How to Write 歩 (walk, counter for steps) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 8-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N4 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生)) character 歩 (“walk, counter for steps”), indexed under the 止 (とめる (stop)) radical. Practice 歩 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 歩く (あるく (aruku) — walk), 歩む (あゆむ (ayumu) — walk).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (歩)
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 (ホ, ブ, フ) when 歩 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (ある.く, あゆ.む) when 歩 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (8画): Written with 8 strokes, 歩 is an intermediate multi-component character built around the 止 (とめる (stop)) radical (Standalone / Integrated position). Establish the 止 component first in its quadrant so the remaining 6 strokes maintain balanced left-right or top-bottom proportions.
📜 Etymology & Mnemonic Insight (六書 / Rikusho)
Radical: 止 (とめる (stop))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 8 strokes under radical 止.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 歩
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 歩 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 歩 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 歩 ("walk, counter for steps") is written with 8 strokes (8画) as a JLPT N4 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生)) intermediate multi-component Kanji (6–11 strokes) indexed under the 止 (とめる (stop)) radical. Written with 8 strokes, 歩 is an intermediate multi-component character built around the 止 (とめる (stop)) radical (Standalone / Integrated position). Establish the 止 component first in its quadrant so the remaining 6 strokes maintain balanced left-right or top-bottom proportions.
What are the Onyomi, Kunyomi, and Jukugo words for 歩?
For 歩 (JLPT N4), the Onyomi is ホ, ブ, フ and the Kunyomi is ある.く, あゆ.む. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ホ, ブ, フ) when 歩 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (ある.く, あゆ.む) when 歩 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 歩 includes 歩く (あるく (aruku) — walk), 歩む (あゆむ (ayumu) — walk).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 歩 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 8 strokes of 歩 (walk, counter for steps), 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 歩 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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