before / front
N5- Onyomi
- ゼン
- Kunyomi
- まえ
- Stroke count
- 9
- JLPT
- N5
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Picture an open notebook with an idea lighting up above it, and set 前 inside that picture. The scene is the hook: bring it back and 前 comes with it, meaning "before / front".
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 9
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9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 9 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
名前
namae
name
前提
zentei
premise
前兆
zenchou
forewarning
名前が大切です
namae ga taisetsu desu
name is important
名前が必要です
namae ga hitsuyou desu
name is necessary
前兆が大切です
zenchougataisetsudesu
forewarning is important
Example sentences (2)
ここに名前を書いてください。
ここ に なまえ を かいて ください。
koko ni namae o kaite kudasai.
Please write your name here.
あの店の名前を知っていますか。
あの みせ の なまえ を しっています か。
ano mise no namae o shitteimasu ka.
Do you know the name of that shop?