書

書 — write

Learn the correct stroke order for 書 (write), a 10-stroke kanji.

JLPT N5Grade 210 strokes

Stroke Order

Stroke 0 / 10

On'yomi (音読み)ショsho

Kun'yomi (訓読み)か.くkaku、-が.きgaki、-がきgaki

Strokes10

Radical曰

Frequency#169

Meaningswrite

Step-by-Step Diagram

Try Writing It

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

Draw stroke 1 of 10 — start from the green dot

Common Words

遺書いしょnote left by a dead person; suicide note; testamentary letternoun

願書がんしょ(written) application; written request; petitionnoun

教書きょうしょmessage (delivered by the US president or a state governor); addressnoun

原書げんしょoriginal document (not a copy or adaptation); book in its original language (esp. a European language)noun

古書こしょold book; rare book; classicnoun

司書ししょlibrariannoun

Usage & Examples

Usage Notes

The kanji 書 (write) is taught in grade 2 of Japanese elementary school and appears at JLPT N5 level. It has 10 strokes with radical 曰.

In newspaper frequency rankings, 書 is #169, making it one of the most commonly used kanji.

Example Words in Context

遺書いしょ — note left by a dead person; suicide note; testamentary letter

願書がんしょ — (written) application; written request; petition

教書きょうしょ — message (delivered by the US president or a state governor); address

Practice Sheet

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

Related Kanji

Same radical (曰)

曲bend 更grow late 曽formerly 曹office 最utmost 替exchange

Frequently Asked Questions

How many strokes does 書 have?

The kanji 書 (write) has 10 strokes. Watch the animation above to see the correct order.

What is the correct stroke order for 書?

書 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 書 mean?

書 means: write. On'yomi readings: ショ. Kun'yomi readings: か.く, -が.き, -がき.

What JLPT level is 書?

書 is a JLPT N5 kanji. This is a beginner-level kanji.