voice
N4- Onyomi
- セイ
- Kunyomi
- こえ
- Stroke count
- 7
- 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 banner unfurled to announce something: that is what 声 means — voice. Now find the part that anchors it in the character itself, 士 (warrior / scholar) — a figure standing firm, shoulders held level above straight legs. Drop that part into the picture and the shape stops being something separate to memorise.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 7
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7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 7 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 sentences (3)
子どもたちが大きい声で笑っています。
こどもたち が おおきい こえ で わらっています。
kodomotachi ga ookii koe de waratteimasu.
The children are laughing loudly.
森の中を歩きながら、鳥の声を聞きました。
もり の なか を あるき ながら、とり の こえ を ききました。
mori no naka o aruki nagara, tori no koe o kikimashita.
I listened to the birds while walking through the forest.
壁が薄いので、隣の声が聞こえてしまいます。
かべ が うすい ので、となり の こえ が きこえて しまいます。
kabe ga usui node, tonari no koe ga kikoete shimaimasu.
The walls are thin, so I can hear the neighbours' voices.