How to Write 質 (substance, quality, matter, temperament) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 15-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N4 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 5 (小学5年生)) character 質 (“substance, quality, matter, temperament”), indexed under the 貝 (かい (shell)) radical. Practice 質 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 質 (たち (tachi) — substance), 質す (ただす (tadasu) — substance).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (質)
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 N4). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (シツ, シチ, チ) when 質 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (たち, ただ.す, もと, わりふ) when 質 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (15画): At 15 strokes, 質 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 15 strokes fit inside the Genkō Yōshi margins.
📜 Etymology & Mnemonic Insight (六書 / Rikusho)
Radical: 貝 (かい (shell))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 15 strokes under radical 貝.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 質
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 質 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 質 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 質 ("substance, quality, matter, temperament") is written with 15 strokes (15画) as a JLPT N4 (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 15 strokes, 質 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 15 strokes fit inside the Genkō Yōshi margins.
What are the Onyomi, Kunyomi, and Jukugo words for 質?
For 質 (JLPT N4), the Onyomi is シツ, シチ, チ and the Kunyomi is たち, ただ.す, もと, わりふ. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (シツ, シチ, チ) when 質 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (たち, ただ.す, もと, わりふ) when 質 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 質 includes 質 (たち (tachi) — substance), 質す (ただす (tadasu) — substance).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 質 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 15 strokes of 質 (substance, quality, matter, temperament), 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 質 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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