How to Write 較 (contrast, compare) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 13-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N1 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 8 (小学8年生)) character 較 (“contrast, compare”), indexed under the 車 (くるま (cart/car)) radical. Practice 較 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 較べる (くらべる (kuraberu) — contrast).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (較)
Primary Radical (部首): 車 — くるま (cart/car)
Radical Position: Left (Hen / 偏) (偏 (Hen))
Semantic Theme: Carts, wagons, vehicles, wheels, and transport
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 8 (小学8年生) (JLPT N1). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (カク, コウ) when 較 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (くら.べる) when 較 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (13画): At 13 strokes, 較 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 車 (くるま (cart/car)) 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)
車 (meaning) + 交 (sound コウ)
Derived from the meaning radical 車 (くるま (cart/car)) and the phonetic component 交, giving the on-reading コウ.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 較
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 較 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 較 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 較 ("contrast, compare") is written with 13 strokes (13画) as a JLPT N1 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 8 (小学8年生)) high-density multi-component Kanji (12+ strokes) indexed under the 車 (くるま (cart/car)) radical. At 13 strokes, 較 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 車 (くるま (cart/car)) 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 較?
For 較 (JLPT N1), the Onyomi is カク, コウ and the Kunyomi is くら.べる. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (カク, コウ) when 較 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (くら.べる) when 較 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 較 includes 較べる (くらべる (kuraberu) — contrast).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 較 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 13 strokes of 較 (contrast, compare), start with the 車 (くるま (cart/car)) 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 較 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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