How to Write 距 (long-distance, spur, fetlock) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 12-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N1 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 8 (小学8年生)) character 距 (“long-distance, spur, fetlock”), indexed under the 足 (あし (foot)) radical. Practice 距 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 距たる (へだたる (hedataru) — long-distance), 距 (けづめ (kezume) — long-distance).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (距)
Primary Radical (部首): 足 — あし (foot)
Radical Position: Left (Hen / 偏) (偏 (Hen))
Semantic Theme: Feet, legs, walking, running, kicking, and steps
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 8 (小学8年生) (JLPT N1). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (キョ) when 距 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (へだ.たる, けづめ) when 距 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (12画): At 12 strokes, 距 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 足 (あし (foot)) 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: 足 (あし (foot))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 12 strokes under radical 足.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 距
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 距 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 距 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 距 ("long-distance, spur, fetlock") is written with 12 strokes (12画) as a JLPT N1 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 8 (小学8年生)) high-density multi-component Kanji (12+ strokes) indexed under the 足 (あし (foot)) radical. At 12 strokes, 距 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 足 (あし (foot)) 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 距?
For 距 (JLPT N1), the Onyomi is キョ and the Kunyomi is へだ.たる, けづめ. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (キョ) when 距 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (へだ.たる, けづめ) when 距 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 距 includes 距たる (へだたる (hedataru) — long-distance), 距 (けづめ (kezume) — long-distance).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 距 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 12 strokes of 距 (long-distance, spur, fetlock), start with the 足 (あし (foot)) 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 距 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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