government official
N3- Onyomi
- カン
- Stroke count
- 8
- JLPT
- N3
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Picture a person mid-stride walking forward: that is what 官 means — government official. Now find the part that anchors it in the character itself, 宀 (roof) — a roof stretched over the whole house. Drop that part into the picture and the shape stops being something separate to memorise.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 8
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8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 8 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
官僚
kanryou
bureaucrat
裁判官
saibankan
judge
官僚と話します
kanryoutohanashimasu
to talk with the bureaucrat
官僚に会います
kanryouniaimasu
to meet the bureaucrat
官僚に聞きます
kanryounikikimasu
to ask the bureaucrat
裁判官と話します
saibankantohanashimasu
to talk with the judge
Example sentences (2)
駅前で警察官に道を聞きました。
えきまえ で けいさつかん に みち を ききました。
ekimae de keisatsukan ni michi o kikimashita.
I asked a police officer for directions in front of the station.
官庁の建物は駅の近くにあります。
かんちょう の たてもの は えき の ちかく に あります。
kanchou no tatemono wa eki no chikaku ni arimasu.
The government offices are near the station.