How to Write 姓 (surname) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Practice writing the Japanese Kanji 姓 (surname) stroke-by-stroke with real-time trajectory feedback, or print an A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF practice worksheet.
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (姓)
Primary Radical (部首): 女 — おんな (woman)
Radical Position: Left (Hen / 偏) (偏 (Hen))
Semantic Theme: Women, maternal relationships, and feminine traits
📜 Etymology & Mnemonic Insight (六書 / Rikusho)
女 (meaning) + 生 (sound セイ)
Derived from the meaning radical 女 (おんな (woman)) and the phonetic component 生, giving the on-reading セイ / ショウ.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 姓
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 姓 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 姓?
The Japanese character 姓 (surname) has 8 strokes (8画). In Kanji Scribe, you can practice writing all 8 strokes of 姓 interactively with real-time stroke direction and order grading.
What is the Onyomi and Kunyomi of 姓?
For the Kanji 姓 (JLPT N2), the Onyomi (Chinese-derived reading) is セイ, ショウ and the Kunyomi (native Japanese reading) is —. Its primary English meaning is "surname".
What is the stroke order rule for writing 姓?
The Kanji 姓 (surname) is written with 8 strokes (JLPT N2). 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 姓 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
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