How to Write 語 (word, speech, language) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 14-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N5 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生)) character 語 (“word, speech, language”), indexed under the 言 (ごんべん (speech)) radical. Practice 語 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 日本語 (にほんご (nihongo) — Japanese language), 英語 (えいご (eigo) — English language), 単語 (たんご (tango) — vocabulary).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (語)
Primary Radical (部首): 言 — ごんべん (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 N5). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ゴ) when 語 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (かた.る, かた.らう) when 語 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (14画): At 14 strokes, 語 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 言 (ごんべん (speech)) radical (Left (Hen / 偏) position) slim and space internal horizontal strokes evenly so all 14 strokes fit inside the Genkō Yōshi margins.
📜 Etymology & Mnemonic Insight (六書 / Rikusho)
Radical: 言 (ごんべん (speech))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 14 strokes under radical 言.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 語
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 語 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 語 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 語 ("word, speech, language") is written with 14 strokes (14画) as a JLPT N5 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生)) high-density multi-component Kanji (12+ strokes) indexed under the 言 (ごんべん (speech)) radical. At 14 strokes, 語 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 言 (ごんべん (speech)) radical (Left (Hen / 偏) position) slim and space internal horizontal strokes evenly so all 14 strokes fit inside the Genkō Yōshi margins.
What are the Onyomi, Kunyomi, and Jukugo words for 語?
For 語 (JLPT N5), the Onyomi is ゴ and the Kunyomi is かた.る, かた.らう. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ゴ) when 語 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (かた.る, かた.らう) when 語 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 語 includes 日本語 (にほんご (nihongo) — Japanese language), 英語 (えいご (eigo) — English language), 単語 (たんご (tango) — vocabulary).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 語 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 14 strokes of 語 (word, speech, language), start with the 言 (ごんべん (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 語 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
More JLPT N5 Characters to Practice Next
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