How to Write 比 (compare, race, ratio, Philippines) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 4-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N2 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 5 (小学5年生)) character 比 (“compare, race, ratio, Philippines”), indexed under the 比 (くらべる (compare)) radical. Practice 比 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 比べる (くらべる (kuraberu) — compare).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (比)
Primary Radical (部首): 比 — くらべる (compare)
Radical Position: Standalone / Integrated (部首)
Semantic Theme: Radical 比
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 5 (小学5年生) (JLPT N2). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ヒ) when 比 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (くら.べる) when 比 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (4画): With only 4 strokes, 比 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 比 (くらべる (compare)) 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: 比 (くらべる (compare))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 4 strokes under radical 比.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 比
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 比 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 比 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 比 ("compare, race, ratio, Philippines") is written with 4 strokes (4画) as a JLPT N2 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 5 (小学5年生)) foundational low-stroke shape (1–5 strokes) indexed under the 比 (くらべる (compare)) radical. With only 4 strokes, 比 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 比 (くらべる (compare)) 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 比?
For 比 (JLPT N2), the Onyomi is ヒ and the Kunyomi is くら.べる. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ヒ) when 比 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (くら.べる) when 比 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 比 includes 比べる (くらべる (kuraberu) — compare).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 比 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 4 strokes of 比 (compare, race, ratio, Philippines), start with the 比 (くらべる (compare)) 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 比 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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