How to Write 路 (path, route, road, distance) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 13-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N3 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 3 (小学3年生)) character 路 (“path, route, road, distance”), indexed under the 足 (あし (foot)) radical. Practice 路 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 路 (じ (ji) — path), 路 (みち (michi) — path).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (路)
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 3 (小学3年生) (JLPT N3). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ロ, ル) when 路 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (-じ, みち) when 路 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (13画): At 13 strokes, 路 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 13 strokes fit inside the Genkō Yōshi margins.
📜 Etymology & Mnemonic Insight (六書 / Rikusho)
Radical: 足 (あし (foot))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 13 strokes under radical 足.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 路
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 路 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 路 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 路 ("path, route, road, distance") is written with 13 strokes (13画) as a JLPT N3 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 3 (小学3年生)) high-density multi-component Kanji (12+ strokes) indexed under the 足 (あし (foot)) radical. At 13 strokes, 路 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 13 strokes fit inside the Genkō Yōshi margins.
What are the Onyomi, Kunyomi, and Jukugo words for 路?
For 路 (JLPT N3), the Onyomi is ロ, ル and the Kunyomi is -じ, みち. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ロ, ル) when 路 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (-じ, みち) when 路 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 路 includes 路 (じ (ji) — path), 路 (みち (michi) — path).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 路 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 13 strokes of 路 (path, route, road, distance), 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 路 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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