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JapanLingo

ground / earth

N4
Onyomi
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

A flat illustration of a rice field divided into four plots by its paths, with the kanji 地 ("ground") drawn into the picture.

Picture a rice field divided into four plots by its paths: that is what 地 means — ground / earth. Now find the part that anchors it in the character itself, 土 (earth / soil) — a mound of earth pushed up from flat ground. Drop that part into the picture and the shape stops being something separate to memorise.

Stroke Order

Stroke count: 6

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 6 strokes — trace them in order in the practice area below.

Step by step

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6

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

jishin

earthquake

chiiki

region

chihou

region

kyouchi

state of mind

jishingataisetsudesu

earthquake is important

kyouchiokangaemasu

to think about state of mind

Example sentences (3)

kinou no yoru, chiisai jishin ga arimashita.

There was a small earthquake last night.

jishin no toki wa, mazu teeburu no shita ni haitte kudasai.

In an earthquake, first get under a table.

chizu de basho o shirabemashita.

I looked up the place on a map.