How to Write 象 (elephant, pattern after, imitate, image, shape) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 12-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N2 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 5 (小学5年生)) character 象 (“elephant, pattern after, imitate, image, shape”), indexed under the 豕 (いのこ (pig)) radical. Practice 象 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 象る (かたどる (katadoru) — elephant).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (象)
Primary Radical (部首): 豕 — いのこ (pig)
Radical Position: Standalone / Integrated (部首)
Semantic Theme: Radical 豕
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 5 (小学5年生) (JLPT N2). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ショウ, ゾウ) when 象 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (かたど.る) when 象 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (12画): At 12 strokes, 象 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 豕 (いのこ (pig)) radical (Standalone / Integrated position) slim and space internal horizontal strokes evenly so all 12 strokes fit inside the Genkō Yōshi margins.
📜 Etymology & Mnemonic Insight (六書 / Rikusho)
Radical: 豕 (いのこ (pig))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 12 strokes under radical 豕.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 象
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 象 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 象 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 象 ("elephant, pattern after, imitate, image, shape") is written with 12 strokes (12画) as a JLPT N2 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 5 (小学5年生)) high-density multi-component Kanji (12+ strokes) indexed under the 豕 (いのこ (pig)) radical. At 12 strokes, 象 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 豕 (いのこ (pig)) radical (Standalone / Integrated position) slim and space internal horizontal strokes evenly so all 12 strokes fit inside the Genkō Yōshi margins.
What are the Onyomi, Kunyomi, and Jukugo words for 象?
For 象 (JLPT N2), the Onyomi is ショウ, ゾウ and the Kunyomi is かたど.る. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ショウ, ゾウ) when 象 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (かたど.る) when 象 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 象 includes 象る (かたどる (katadoru) — elephant).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 象 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 12 strokes of 象 (elephant, pattern after, imitate, image, shape), start with the 豕 (いのこ (pig)) in the Standalone / Integrated (部首) 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 象 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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