origin / field
N3- Onyomi
- ゲン
- Kunyomi
- はら
- Stroke count
- 10
- JLPT
- N3
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Picture a field terraced into steps up a hillside: that is what 原 means — origin / field. Now find the part that anchors it in the character itself, 厂 (cliff / shelter) — an overhanging cliff you can shelter under. Drop that part into the picture and the shape stops being something separate to memorise.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 10
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10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 10 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
原因
gen'in
cause
原告
genkoku
plaintiff
原因が大切です
gen'ingataisetsudesu
cause is important
原因が必要です
gen'ingahitsuyoudesu
cause is necessary
原因を考えます
gen'in'okangaemasu
to think about cause
原告と話します
genkokutohanashimasu
to talk with the plaintiff
Example sentences (4)
エラーの原因を調べています。
えらー の げんいん を しらべています。
eraa no gen'in o shirabeteimasu.
We are investigating the cause of the error.
原因が分からないうちは、同じ問題がまた起きるかもしれません。
げんいん が わからない うち は、おなじ もんだい が また おきる かも しれません。
gen'in ga wakaranai uchi wa, onaji mondai ga mata okiru kamo shiremasen.
As long as the cause is unknown, the same problem may happen again.
数字を分析してみると、原因がはっきり分かりました。
すうじ を ぶんせき して みる と、げんいん が はっきり わかりました。
suuji o bunseki shite miru to, gen'in ga hakkiri wakarimashita.
When I tried analyzing the numbers, the cause became clear.
売り上げが下がった原因を、みんなで話し合いました。
うりあげ が さがった げんいん を、みんな で はなしあいました。
uriage ga sagatta gen'in o, minna de hanashiaimashita.
We all discussed the reason sales dropped.