How to Write 由 (wherefore, a reason) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 5-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N3 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 3 (小学3年生)) character 由 (“wherefore, a reason”), indexed under the 田 (た (rice field)) radical. Practice 由 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 由 (よし (yoshi) — wherefore), 由る (よる (yoru) — wherefore).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (由)
Primary Radical (部首): 田 — た (rice field)
Radical Position: Standalone / Integrated (部首)
Semantic Theme: Radical 田
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 3 (小学3年生) (JLPT N3). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ユ, ユウ, ユイ) when 由 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (よし, よ.る) when 由 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (5画): With only 5 strokes, 由 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 田 (た (rice field)) 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: 田 (た (rice field))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 5 strokes under radical 田.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 由
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 由 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 由 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 由 ("wherefore, a reason") is written with 5 strokes (5画) as a JLPT N3 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 3 (小学3年生)) foundational low-stroke shape (1–5 strokes) indexed under the 田 (た (rice field)) radical. With only 5 strokes, 由 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 田 (た (rice field)) 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 由?
For 由 (JLPT N3), the Onyomi is ユ, ユウ, ユイ and the Kunyomi is よし, よ.る. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ユ, ユウ, ユイ) when 由 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (よし, よ.る) when 由 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 由 includes 由 (よし (yoshi) — wherefore), 由る (よる (yoru) — wherefore).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 由 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 5 strokes of 由 (wherefore, a reason), start with the 田 (た (rice field)) 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 由 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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