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故

故 — happenstance, especially, intentionally

Learn the correct stroke order for 故 (happenstance), a 9-stroke kanji.

JLPT N1Grade 59 strokes

Stroke Order

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Stroke 0 / 9
On'yomi (音読み)コko
Kun'yomi (訓読み)ゆえyue、ふる.いfurui、もとmoto
Strokes9
Radical攴
Frequency#612
Meaningshappenstance, especially, intentionally, reason, cause, circumstances, the late, therefore, consequently

Step-by-Step Diagram

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Try Writing It

Practice writing each stroke in the correct order and direction. Start from the green dot.

Draw stroke 1 of 9 — start from the green dot

Common Words

故にゆえにtherefore; consequentlyconjunction
故意こいintent; intention; bad faithnoun
故国ここくone's native landnoun
故事こじhistorical event; ancient eventnoun
故障こしょうfault; trouble; breakdownnoun
故人こじんthe deceased; the departednoun

Usage & Examples

Usage Notes

The kanji 故 (happenstance) is taught in grade 5 of Japanese elementary school and appears at JLPT N1 level. It has 9 strokes with radical 攴.

In newspaper frequency rankings, 故 is #612, making it a frequently used kanji.

Example Words in Context

故にゆえに — therefore; consequently
故意こい — intent; intention; bad faith
故国ここく — one's native land

Practice Sheet

Trace then write on your own. Print this row as a PDF practice sheet.

Related Kanji

Same radical (攴)

改reformation攻aggression放set free政politics敏cleverness教teach敗failure救salvation

Same reading

拠foothold顧look back己self孤orphan誇boast虚void虎tiger鼓drum

Frequently Asked Questions

How many strokes does 故 have?

The kanji 故 (happenstance) has 9 strokes. Watch the animation above to see the correct order.

What is the correct stroke order for 故?

故 follows the standard Japanese stroke order as taught in schools. Use the step-by-step diagram or the "Try Writing" tool above to practice each stroke in sequence.

What does 故 mean?

故 means: happenstance, especially, intentionally, reason, cause, circumstances, the late, therefore, consequently. On'yomi readings: コ. Kun'yomi readings: ゆえ, ふる.い, もと.

What JLPT level is 故?

故 is a JLPT N1 kanji. This is an advanced kanji.