How to Write 間 (interval, space, between) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 12-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N5 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生)) character 間 (“interval, space, between”), indexed under the 門 (もんがまえ (gate)) radical. Practice 間 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 間 (あいだ (aida) — between / space), 時間 (じかん (jikan) — time), 人間 (にんげん (ningen) — human being).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (間)
Primary Radical (部首): 門 — もんがまえ (gate)
Radical Position: Enclosure (Kamae / 構) (構 (Kamae))
Semantic Theme: Gates, doorways, rooms, entrances, and barriers
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生) (JLPT N5). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (カン, ケン) when 間 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (あいだ, ま) when 間 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (12画): At 12 strokes, 間 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 門 (もんがまえ (gate)) radical (Enclosure (Kamae / 構) 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: 門 (もんがまえ (gate))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 12 strokes under radical 門.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 間
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 間 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 間 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 間 ("interval, space, between") is written with 12 strokes (12画) as a JLPT N5 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生)) high-density multi-component Kanji (12+ strokes) indexed under the 門 (もんがまえ (gate)) radical. At 12 strokes, 間 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 門 (もんがまえ (gate)) radical (Enclosure (Kamae / 構) 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 間?
For 間 (JLPT N5), the Onyomi is カン, ケン and the Kunyomi is あいだ, ま. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (カン, ケン) when 間 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (あいだ, ま) when 間 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 間 includes 間 (あいだ (aida) — between / space), 時間 (じかん (jikan) — time), 人間 (にんげん (ningen) — human being).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 間 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 12 strokes of 間 (interval, space, between), start with the 門 (もんがまえ (gate)) in the Enclosure (Kamae / 構) (構 (Kamae)) 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 間 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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