How to Write 購 (subscription, buy) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 17-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N1 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 8 (小学8年生)) character 購 (“subscription, buy”), indexed under the 貝 (かい (shell)) radical. Practice 購 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 購 (コウ / こう (kou) — subscription).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (購)
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 8 (小学8年生) (JLPT N1). 購 is primarily read using its Sino-Japanese Onyomi (コウ) inside formal Jukugo compound words rather than as a standalone Kunyomi stem.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (17画): At 17 strokes, 購 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 17 strokes fit inside the Genkō Yōshi margins.
📜 Etymology & Mnemonic Insight (六書 / Rikusho)
Radical: 貝 (かい (shell))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 17 strokes under radical 貝.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 購
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 購 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 購 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 購 ("subscription, buy") is written with 17 strokes (17画) as a JLPT N1 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 8 (小学8年生)) high-density multi-component Kanji (12+ strokes) indexed under the 貝 (かい (shell)) radical. At 17 strokes, 購 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 17 strokes fit inside the Genkō Yōshi margins.
What are the Onyomi, Kunyomi, and Jukugo words for 購?
For 購 (JLPT N1), the Onyomi is コウ and the Kunyomi is —. 購 is primarily read using its Sino-Japanese Onyomi (コウ) inside formal Jukugo compound words rather than as a standalone Kunyomi stem. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 購 includes 購 (コウ / こう (kou) — subscription).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 購 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 17 strokes of 購 (subscription, buy), 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 購 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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