How to Write 歯 (tooth, cog) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 12-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N3 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 3 (小学3年生)) character 歯 (“tooth, cog”), indexed under the 止 (とめる (stop)) radical. Practice 歯 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 歯 (よわい (yowai) — tooth), 歯 (は (ha) — tooth).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (歯)
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 3 (小学3年生) (JLPT N3). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (シ) when 歯 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (よわい, は, よわ.い, よわい.する) when 歯 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (12画): At 12 strokes, 歯 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 止 (とめる (stop)) 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: 止 (とめる (stop))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 12 strokes under radical 止.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 歯
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 歯 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 歯 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 歯 ("tooth, cog") is written with 12 strokes (12画) as a JLPT N3 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 3 (小学3年生)) high-density multi-component Kanji (12+ strokes) indexed under the 止 (とめる (stop)) radical. At 12 strokes, 歯 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 止 (とめる (stop)) 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 歯?
For 歯 (JLPT N3), the Onyomi is シ and the Kunyomi is よわい, は, よわ.い, よわい.する. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (シ) when 歯 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (よわい, は, よわ.い, よわい.する) when 歯 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 歯 includes 歯 (よわい (yowai) — tooth), 歯 (は (ha) — tooth).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 歯 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 12 strokes of 歯 (tooth, cog), 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 歯 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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