execute / take
N1- Onyomi
- シツ・シュウ
- Kunyomi
- と(る)
- Stroke count
- 11
- JLPT
- N1
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Picture a single hand cupped sideways as if scooping something up: that is what 執 means — execute / take. Now find the part that anchors it in the character itself, 幸 (fortune / luck) — a pole notched evenly from top to bottom, luck measured out in equal shares, and beside it 丸 (round / pellet) — a single stroke curled tight into a small round ball. Drop that part into the picture and the shape stops being something separate to memorise.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 11
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11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 11 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
執行
shikkou
execution (legal)
執筆
shippitsu
writing (professionally)
執行する
shikkousuru
to do execution (legal)
執筆する
shippitsusuru
to do writing (professionally)
執筆した
shippitsushita
plain past: did writing (professionally)
執行した
shikkoushita
plain past: did execution (legal)
Example sentences (6)
予算が正しく執行されているか確認します。
よさん が ただしく しっこう されている か かくにん します。
yosan ga tadashiku shikkou sareteiru ka kakunin shimasu.
We check whether the budget is being executed properly.
予算は、議会の議決に基づき執行されることになっています。
よさん は、ぎかい の ぎけつ に もとづき しっこう される こと に なっています。
yosan wa, gikai no giketsu ni motozuki shikkou sareru koto ni natteimasu.
The budget is to be executed on the basis of the assembly's resolution.
彼は技術書を執筆しています。
かれ は ぎじゅつしょ を しっぴつ しています。
kare wa gijutsusho o shippitsu shiteimasu.
He is writing a technical book.
本業のかたわら、技術ブログの執筆を続けています。
ほんぎょう の かたわら、ぎじゅつ ぶろぐ の しっぴつ を つづけています。
hongyou no katawara, gijutsu burogu no shippitsu o tsuzuketeimasu.
Alongside my main job, I keep up the writing of a technical blog.
彼女が現場の指揮を執りました。
かのじょ が げんば の しき を とりました。
kanojo ga genba no shiki o torimashita.
She took command of the site.
経験のある人が指揮を執らない限り、現場は混乱します。
けいけん の ある ひと が しき を とらない かぎり、げんば は こんらん します。
keiken no aru hito ga shiki o toranai kagiri, genba wa konran shimasu.
Unless someone experienced takes command, the site will be in chaos.