How to Write 闇 (darkness, gloom, shadow) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 17-stroke writing sequence of the Jōyō Kanji (Jōyō Kanji (常用漢字)) character 闇 (“darkness, gloom, shadow”), indexed under the 闇 (—) radical. Practice 闇 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 暗闇 (くらやみ (kurayami) — darkness).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (闇)
Primary Radical (部首): 闇 — —
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Jōyō Kanji (常用漢字) (Jōyō Kanji). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (アン, オン) when 闇 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (やみ, くら.い) when 闇 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (17画): At 17 strokes, 闇 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 闇 (—) 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 闇
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 闇 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 闇 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 闇 ("darkness, gloom, shadow") 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 闇 (—) radical. At 17 strokes, 闇 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 闇 (—) 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 闇?
For 闇 (Jōyō Kanji), the Onyomi is アン, オン and the Kunyomi is やみ, くら.い. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (アン, オン) when 闇 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (やみ, くら.い) when 闇 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 闇 includes 暗闇 (くらやみ (kurayami) — darkness).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 闇 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 17 strokes of 闇 (darkness, gloom, shadow), start with the 闇 (—) and follow standard Japanese Hitsujun (筆順) principles: top to bottom (上から下) and left to right (左から右). Practice 闇 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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