.す, -さ.し) when 止 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 止 includes 止まる (とまる (tomaru) — stop), 止まり (どまり (domari) — stop).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 止 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 4 strokes of 止 (stop, halt), start with the 止 (とめる (stop)) 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 止 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
More JLPT N4 Characters to Practice Next
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