How to Write 貿 (trade, exchange) — 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 貿 (“trade, exchange”), indexed under the 貝 (かい (shell)) radical. Practice 貿 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 貿 (ボウ / ぼう (bou) — trade).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (貿)
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 5 (小学5年生) (JLPT N2). 貿 is primarily read using its Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ボウ) inside formal Jukugo compound words rather than as a standalone Kunyomi stem.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (12画): At 12 strokes, 貿 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 貝 (かい (shell)) radical (Left (Hen / 偏) 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: 貝 (かい (shell))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 12 strokes under radical 貝.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 貿
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 貿 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 貿 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 貿 ("trade, exchange") 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 貝 (かい (shell)) radical. At 12 strokes, 貿 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 貝 (かい (shell)) radical (Left (Hen / 偏) 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 貿?
For 貿 (JLPT N2), the Onyomi is ボウ and the Kunyomi is —. 貿 is primarily read using its Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ボウ) inside formal Jukugo compound words rather than as a standalone Kunyomi stem. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 貿 includes 貿 (ボウ / ぼう (bou) — trade).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 貿 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 12 strokes of 貿 (trade, exchange), 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 貿 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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