How to Write 明 (bright, light) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Practice writing the Japanese Kanji 明 (bright, light) stroke-by-stroke with real-time trajectory feedback, or print an A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF practice worksheet.
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (明)
Primary Radical (部首): 日 — ひ / にち (sun/day)
Radical Position: Left (Hen / 偏) (偏 (Hen))
Semantic Theme: Sun, daylight, time, brightness, and warmth
📜 Etymology & Mnemonic Insight (六書 / Rikusho)
日 (sun) + 月 (moon)
Combines the two brightest celestial bodies, the sun (日) and the moon (月), symbolizing brilliance and brightness.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 明
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 明 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 明?
The Japanese character 明 (bright, light) has 8 strokes (8画). In Kanji Scribe, you can practice writing all 8 strokes of 明 interactively with real-time stroke direction and order grading.
What is the Onyomi and Kunyomi of 明?
For the Kanji 明 (JLPT N4), the Onyomi (Chinese-derived reading) is メイ, ミョウ, ミン and the Kunyomi (native Japanese reading) is あ.かり, あか.るい, あか.るむ, あか.らむ, あき.らか, あ.ける, -あ.け, あ.く, あ.くる, あ.かす. Its primary English meaning is "bright, light".
What is the stroke order rule for writing 明?
The Kanji 明 (bright, light) is written with 8 strokes (JLPT N4). 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 明 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
More JLPT N4 Characters to Practice Next
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