stretch / extend
N2- Onyomi
- シン
- Kunyomi
- の(びる)
- Stroke count
- 7
- JLPT
- N2
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Picture a crossroads with a person walking through it and a signboard at the corner: that is what 伸 means — stretch / extend. Now find the part that anchors it in the character itself, 亻 (person) — a person standing at the left of the scene. Drop that part into the picture and the shape stops being something separate to memorise.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 7
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7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 7 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
伸ばす
nobasu
to extend
伸縮
shinshuku
elasticity
伸ばして
nobashite
extend — te-form
伸縮した
shinshukushita
plain past: did elasticity
伸縮する
shinshukusuru
to do elasticity
伸ばします
nobashimasu
extend — polite present
Example sentences (6)
弱いところより、得意なところを伸ばしたいです。
よわい ところ より、とくいな ところ を のばしたい です。
yowai tokoro yori, tokuina tokoro o nobashitai desu.
Rather than my weak points, I want to develop my strengths.
会話の力を伸ばすには、毎日話す機会をつくることです。
かいわ の ちから を のばす に は、まいにち はなす きかい を つくる こと です。
kaiwa no chikara o nobasu ni wa, mainichi hanasu kikai o tsukuru koto desu.
To improve your conversation skills, the key is to create chances to speak every day.
需要の伸びに伴って、生産の規模も拡大しつつあります。
じゅよう の のび に ともなって、せいさん の きぼ も かくだい しつつ あります。
juyou no nobi ni tomonatte, seisan no kibo mo kakudai shitsutsu arimasu.
As demand grows, the scale of production is expanding as well.
素直にアドバイスを聞ける人ほど、伸びるのが早いです。
すなお に あどばいす を きける ひと ほど、のびる の が はやい です。
sunao ni adobaisu o kikeru hito hodo, nobiru no ga hayai desu.
The more openly someone can take advice, the faster they improve.
裕福かどうかにかかわらず、努力する人は伸びます。
ゆうふく か どう か に かかわらず、どりょく する ひと は のびます。
yuufuku ka dou ka ni kakawarazu, doryoku suru hito wa nobimasu.
Regardless of whether they are wealthy, people who make an effort grow.
売り上げを伸ばす方策を考えています。
うりあげ を のばす ほうさく を かんがえています。
uriage o nobasu housaku o kangaeteimasu.
We are thinking of measures to increase sales.