黒

黒 — black

Learn the correct stroke order for 黒 (black), a 11-stroke kanji.

JLPT N4Grade 211 strokes

Stroke Order

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Stroke 0 / 11
On'yomi (音読み)コクkoku
Kun'yomi (訓読み)くろkuro、くろ.ずむkurozumu、くろ.いkuroi
Strokes11
Radical黑
Frequency#573
Meaningsblack

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 11 — start from the green dot

Common Words

黒いくろいblacki-adjective
黒鉛こくえんgraphitenoun
黒海こっかいBlack Seanoun
黒字くろじ(being in) the black; surplusnoun
黒色くろいろblack (colour, color)noun
黒人こくじんblack personnoun

Usage & Examples

Usage Notes

The kanji 黒 (black) is taught in grade 2 of Japanese elementary school and appears at JLPT N4 level. It has 11 strokes with radical 黑.

In newspaper frequency rankings, 黒 is #573, making it a frequently used kanji.

Example Words in Context

黒いくろい — black
黒鉛こくえん — graphite
黒海こっかい — Black Sea

Practice Sheet

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

Related Kanji

Same radical (黑)

Frequently Asked Questions

How many strokes does 黒 have?

The kanji 黒 (black) has 11 strokes. Watch the animation above to see the correct order.

What is the correct stroke order for 黒?

黒 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 黒 mean?

黒 means: black. On'yomi readings: コク. Kun'yomi readings: くろ, くろ.ずむ, くろ.い.

What JLPT level is 黒?

黒 is a JLPT N4 kanji. This is a beginner-level kanji.