fit / combine
N4- Onyomi
- ゴウ
- Kunyomi
- あ(う)
- Stroke count
- 6
- JLPT
- N4
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Break 合 down and you get 口 (mouth / opening) — an open mouth, or any opening. Picture two mouths fitted together, combining into one, put 合 inside it, and let that scene stand for "fit" — fit / combine. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 6
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6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 6 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
間に合う
maniau
to be in time
照合
shougou
collation
合併
gappei
merger (companies)
迎合
geigou
ingratiation
統合
tougou
integration
組合
kumiai
union
Example sentences (3)
最後の電車に間に合いました。
さいご の でんしゃ に まにあいました。
saigo no densha ni maniaimashita.
I made it in time for the last train.
急げば、九時の会議に間に合うかもしれません。
いそげば、くじ の かいぎ に まにあう かも しれません。
isogeba, kuji no kaigi ni maniau kamo shiremasen.
If we hurry, we might make it to the nine o'clock meeting.
都合が悪いので、今回は出席できないかもしれません。
つごう が わるい ので、こんかい は しゅっせき できない かも しれません。
tsugou ga warui node, konkai wa shusseki dekinai kamo shiremasen.
It is a bad time for me, so I might not be able to attend this time.