How to Write 簡 (simplicity, brevity) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 18-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N2 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 6 (小学6年生)) character 簡 (“simplicity, brevity”), indexed under the 竹 (たけ / たけかんむり (bamboo)) radical. Practice 簡 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 簡ぶ (えらぶ (erabu) — simplicity), 簡 (ふだ (fuda) — simplicity).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (簡)
Primary Radical (部首): 竹 — たけ / たけかんむり (bamboo)
Radical Position: Top (Kanmuri / 冠) (冠 (Kanmuri))
Semantic Theme: Bamboo, flutes, scrolls, baskets, and writing brushes
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 6 (小学6年生) (JLPT N2). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (カン, ケン) when 簡 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (えら.ぶ, ふだ) when 簡 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (18画): At 18 strokes, 簡 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 竹 (たけ / たけかんむり (bamboo)) radical (Top (Kanmuri / 冠) position) slim and space internal horizontal strokes evenly so all 18 strokes fit inside the Genkō Yōshi margins.
📜 Etymology & Mnemonic Insight (六書 / Rikusho)
Radical: 竹 (たけ / たけかんむり (bamboo))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 18 strokes under radical 竹.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 簡
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 簡 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 簡 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 簡 ("simplicity, brevity") is written with 18 strokes (18画) as a JLPT N2 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 6 (小学6年生)) high-density multi-component Kanji (12+ strokes) indexed under the 竹 (たけ / たけかんむり (bamboo)) radical. At 18 strokes, 簡 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 竹 (たけ / たけかんむり (bamboo)) radical (Top (Kanmuri / 冠) position) slim and space internal horizontal strokes evenly so all 18 strokes fit inside the Genkō Yōshi margins.
What are the Onyomi, Kunyomi, and Jukugo words for 簡?
For 簡 (JLPT N2), the Onyomi is カン, ケン and the Kunyomi is えら.ぶ, ふだ. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (カン, ケン) when 簡 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (えら.ぶ, ふだ) when 簡 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 簡 includes 簡ぶ (えらぶ (erabu) — simplicity), 簡 (ふだ (fuda) — simplicity).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 簡 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 18 strokes of 簡 (simplicity, brevity), start with the 竹 (たけ / たけかんむり (bamboo)) in the Top (Kanmuri / 冠) (冠 (Kanmuri)) 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 簡 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
More JLPT N2 Characters to Practice Next
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