How to Write 貝 (shellfish) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 7-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N2 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 1 (小学1年生)) character 貝 (“shellfish”), indexed under the 貝 (かい (shell)) radical. Practice 貝 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 貝 (かい (kai) — shellfish).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (貝)
Primary Radical (部首): 貝 — かい (shell)
Radical Position: Left (Hen / 偏) (偏 (Hen))
Semantic Theme: Ancient cowrie money, commerce, buying, and wealth
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 1 (小学1年生) (JLPT N2). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (バイ) when 貝 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (かい) when 貝 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (7画): Written with 7 strokes, 貝 is an intermediate multi-component character built around the 貝 (かい (shell)) radical (Left (Hen / 偏) position). Establish the 貝 component first in its quadrant so the remaining 5 strokes maintain balanced left-right or top-bottom proportions.
📜 Etymology & Mnemonic Insight (六書 / Rikusho)
Radical: 貝 (かい (shell))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 7 strokes under radical 貝.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 貝
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 貝 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 貝 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 貝 ("shellfish") is written with 7 strokes (7画) as a JLPT N2 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 1 (小学1年生)) intermediate multi-component Kanji (6–11 strokes) indexed under the 貝 (かい (shell)) radical. Written with 7 strokes, 貝 is an intermediate multi-component character built around the 貝 (かい (shell)) radical (Left (Hen / 偏) position). Establish the 貝 component first in its quadrant so the remaining 5 strokes maintain balanced left-right or top-bottom proportions.
What are the Onyomi, Kunyomi, and Jukugo words for 貝?
For 貝 (JLPT N2), the Onyomi is バイ and the Kunyomi is かい. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (バイ) when 貝 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (かい) when 貝 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 貝 includes 貝 (かい (kai) — shellfish).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 貝 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 7 strokes of 貝 (shellfish), start with the 貝 (かい (shell)) 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 貝 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
More JLPT N2 Characters to Practice Next
View Full JLPT N2 Kanji List →Unlock All 2,000+ JLPT N5–N1 Kanji, AI Sensei & Unlimited Genkō Yōshi PDF Books
Get lifetime access to all 2,136 Jōyō Kanji (JLPT N5–N1), AI Kanji Sensei mnemonics, and unlimited Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheets for a one-time payment of $17.99 USD (10% OFF the $19.99 Lifetime Pro Pass with promo code KANJI10). Zero monthly subscriptions!