stand / counter for machines
N4- Onyomi
- ダイ・タイ
- Stroke count
- 5
- JLPT
- N4
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Picture a figure standing on a raised platform: that is what 台 means — stand / counter for machines. Now find the part that anchors it in the character itself, 厶 (private / self) — arms drawn in, keeping something to oneself, and beside it 口 (mouth / opening) — an open mouth, or any opening. Drop that part into the picture and the shape stops being something separate to memorise.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 5
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5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 5 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
台風
taifuu
typhoon
台所
daidokoro
kitchen
土台
dodai
groundwork
台所に行きます
daidokoro ni ikimasu
to go to the kitchen
台所の近くです
daidokoro no chikaku desu
near the kitchen
台風が大切です
taifuugataisetsudesu
typhoon is important
Example sentences (3)
台風で電車が止まりました。
たいふう で でんしゃ が とまりました。
taifuu de densha ga tomarimashita.
The trains stopped because of the typhoon.
台風が来るそうなので、明日は家にいるつもりです。
たいふう が くる そう な ので、あした は いえ に いる つもり です。
taifuu ga kuru sou na node, ashita wa ie ni iru tsumori desu.
I hear a typhoon is coming, so I plan to stay home tomorrow.
台所で朝ご飯を作ります。
だいどころ で あさごはん を つくります。
daidokoro de asagohan o tsukurimasu.
I make breakfast in the kitchen.