dry
N3- Onyomi
- カン
- Kunyomi
- かわ(く)
- Stroke count
- 11
- JLPT
- N3
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Picture the sun half hidden behind a passing cloud, and set 乾 inside that picture. The scene is the hook: bring it back and 乾 comes with it, meaning "dry".
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 11
General writing tips
These general rules have exceptions. Follow the animation and numbered frames for this character.
- •上から下へ書きます。Write from top to bottom.
- •左から右へ書きます。Write from left to right.
- •横の画を先に、縦の画を後に書きます。Write horizontal strokes before the vertical strokes that cross them.
- •外側の囲みを先に書き、中を後で書きます。Draw an outer enclosure first, then fill in what is inside.
- •中央を先に、左右を後に書きます。In symmetric shapes, write the centre before the left and right sides.
- •この漢字は11画です。下の練習エリアで順番に書いてみましょう。This kanji has 11 strokes — trace them in order in the practice area below.
Step by step
Practice Writing
Free writing practice — compare your writing with the example. This canvas does not check your shape or stroke order. Draw with a mouse, finger, or pen; scroll outside the square to move down the page.
Trace the faded character, or hide the outline to practise from memory.
Writing Tips
- Follow the order strictly: top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Correct order makes the shape balanced and natural.
- Keep each stroke in one smooth motion — don't lift the pen in the middle of a stroke.
- Close enclosing strokes cleanly so the character does not look open or broken.
- Common mistake: drawing strokes bottom-to-top or right-to-left. Even if the result looks similar, the wrong order shows in handwriting and makes it harder to read.
Example words
乾く
kawaku
to dry
乾いて
kawaite
dry — te-form
乾きます
kawakimasu
dry — polite present
乾かない
kawakanai
dry — plain negative
乾きました
kawakimashita
dry — polite past
乾きません
kawakimasen
dry — polite negative
Example sentences (2)
洗濯物がまだ乾いていません。
せんたくもの が まだ かわいて いません。
sentakumono ga mada kawaite imasen.
The laundry has not dried yet.
天気がいいので、シャツはすぐ乾くと思います。
てんき が いい ので、しゃつ は すぐ かわく と おもいます。
tenki ga ii node, shatsu wa sugu kawaku to omoimasu.
The weather is nice, so I think the shirt will dry quickly.