Skip to content
JapanLingo

woman

N5
Onyomi
Kunyomi
Stroke count
3
JLPT
N5

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 person carrying a box held in both arms, with the kanji 女 ("woman") drawn into the picture.

A figure of a kneeling woman. 女 means woman.

Stroke Order

Stroke count: 3

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

Step by step

1
2
3

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

onnanohito

woman

onnanohito to hanashimasu

to talk with the woman

onnanohito ni aimasu

to meet the woman

onnanohito ni kikimasu

to ask the woman

Example sentences (2)

uketsuke ni onnanohito ga imasu.

There is a woman at the reception desk.

ano onnanohito wa eigo no sensei desu.

That woman is an English teacher.