separate / different
N4- Onyomi
- ベツ
- Kunyomi
- わか(れる)
- Stroke count
- 7
- JLPT
- N4
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Break 別 down and you get 刂 (divide / cut) — a straight cut down the right-hand side. Picture a cleaver blade cutting straight down through a block, put 別 inside it, and let that scene stand for "separate" — separate / different. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.
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
特別
tokubetsu
special
選別
senbetsu
sorting
特別な
tokubetsuna
attributive: special (before a noun)
特別です
tokubetsudesu
polite: is special
選別する
senbetsusuru
to do sorting
選別した
senbetsushita
plain past: did sorting
Example sentences (3)
今日は特別な日です。
きょう は とくべつな ひ です。
kyou wa tokubetsuna hi desu.
Today is a special day.
特別な理由がなければ、休むことはできません。
とくべつな りゆう が なければ、やすむ こと は できません。
tokubetsuna riyuu ga nakereba, yasumu koto wa dekimasen.
Unless you have a special reason, you cannot take the day off.
送別会には部長も招待するつもりです。
そうべつかい に は ぶちょう も しょうたい する つもり です。
soubetsukai ni wa buchou mo shoutai suru tsumori desu.
I plan to invite the manager to the farewell party as well.