How to Write 言 (say, word) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 7-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N4 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生)) character 言 (“say, word”), indexed under the 言 (ことば / ごんべん (word/speech)) radical. Practice 言 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 言う (いう (iu) — say), 言 (こと (koto) — say).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (言)
Primary Radical (部首): 言 — ことば / ごんべん (word/speech)
Radical Position: Left (Hen / 偏) (偏 (Hen))
Semantic Theme: Speech, words, language, plans, and dialogue
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生) (JLPT N4). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ゲン, ゴン) when 言 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (い.う, こと) when 言 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (7画): Written with 7 strokes, 言 is an intermediate multi-component character built around the 言 (ことば / ごんべん (word/speech)) radical (Left (Hen / 偏) position). Establish the 言 component first in its quadrant so the remaining 5 strokes maintain balanced left-right or top-bottom proportions.
📜 Etymology & Mnemonic Insight (六書 / Rikusho)
Radical: 言 (ことば / ごんべん (word/speech))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 7 strokes under radical 言.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 言
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 言 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 言 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 言 ("say, word") is written with 7 strokes (7画) as a JLPT N4 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生)) intermediate multi-component Kanji (6–11 strokes) indexed under the 言 (ことば / ごんべん (word/speech)) radical. Written with 7 strokes, 言 is an intermediate multi-component character built around the 言 (ことば / ごんべん (word/speech)) radical (Left (Hen / 偏) position). Establish the 言 component first in its quadrant so the remaining 5 strokes maintain balanced left-right or top-bottom proportions.
What are the Onyomi, Kunyomi, and Jukugo words for 言?
For 言 (JLPT N4), the Onyomi is ゲン, ゴン and the Kunyomi is い.う, こと. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ゲン, ゴン) when 言 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (い.う, こと) when 言 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 言 includes 言う (いう (iu) — say), 言 (こと (koto) — say).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 言 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 7 strokes of 言 (say, word), start with the 言 (ことば / ごんべん (word/speech)) 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 言 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!