How to Write 鉄 (iron) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 13-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N2 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 3 (小学3年生)) character 鉄 (“iron”), indexed under the 金 (かね / かねへん (metal/gold)) radical. Practice 鉄 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 鉄 (くろがね (kurogane) — iron).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (鉄)
Primary Radical (部首): 金 — かね / かねへん (metal/gold)
Radical Position: Left (Hen / 偏) (偏 (Hen))
Semantic Theme: Metals, coins, bells, tools, and mineral wealth
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 3 (小学3年生) (JLPT N2). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (テツ) when 鉄 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (くろがね) when 鉄 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (13画): At 13 strokes, 鉄 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 金 (かね / かねへん (metal/gold)) 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: 金 (かね / かねへん (metal/gold))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 13 strokes under radical 金.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 鉄
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 鉄 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 鉄 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 鉄 ("iron") is written with 13 strokes (13画) as a JLPT N2 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 3 (小学3年生)) high-density multi-component Kanji (12+ strokes) indexed under the 金 (かね / かねへん (metal/gold)) radical. At 13 strokes, 鉄 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 金 (かね / かねへん (metal/gold)) 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 鉄?
For 鉄 (JLPT N2), the Onyomi is テツ and the Kunyomi is くろがね. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (テツ) when 鉄 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (くろがね) when 鉄 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 鉄 includes 鉄 (くろがね (kurogane) — iron).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 鉄 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 13 strokes of 鉄 (iron), start with the 金 (かね / かねへん (metal/gold)) 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 鉄 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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