How to Write 初 (first time, beginning) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Practice writing the Japanese Kanji 初 (first time, beginning) stroke-by-stroke with real-time trajectory feedback, or print an A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF practice worksheet.
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (初)
Primary Radical (部首): 刀 — かたな / りっとう (sword)
Radical Position: Right (Tsukuri / 旁) (旁 (Tsukuri))
Semantic Theme: Knives, swords, cutting, dividing, and sharpness
📜 Etymology & Mnemonic Insight (六書 / Rikusho)
Radical: 刀 (かたな / りっとう (sword))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 7 strokes under radical 刀.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 初
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 初 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 初?
The Japanese character 初 (first time, beginning) has 7 strokes (7画). In Kanji Scribe, you can practice writing all 7 strokes of 初 interactively with real-time stroke direction and order grading.
What is the Onyomi and Kunyomi of 初?
For the Kanji 初 (JLPT N3), the Onyomi (Chinese-derived reading) is ショ and the Kunyomi (native Japanese reading) is はじ.め, はじ.めて, はつ, はつ-, うい-, -そ.める, -ぞ.め. Its primary English meaning is "first time, beginning".
What is the stroke order rule for writing 初?
The Kanji 初 (first time, beginning) is written with 7 strokes (JLPT N3). Follow standard Japanese stroke order principles: write from top to bottom (上から下) and from left to right (左から右). You can practice writing 初 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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