mutual
N3- Onyomi
- ゴ
- Kunyomi
- たが(い)
- Stroke count
- 4
- JLPT
- N3
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Break 互 down and you get 二 (two) — two lines laid one above the other, and beside it 彑 (snout) — a pointed snout hooking down and back on itself. Picture an abacus with beads slid along its rods, put 互 inside it, and let that scene stand for "mutual" — mutual. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 4
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4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 4 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
互換
gokan
compatibility
互換する
gokansuru
to do compatibility
互換した
gokanshita
plain past: did compatibility
互換します
gokanshimasu
polite: do compatibility
互換しない
gokanshinai
plain negative: does not do compatibility
互換中です
gokanchuudesu
in the middle of compatibility
Example sentences (2)
困ったときはお互いに助け合いましょう。
こまった とき は おたがい に たすけあいましょう。
komatta toki wa otagai ni tasukeaimashou.
When we are in trouble, let us help each other.
二人は互いの意見を尊重しています。
ふたり は たがい の いけん を そんちょう して います。
futari wa tagai no iken o sonchou shite imasu.
The two of them respect each other’s opinions.