How to Write 試 (test, try, attempt, experiment, ordeal) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 13-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N4 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 4 (小学4年生)) character 試 (“test, try, attempt, experiment, ordeal”), indexed under the 言 (ことば / ごんべん (word/speech)) radical. Practice 試 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 試みる (こころみる (kokoromiru) — test), 試す (ためす (tamesu) — test).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (試)
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 4 (小学4年生) (JLPT N4). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (シ) when 試 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (こころ.みる, ため.す) when 試 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (13画): At 13 strokes, 試 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 言 (ことば / ごんべん (word/speech)) 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: 言 (ことば / ごんべん (word/speech))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 13 strokes under radical 言.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 試
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 試 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 試 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 試 ("test, try, attempt, experiment, ordeal") is written with 13 strokes (13画) as a JLPT N4 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 4 (小学4年生)) high-density multi-component Kanji (12+ strokes) indexed under the 言 (ことば / ごんべん (word/speech)) radical. At 13 strokes, 試 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 言 (ことば / ごんべん (word/speech)) 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 試?
For 試 (JLPT N4), the Onyomi is シ and the Kunyomi is こころ.みる, ため.す. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (シ) when 試 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (こころ.みる, ため.す) when 試 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 試 includes 試みる (こころみる (kokoromiru) — test), 試す (ためす (tamesu) — test).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 試 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 13 strokes of 試 (test, try, attempt, experiment, ordeal), 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 試 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
More JLPT N4 Characters to Practice Next
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