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JapanLingo

determine / fix

N3
Onyomi
Kunyomi
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

A flat illustration of a peg driven through a marked spot on the floor under a roof, holding it fixed in place, with the kanji 定 ("determine") drawn into the picture.

Break 定 down and you get 宀 (roof) — a roof stretched over the whole house, and beside it 疋 (bolt of cloth) — a length of cloth measured out and left hanging, one bolt full. Picture a peg driven through a marked spot on the floor under a roof, holding it fixed in place, put 定 inside it, and let that scene stand for "determine" — determine / fix. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.

Stroke Order

Stroke count: 8

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 8 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

kettei

decision

sokutei

measurement

yotei

plan

settei

setting

teijuu

permanent residence

soutei

assumption

Example sentences (5)

kaigi de rainen no keikaku ga kettei shimashita.

Next year's plan was decided in the meeting.

kettei shita naiyou wa, ato de meeru de kyouyuu sareru hazu desu.

What was decided should be shared later by email.

heya no hirosa o sokutei shimashita.

I measured the size of the room.

tadashiku sokutei suru tame ni, kikai o saki ni tenken shimasu.

To measure accurately, we inspect the machine first.

ashita wa byouin e iku yotei desu.

I plan to go to the hospital tomorrow.