How to Write 穴 (hole, aperture, slit, cave, den) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 5-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N1 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 6 (小学6年生)) character 穴 (“hole, aperture, slit, cave, den”), indexed under the 穴 (あな / あなかんむり (cave/hole)) radical. Practice 穴 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 穴 (あな (ana) — hole).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (穴)
Primary Radical (部首): 穴 — あな / あなかんむり (cave/hole)
Radical Position: Standalone / Integrated (部首)
Semantic Theme: Radical 穴
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 6 (小学6年生) (JLPT N1). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ケツ) when 穴 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (あな) when 穴 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (5画): With only 5 strokes, 穴 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 穴 (あな / あなかんむり (cave/hole)) 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: 穴 (あな / あなかんむり (cave/hole))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 5 strokes under radical 穴.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 穴
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 穴 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 穴 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 穴 ("hole, aperture, slit, cave, den") is written with 5 strokes (5画) as a JLPT N1 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 6 (小学6年生)) foundational low-stroke shape (1–5 strokes) indexed under the 穴 (あな / あなかんむり (cave/hole)) radical. With only 5 strokes, 穴 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 穴 (あな / あなかんむり (cave/hole)) 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 穴?
For 穴 (JLPT N1), the Onyomi is ケツ and the Kunyomi is あな. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ケツ) when 穴 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (あな) when 穴 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 穴 includes 穴 (あな (ana) — hole).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 穴 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 5 strokes of 穴 (hole, aperture, slit, cave, den), start with the 穴 (あな / あなかんむり (cave/hole)) 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 穴 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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