How to Write 示 (show, indicate, point out, express, display) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 5-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N3 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 5 (小学5年生)) character 示 (“show, indicate, point out, express, display”), indexed under the 示 (しめす / しめすへん (altar/show)) radical. Practice 示 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 示す (しめす (shimesu) — show).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (示)
Primary Radical (部首): 示 — しめす / しめすへん (altar/show)
Radical Position: Standalone / Integrated (部首)
Semantic Theme: Radical 示
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 5 (小学5年生) (JLPT N3). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ジ, シ) when 示 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (しめ.す) when 示 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (5画): With only 5 strokes, 示 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 示 (しめす / しめすへん (altar/show)) 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: 示 (しめす / しめすへん (altar/show))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 5 strokes under radical 示.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 示
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 示 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 示 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 示 ("show, indicate, point out, express, display") is written with 5 strokes (5画) as a JLPT N3 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 5 (小学5年生)) foundational low-stroke shape (1–5 strokes) indexed under the 示 (しめす / しめすへん (altar/show)) radical. With only 5 strokes, 示 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 示 (しめす / しめすへん (altar/show)) 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 示?
For 示 (JLPT N3), the Onyomi is ジ, シ and the Kunyomi is しめ.す. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ジ, シ) when 示 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (しめ.す) when 示 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 示 includes 示す (しめす (shimesu) — show).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 示 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 5 strokes of 示 (show, indicate, point out, express, display), start with the 示 (しめす / しめすへん (altar/show)) 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 示 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
More JLPT N3 Characters to Practice Next
View Full JLPT N3 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!