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JapanLingo

boundary

N2
Onyomi
Kunyomi
Stroke count
14
JLPT
N2

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 mound of earth raised from flat ground, with the kanji 境 ("boundary") drawn into the picture.

Break 境 down and you get 土 (earth / soil) — a mound of earth pushed up from flat ground. Picture a mound of earth raised from flat ground, put 境 inside it, and let that scene stand for "boundary" — boundary. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.

Stroke Order

Stroke count: 14

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

Step by step

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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

kankyou

environment

kyouchi

state of mind

kankyougataisetsudesu

environment is important

kankyougahitsuyoudesu

environment is necessary

kankyouokangaemasu

to think about environment

kyouchigataisetsudesu

state of mind is important

Example sentences (6)

atarashii shokuba no kankyou ni narete kimashita.

I am getting used to the environment at my new workplace.

shizukana kankyou no hou ga, shuuchuu shiyasui desu.

A quiet environment makes it easier to concentrate.

honban ni chikai kankyou de kenshou shinai kagiri, anshin shite koukai dekimasen.

Unless we verify it in an environment close to production, we cannot release it with confidence.

jugyou de kankyou mondai nitsuite touron shimashita.

We debated environmental issues in class.

atarashii kankyou ni sugu tekiou shimashita.

I adapted to the new environment quickly.

gengo o shuutoku suru ni wa, mainichi tsukau kankyou ga kakasemasen.

To master a language, an environment where you use it every day is essential.