How to Write 記 (scribe, account, narrative) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 10-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N3 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生)) character 記 (“scribe, account, narrative”), indexed under the 言 (ことば / ごんべん (word/speech)) radical. Practice 記 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 記す (しるす (shirusu) — scribe).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (記)
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 N3). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (キ) when 記 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (しる.す) when 記 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (10画): Written with 10 strokes, 記 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 8 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 10 strokes under radical 言.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 記
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 記 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 記 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 記 ("scribe, account, narrative") is written with 10 strokes (10画) as a JLPT N3 (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 10 strokes, 記 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 8 strokes maintain balanced left-right or top-bottom proportions.
What are the Onyomi, Kunyomi, and Jukugo words for 記?
For 記 (JLPT N3), the Onyomi is キ and the Kunyomi is しる.す. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (キ) when 記 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (しる.す) when 記 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 記 includes 記す (しるす (shirusu) — scribe).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 記 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 10 strokes of 記 (scribe, account, narrative), 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 記 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
More JLPT N3 Characters to Practice Next
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