How to Write 鍵 (key, lock, piano key) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 17-stroke writing sequence of the Jōyō Kanji (Jōyō Kanji (常用漢字)) character 鍵 (“key, lock, piano key”), indexed under the 鍵 (—) radical. Practice 鍵 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 部屋の鍵 (へやのかぎ (heya no kagi) — room key).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (鍵)
Primary Radical (部首): 鍵 — —
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Jōyō Kanji (常用漢字) (Jōyō Kanji). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ケン) when 鍵 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (かぎ) when 鍵 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (17画): At 17 strokes, 鍵 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 鍵 (—) radical slim and space internal horizontal strokes evenly so all 17 strokes fit inside the Genkō Yōshi margins.
📜 Etymology & Mnemonic Insight (六書 / Rikusho)
Radical: 部首
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 17 strokes under radical 部首.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 鍵
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 鍵 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 鍵 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 鍵 ("key, lock, piano key") is written with 17 strokes (17画) as a Jōyō Kanji (Jōyō Kanji (常用漢字)) high-density multi-component Kanji (12+ strokes) indexed under the 鍵 (—) radical. At 17 strokes, 鍵 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 鍵 (—) radical slim and space internal horizontal strokes evenly so all 17 strokes fit inside the Genkō Yōshi margins.
What are the Onyomi, Kunyomi, and Jukugo words for 鍵?
For 鍵 (Jōyō Kanji), the Onyomi is ケン and the Kunyomi is かぎ. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ケン) when 鍵 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (かぎ) when 鍵 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 鍵 includes 部屋の鍵 (へやのかぎ (heya no kagi) — room key).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 鍵 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 17 strokes of 鍵 (key, lock, piano key), start with the 鍵 (—) and follow standard Japanese Hitsujun (筆順) principles: top to bottom (上から下) and left to right (左から右). Practice 鍵 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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