How to Write 目 (eye, class, look, insight) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 5-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N5 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 1 (小学1年生)) character 目 (“eye, class, look, insight”), indexed under the 目 (め (eye)) radical. Practice 目 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 目 (め (me) — eye), 目的 (もくてき (mokuteki) — purpose / goal).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (目)
Primary Radical (部首): 目 — め (eye)
Radical Position: Left (Hen / 偏) (偏 (Hen))
Semantic Theme: Eyes, watching, sleeping, vision, and gaze
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 1 (小学1年生) (JLPT N5). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (モク) when 目 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (め) when 目 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (5画): With only 5 strokes, 目 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 目 (め (eye)) structure (Left (Hen / 偏) 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: 目 (め (eye))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 5 strokes under radical 目.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 目
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 目 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 目 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 目 ("eye, class, look, insight") is written with 5 strokes (5画) as a JLPT N5 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 1 (小学1年生)) foundational low-stroke shape (1–5 strokes) indexed under the 目 (め (eye)) radical. With only 5 strokes, 目 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 目 (め (eye)) structure (Left (Hen / 偏) 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 目?
For 目 (JLPT N5), the Onyomi is モク and the Kunyomi is め. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (モク) when 目 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (め) when 目 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 目 includes 目 (め (me) — eye), 目的 (もくてき (mokuteki) — purpose / goal).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 目 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 5 strokes of 目 (eye, class, look, insight), start with the 目 (め (eye)) in the Left (Hen / 偏) (偏 (Hen)) 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 目 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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