exchange / cross
N3- Onyomi
- コウ
- Kunyomi
- まじ(わる)・か(わす)
- 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
Break 交 down and you get 亠 (lid / top) — a lid resting on the top, and beside it 父 (father) — a hand raised to get the work done. Picture rows of curved roof tiles overlapping down from the ridge, put 交 inside it, and let that scene stand for "exchange" — exchange / cross. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.
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
交換
koukan
exchange
交流
kouryuu
interaction
交錯
kousaku
intermingling
交渉
koushou
negotiation
交錯する
kousakusuru
to do intermingling
交流した
kouryuushita
plain past: did interaction
Example sentences (5)
名刺を交換しました。
めいし を こうかん しました。
meishi o koukan shimashita.
We exchanged business cards.
サイズが合わない場合は、店で交換してもらえます。
さいず が あわない ばあい は、みせ で こうかん して もらえます。
saizu ga awanai baai wa, mise de koukan shite moraemasu.
If the size does not fit, you can have it exchanged at the store.
社員同士の交流イベントがあります。
しゃいん どうし の こうりゅう いべんと が あります。
shain doushi no kouryuu ibento ga arimasu.
There is a social event for employees.
近所の人と交流するようになってから、生活が楽しくなりました。
きんじょ の ひと と こうりゅう する よう に なって から、せいかつ が たのしく なりました。
kinjo no hito to kouryuu suru you ni natte kara, seikatsu ga tanoshiku narimashita.
Since I started interacting with my neighbors, life has become more enjoyable.
車の部品を交換しました。
くるま の ぶひん を こうかん しました。
kuruma no buhin o koukan shimashita.
I replaced a car part.