How to Write 遅 (slow, late, back, later) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 12-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N3 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 8 (小学8年生)) character 遅 (“slow, late, back, later”), indexed under the 辵 (しんにょう (road/advance)) radical. Practice 遅 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 遅れる (おくれる (okureru) — slow), 遅らす (おくらす (okurasu) — slow).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (遅)
Primary Radical (部首): 辵 — しんにょう (road/advance)
Radical Position: Wrapping (Nyō / 繞) (繞 (Nyō))
Semantic Theme: Walking, movement, travel, progression, and distance
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 8 (小学8年生) (JLPT N3). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (チ) when 遅 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (おく.れる, おく.らす, おそ.い) when 遅 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (12画): At 12 strokes, 遅 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 辵 (しんにょう (road/advance)) radical (Wrapping (Nyō / 繞) 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: 辵 (しんにょう (road/advance))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 12 strokes under radical 辵.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 遅
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 遅 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 遅 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 遅 ("slow, late, back, later") is written with 12 strokes (12画) as a JLPT N3 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 8 (小学8年生)) high-density multi-component Kanji (12+ strokes) indexed under the 辵 (しんにょう (road/advance)) radical. At 12 strokes, 遅 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 辵 (しんにょう (road/advance)) radical (Wrapping (Nyō / 繞) 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 遅?
For 遅 (JLPT N3), the Onyomi is チ and the Kunyomi is おく.れる, おく.らす, おそ.い. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (チ) when 遅 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (おく.れる, おく.らす, おそ.い) when 遅 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 遅 includes 遅れる (おくれる (okureru) — slow), 遅らす (おくらす (okurasu) — slow).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 遅 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 12 strokes of 遅 (slow, late, back, later), start with the 辵 (しんにょう (road/advance)) in the Wrapping (Nyō / 繞) (繞 (Nyō)) 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 遅 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
More JLPT N3 Characters to Practice Next
View Full JLPT N3 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!