participate / visit
N3- Onyomi
- サン
- Kunyomi
- まい(る)
- Stroke count
- 8
- JLPT
- N3
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Break 参 down and you get 厶 (private / self) — arms drawn in, keeping something to oneself. Picture two people standing side by side, put 参 inside it, and let that scene stand for "participate" — participate / visit. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 8
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8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 8 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
参加
sanka
participation
参照
sanshou
reference
参加する
sankasuru
to do participation
参照する
sanshousuru
to do reference
参照した
sanshoushita
plain past: did reference
参加した
sankashita
plain past: did participation
Example sentences (4)
日本語の勉強会に参加しています。
にほんご の べんきょうかい に さんか しています。
nihongo no benkyoukai ni sanka shiteimasu.
I take part in a Japanese study group.
参加したい人は、金曜日までに申し込んでください。
さんか したい ひと は、きんようび まで に もうしこんで ください。
sanka shitai hito wa, kin'youbi made ni moushikonde kudasai.
Those who want to participate should apply by Friday.
貧しい国の子どもたちを支援する活動に参加しています。
まずしい くに の こどもたち を しえん する かつどう に さんか しています。
mazushii kuni no kodomotachi o shien suru katsudou ni sanka shiteimasu.
I take part in activities that support children in poor countries.
残念ですが、今日は参加できません。
ざんねん です が、きょう は さんか できません。
zannen desu ga, kyou wa sanka dekimasen.
Unfortunately, I cannot join today.