light / shine
N4- Onyomi
- コウ
- Kunyomi
- ひかり・ひか(る)
- Stroke count
- 6
- JLPT
- N4
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 sitting low behind a mountain ridge: that is what 光 means — light / shine. Now find the part that anchors it in the character itself, ⺌ (small) — three little strokes, small things scattered. 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
光
hikari
light
光が大切です
hikarigataisetsudesu
light is important
光が必要です
hikarigahitsuyoudesu
light is necessary
光を考えます
hikariokangaemasu
to think about light
光について話します
hikarinitsuitehanashimasu
to talk about light
Example sentences (2)
朝の光で目が覚めました。
あさ の ひかり で め が さめました。
asa no hikari de me ga samemashita.
I woke up with the morning light.
この部屋は光がよく入るので、明るいです。
この へや は ひかり が よく はいる ので、あかるい です。
kono heya wa hikari ga yoku hairu node, akarui desu.
A lot of light comes into this room, so it is bright.