How to Write 起 (rouse, wake up, get up) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 10-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N4 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 3 (小学3年生)) character 起 (“rouse, wake up, get up”), indexed under the 走 (はしる / そうにょう (run)) radical. Practice 起 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 起きる (おきる (okiru) — rouse), 起こる (おこる (okoru) — rouse).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (起)
Primary Radical (部首): 走 — はしる / そうにょう (run)
Radical Position: Standalone / Integrated (部首)
Semantic Theme: Radical 走
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 3 (小学3年生) (JLPT N4). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (キ) when 起 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (お.きる, お.こる, お.こす, おこ.す, た.つ) when 起 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (10画): Written with 10 strokes, 起 is an intermediate multi-component character built around the 走 (はしる / そうにょう (run)) radical (Standalone / Integrated position). Establish the 走 component first in its quadrant so the remaining 8 strokes maintain balanced left-right or top-bottom proportions.
📜 Etymology & Mnemonic Insight (六書 / Rikusho)
Radical: 走 (はしる / そうにょう (run))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 10 strokes under radical 走.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 起
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 起 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 起 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 起 ("rouse, wake up, get up") is written with 10 strokes (10画) as a JLPT N4 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 3 (小学3年生)) intermediate multi-component Kanji (6–11 strokes) indexed under the 走 (はしる / そうにょう (run)) radical. Written with 10 strokes, 起 is an intermediate multi-component character built around the 走 (はしる / そうにょう (run)) radical (Standalone / Integrated position). Establish the 走 component first in its quadrant so the remaining 8 strokes maintain balanced left-right or top-bottom proportions.
What are the Onyomi, Kunyomi, and Jukugo words for 起?
For 起 (JLPT N4), the Onyomi is キ and the Kunyomi is お.きる, お.こる, お.こす, おこ.す, た.つ. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (キ) when 起 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (お.きる, お.こる, お.こす, おこ.す, た.つ) when 起 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 起 includes 起きる (おきる (okiru) — rouse), 起こる (おこる (okoru) — rouse).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 起 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 10 strokes of 起 (rouse, wake up, get up), start with the 走 (はしる / そうにょう (run)) 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 起 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
More JLPT N4 Characters to Practice Next
View Full JLPT N4 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!