How to Write 継 (inherit, succeed, continue, patch, graft (tree)) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 13-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N1 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 8 (小学8年生)) character 継 (“inherit, succeed, continue, patch, graft (tree)”), indexed under the 糸 (いと / いとへん (silk/thread)) radical. Practice 継 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 継ぐ (つぐ (tsugu) — inherit), 継 (まま (mama) — inherit).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (継)
Primary Radical (部首): 糸 — いと / いとへん (silk/thread)
Radical Position: Left (Hen / 偏) (偏 (Hen))
Semantic Theme: Silk, threads, textiles, weaving, and connecting ties
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 8 (小学8年生) (JLPT N1). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ケイ) when 継 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (つ.ぐ, まま-) when 継 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (13画): At 13 strokes, 継 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 糸 (いと / いとへん (silk/thread)) radical (Left (Hen / 偏) position) slim and space internal horizontal strokes evenly so all 13 strokes fit inside the Genkō Yōshi margins.
📜 Etymology & Mnemonic Insight (六書 / Rikusho)
Radical: 糸 (いと / いとへん (silk/thread))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 13 strokes under radical 糸.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 継
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 継 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 継 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 継 ("inherit, succeed, continue, patch, graft (tree)") is written with 13 strokes (13画) as a JLPT N1 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 8 (小学8年生)) high-density multi-component Kanji (12+ strokes) indexed under the 糸 (いと / いとへん (silk/thread)) radical. At 13 strokes, 継 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 糸 (いと / いとへん (silk/thread)) radical (Left (Hen / 偏) position) slim and space internal horizontal strokes evenly so all 13 strokes fit inside the Genkō Yōshi margins.
What are the Onyomi, Kunyomi, and Jukugo words for 継?
For 継 (JLPT N1), the Onyomi is ケイ and the Kunyomi is つ.ぐ, まま-. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ケイ) when 継 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (つ.ぐ, まま-) when 継 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 継 includes 継ぐ (つぐ (tsugu) — inherit), 継 (まま (mama) — inherit).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 継 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 13 strokes of 継 (inherit, succeed, continue, patch, graft (tree)), start with the 糸 (いと / いとへん (silk/thread)) 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 継 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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