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能

能 — ability, talent, skill

Learn the correct stroke order for 能 (ability), a 10-stroke kanji.

JLPT N3Grade 510 strokes

Stroke Order

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Stroke 0 / 10
On'yomi (音読み)ノウnou
Kun'yomi (訓読み)よ.くyoku、あた.うatau
Strokes10
Radical肉
Frequency#273
Meaningsability, talent, skill, capacity

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 10 — start from the green dot

Common Words

可能かのうpossible; potential; practicablena-adjective
堪能たんのうproficient; skilled; skillfulna-adjective
機能きのうfunction; facility; facultynoun
技能ぎのうtechnical skill; ability; capacitynoun
芸能げいのうpublic entertainment; performing artsnoun
効能こうのうeffect; effectiveness; efficacynoun

Usage & Examples

Usage Notes

The kanji 能 (ability) is taught in grade 5 of Japanese elementary school and appears at JLPT N3 level. It has 10 strokes with radical 肉.

In newspaper frequency rankings, 能 is #273, making it one of the most commonly used kanji.

Example Words in Context

可能かのう — possible; potential; practicable
堪能たんのう — proficient; skilled; skillful
機能きのう — function; facility; faculty

Practice Sheet

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

Related Kanji

Same radical (肉)

肉meat肌texture肝liver肖resemblance肘elbow育bring up肩shoulder肥fertilizer

Frequently Asked Questions

How many strokes does 能 have?

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

What is the correct stroke order for 能?

能 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 能 mean?

能 means: ability, talent, skill, capacity. On'yomi readings: ノウ. Kun'yomi readings: よ.く, あた.う.

What JLPT level is 能?

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