How to Write 知 (know, wisdom) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 8-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N4 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生)) character 知 (“know, wisdom”), indexed under the 矢 (や (arrow)) radical. Practice 知 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 知る (しる (shiru) — know), 知らせる (しらせる (shiraseru) — know).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (知)
Primary Radical (部首): 矢 — や (arrow)
Radical Position: Standalone / Integrated (部首)
Semantic Theme: Radical 矢
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生) (JLPT N4). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (チ) when 知 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (し.る, し.らせる) when 知 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (8画): Written with 8 strokes, 知 is an intermediate multi-component character built around the 矢 (や (arrow)) radical (Standalone / Integrated position). Establish the 矢 component first in its quadrant so the remaining 6 strokes maintain balanced left-right or top-bottom proportions.
📜 Etymology & Mnemonic Insight (六書 / Rikusho)
Radical: 矢 (や (arrow))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 8 strokes under radical 矢.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 知
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 知 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 知 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 知 ("know, wisdom") is written with 8 strokes (8画) as a JLPT N4 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生)) intermediate multi-component Kanji (6–11 strokes) indexed under the 矢 (や (arrow)) radical. Written with 8 strokes, 知 is an intermediate multi-component character built around the 矢 (や (arrow)) radical (Standalone / Integrated position). Establish the 矢 component first in its quadrant so the remaining 6 strokes maintain balanced left-right or top-bottom proportions.
What are the Onyomi, Kunyomi, and Jukugo words for 知?
For 知 (JLPT N4), the Onyomi is チ and the Kunyomi is し.る, し.らせる. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (チ) when 知 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (し.る, し.らせる) when 知 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 知 includes 知る (しる (shiru) — know), 知らせる (しらせる (shiraseru) — know).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 知 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 8 strokes of 知 (know, wisdom), start with the 矢 (や (arrow)) 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 知 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
More JLPT N4 Characters to Practice Next
View Full JLPT N4 Kanji List →Unlock All 2,000+ JLPT N5–N1 Kanji, AI Sensei & Unlimited Genkō Yōshi PDF Books
Get lifetime access to all 2,136 Jōyō Kanji (JLPT N5–N1), AI Kanji Sensei mnemonics, and unlimited Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheets for a one-time payment of $17.99 USD (10% OFF the $19.99 Lifetime Pro Pass with promo code KANJI10). Zero monthly subscriptions!