How to Write 歴 (curriculum, continuation, passage of time) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 14-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N2 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 5 (小学5年生)) character 歴 (“curriculum, continuation, passage of time”), indexed under the 止 (とめる (stop)) radical. Practice 歴 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 歴 (レキ / れき (reki) — curriculum).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (歴)
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 5 (小学5年生) (JLPT N2). 歴 is primarily read using its Sino-Japanese Onyomi (レキ, レッキ) inside formal Jukugo compound words rather than as a standalone Kunyomi stem.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (14画): At 14 strokes, 歴 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 14 strokes fit inside the Genkō Yōshi margins.
📜 Etymology & Mnemonic Insight (六書 / Rikusho)
Radical: 止 (とめる (stop))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 14 strokes under radical 止.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 歴
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 歴 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 歴 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 歴 ("curriculum, continuation, passage of time") is written with 14 strokes (14画) as a JLPT N2 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 5 (小学5年生)) high-density multi-component Kanji (12+ strokes) indexed under the 止 (とめる (stop)) radical. At 14 strokes, 歴 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 14 strokes fit inside the Genkō Yōshi margins.
What are the Onyomi, Kunyomi, and Jukugo words for 歴?
For 歴 (JLPT N2), the Onyomi is レキ, レッキ and the Kunyomi is —. 歴 is primarily read using its Sino-Japanese Onyomi (レキ, レッキ) inside formal Jukugo compound words rather than as a standalone Kunyomi stem. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 歴 includes 歴 (レキ / れき (reki) — curriculum).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 歴 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 14 strokes of 歴 (curriculum, continuation, passage of time), 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 歴 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
More JLPT N2 Characters to Practice Next
View Full JLPT N2 Kanji List →Unlock All 2,000+ JLPT N5–N1 Kanji, AI Sensei & Unlimited Genkō Yōshi PDF Books
Get lifetime access to all 2,136 Jōyō Kanji (JLPT N5–N1), AI Kanji Sensei mnemonics, and unlimited Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheets for a one-time payment of $17.99 USD (10% OFF the $19.99 Lifetime Pro Pass with promo code KANJI10). Zero monthly subscriptions!