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独

独 — single, alone, spontaneously

Learn the correct stroke order for 独 (single), a 9-stroke kanji.

JLPT N1Grade 59 strokes

Stroke Order

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Stroke 0 / 9
On'yomi (音読み)ドクdoku、トクtoku
Kun'yomi (訓読み)ひと.りhitori
Strokes9
Radical犬
Frequency#365
Meaningssingle, alone, spontaneously, Germany

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

孤独こどくsolitude; loneliness; isolationnoun
単独たんどくsole; single; solonoun
独演どくえんsolo; solo performancenoun
独学どくがくself-education; self-instruction; self-studynoun
独楽こまspinning topnoun
独裁どくさいdictatorship; despotism; autocracynoun

Usage & Examples

Usage Notes

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

In newspaper frequency rankings, 独 is #365, making it one of the most commonly used kanji.

Example Words in Context

孤独こどく — solitude; loneliness; isolation
単独たんどく — sole; single; solo
独演どくえん — solo; solo performance

Practice Sheet

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

Related Kanji

Same radical (犬)

犬dog犯crime状status quo狂lunatic狙aim at狭cramped狩hunt猛fierce

Same reading

督coach徳benevolence篤fervent匿hide

Frequently Asked Questions

How many strokes does 独 have?

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

What is the correct stroke order for 独?

独 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 独 mean?

独 means: single, alone, spontaneously, Germany. On'yomi readings: ドク, トク. Kun'yomi readings: ひと.り.

What JLPT level is 独?

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