dispute / compete
N3- Onyomi
- ソウ
- Kunyomi
- あらそ(う)
- Stroke count
- 6
- 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 a figure straining to lift a weight overhead: that is what 争 means — dispute / compete. Now find the part that anchors it in the character itself, 𠂊 (claw / grasping hand) — a hooked stroke curling down like a claw reaching for something below. Drop that part into the picture and the shape stops being something separate to memorise.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 6
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6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 6 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
競争
kyousou
competition
論争
ronsou
controversy
争点
souten
point of contention
競争する
kyousousuru
to do competition
論争する
ronsousuru
to do controversy
論争した
ronsoushita
plain past: did controversy
Example sentences (2)
この業界は競争が激しいです。
この ぎょうかい は きょうそう が はげしい です。
kono gyoukai wa kyousou ga hageshii desu.
Competition in this industry is fierce.
競争が激しい業界ほど、勉強を続ける必要があります。
きょうそう が はげしい ぎょうかい ほど、べんきょう を つづける ひつよう が あります。
kyousou ga hageshii gyoukai hodo, benkyou o tsuzukeru hitsuyou ga arimasu.
The more competitive the industry, the more you need to keep studying.