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JapanLingo

effort

N4
Onyomi
Stroke count
10
JLPT
N4

Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.

Memory tip

A flat illustration of a figure straining to lift a weight overhead, with the kanji 勉 ("effort") drawn into the picture.

Break 勉 down and you get 力 (power / strength) — an arm flexed to show its strength. Picture a figure straining to lift a weight overhead, put 勉 inside it, and let that scene stand for "effort" — effort. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.

Stroke Order

Stroke count: 10

General writing tips

These general rules have exceptions. Follow the animation and numbered frames for this character.

  • •Write from top to bottom.
  • •Write from left to right.
  • •Write horizontal strokes before the vertical strokes that cross them.
  • •Draw an outer enclosure first, then fill in what is inside.
  • •In symmetric shapes, write the centre before the left and right sides.
  • •This kanji has 10 strokes — trace them in order in the practice area below.

Step by step

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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

benkyou

study

benkyousuru

to do study

benkyoushimasu

polite: do study

benkyoushimashita

polite past: did study

benkyoushite kudasai

request: please do study

Example sentences (3)

maiban, nihongo no benkyou o shimasu.

I study Japanese every evening.

toshokan de sanjikan, benkyou shimashita.

I studied for three hours at the library.

boueki no kaisha de hataraku tame ni, eigo o benkyou shiteimasu.

I am studying English in order to work at a trading company.