How to Write 謎 (riddle, puzzle, mystery) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 16-stroke writing sequence of the Jōyō Kanji (Jōyō Kanji (常用漢字)) character 謎 (“riddle, puzzle, mystery”), indexed under the 謎 (—) radical. Practice 謎 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 謎解き (なぞとき (nazotoki) — solving a mystery / riddle).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (謎)
Primary Radical (部首): 謎 — —
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Jōyō Kanji (常用漢字) (Jōyō Kanji). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (メイ) when 謎 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (なぞ) when 謎 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (16画): At 16 strokes, 謎 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 謎 (—) radical slim and space internal horizontal strokes evenly so all 16 strokes fit inside the Genkō Yōshi margins.
📜 Etymology & Mnemonic Insight (六書 / Rikusho)
Radical: 部首
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 16 strokes under radical 部首.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 謎
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 謎 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 謎 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 謎 ("riddle, puzzle, mystery") is written with 16 strokes (16画) as a Jōyō Kanji (Jōyō Kanji (常用漢字)) high-density multi-component Kanji (12+ strokes) indexed under the 謎 (—) radical. At 16 strokes, 謎 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 謎 (—) radical slim and space internal horizontal strokes evenly so all 16 strokes fit inside the Genkō Yōshi margins.
What are the Onyomi, Kunyomi, and Jukugo words for 謎?
For 謎 (Jōyō Kanji), the Onyomi is メイ and the Kunyomi is なぞ. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (メイ) when 謎 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (なぞ) when 謎 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 謎 includes 謎解き (なぞとき (nazotoki) — solving a mystery / riddle).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 謎 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 16 strokes of 謎 (riddle, puzzle, mystery), start with the 謎 (—) and follow standard Japanese Hitsujun (筆順) principles: top to bottom (上から下) and left to right (左から右). Practice 謎 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
More Jōyō Kanji Characters to Practice Next
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