How to Write 番 (turn, number in a series) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 12-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N3 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生)) character 番 (“turn, number in a series”), indexed under the 田 (た (rice field)) radical. Practice 番 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 番い (つがい (tsugai) — turn).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (番)
Primary Radical (部首): 田 — た (rice field)
Radical Position: Standalone / Integrated (部首)
Semantic Theme: Radical 田
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生) (JLPT N3). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (バン) when 番 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (つが.い) when 番 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (12画): At 12 strokes, 番 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 田 (た (rice field)) 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: 田 (た (rice field))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 12 strokes under radical 田.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 番
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 番 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 番 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 番 ("turn, number in a series") is written with 12 strokes (12画) as a JLPT N3 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生)) high-density multi-component Kanji (12+ strokes) indexed under the 田 (た (rice field)) radical. At 12 strokes, 番 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 田 (た (rice field)) 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 番?
For 番 (JLPT N3), the Onyomi is バン and the Kunyomi is つが.い. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (バン) when 番 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (つが.い) when 番 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 番 includes 番い (つがい (tsugai) — turn).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 番 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 12 strokes of 番 (turn, number in a series), 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 番 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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