Go Pro
由

由 — wherefore, a reason

Learn the correct stroke order for 由 (wherefore), a 5-stroke kanji.

JLPT N3Grade 35 strokes

Stroke Order

12345
Stroke 0 / 5
On'yomi (音読み)ユyu、ユウyuu、ユイyui
Kun'yomi (訓読み)よしyoshi、よ.るyoru
Strokes5
Radical田
Frequency#325
Meaningswherefore, a reason

Step-by-Step Diagram

1
2
3
4
5

Try Writing It

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

Draw stroke 1 of 5 — start from the green dot

Common Words

経由けいゆgoing through; going via; going by way ofnoun
事由じゆうreason; cause; whys and whereforesnoun
自由じゆうfreedom; libertynoun
由緒ゆいしょhistory; pedigree; lineagenoun
由来ゆらいorigin; source; historynoun
理由りゆうreason; grounds; pretextnoun

Usage & Examples

Usage Notes

The kanji 由 (wherefore) is taught in grade 3 of Japanese elementary school and appears at JLPT N3 level. It has 5 strokes with radical 田.

In newspaper frequency rankings, 由 is #325, making it one of the most commonly used kanji.

Example Words in Context

経由けいゆ — going through; going via; going by way of
事由じゆう — reason; cause; whys and wherefores
自由じゆう — freedom; liberty

Practice Sheet

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

Related Kanji

Same radical (田)

田rice field申have the honor to甲armor男male町town画brush-stroke界world畑farm

Same reading

優tenderness遊play

Frequently Asked Questions

How many strokes does 由 have?

The kanji 由 (wherefore) has 5 strokes. Watch the animation above to see the correct order.

What is the correct stroke order for 由?

由 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 由 mean?

由 means: wherefore, a reason. On'yomi readings: ユ, ユウ, ユイ. Kun'yomi readings: よし, よ.る.

What JLPT level is 由?

由 is a JLPT N3 kanji. This is an intermediate kanji.