How to Write 用 (utilize, business, service, use, employ) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 5-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N4 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生)) character 用 (“utilize, business, service, use, employ”), indexed under the 用 (もちいる (use)) radical. Practice 用 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 用いる (もちいる (mochiiru) — utilize).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (用)
Primary Radical (部首): 用 — もちいる (use)
Radical Position: Standalone / Integrated (部首)
Semantic Theme: Radical 用
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生) (JLPT N4). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ヨウ) when 用 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (もち.いる) when 用 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (5画): With only 5 strokes, 用 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 用 (もちいる (use)) 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: 用 (もちいる (use))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 5 strokes under radical 用.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 用
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 用 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 用 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 用 ("utilize, business, service, use, employ") is written with 5 strokes (5画) as a JLPT N4 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生)) foundational low-stroke shape (1–5 strokes) indexed under the 用 (もちいる (use)) radical. With only 5 strokes, 用 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 用 (もちいる (use)) 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 用?
For 用 (JLPT N4), the Onyomi is ヨウ and the Kunyomi is もち.いる. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ヨウ) when 用 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (もち.いる) when 用 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 用 includes 用いる (もちいる (mochiiru) — utilize).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 用 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 5 strokes of 用 (utilize, business, service, use, employ), start with the 用 (もちいる (use)) 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 用 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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