How to Write 際 (occasion, side, edge, verge, dangerous) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 14-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N3 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 5 (小学5年生)) character 際 (“occasion, side, edge, verge, dangerous”), indexed under the 阜 (こざとへん (hill/mound)) radical. Practice 際 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 際 (きわ (kiwa) — occasion), 際 (ぎわ (giwa) — occasion).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (際)
Primary Radical (部首): 阜 — こざとへん (hill/mound)
Radical Position: Standalone / Integrated (部首)
Semantic Theme: Radical 阜
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 5 (小学5年生) (JLPT N3). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (サイ) when 際 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (きわ, -ぎわ) when 際 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (14画): At 14 strokes, 際 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 阜 (こざとへん (hill/mound)) radical (Standalone / Integrated position) slim and space internal horizontal strokes evenly so all 14 strokes fit inside the Genkō Yōshi margins.
📜 Etymology & Mnemonic Insight (六書 / Rikusho)
Radical: 阜 (こざとへん (hill/mound))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 14 strokes under radical 阜.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 際
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 際 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 際 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 際 ("occasion, side, edge, verge, dangerous") is written with 14 strokes (14画) as a JLPT N3 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 5 (小学5年生)) high-density multi-component Kanji (12+ strokes) indexed under the 阜 (こざとへん (hill/mound)) radical. At 14 strokes, 際 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 阜 (こざとへん (hill/mound)) radical (Standalone / Integrated position) slim and space internal horizontal strokes evenly so all 14 strokes fit inside the Genkō Yōshi margins.
What are the Onyomi, Kunyomi, and Jukugo words for 際?
For 際 (JLPT N3), the Onyomi is サイ and the Kunyomi is きわ, -ぎわ. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (サイ) when 際 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (きわ, -ぎわ) when 際 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 際 includes 際 (きわ (kiwa) — occasion), 際 (ぎわ (giwa) — occasion).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 際 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 14 strokes of 際 (occasion, side, edge, verge, dangerous), start with the 阜 (こざとへん (hill/mound)) in the Standalone / Integrated (部首) 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 際 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
More JLPT N3 Characters to Practice Next
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