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JapanLingo

seal (envelope)

N2
Onyomi
Stroke count
9
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 封 ("seal (envelope)") drawn into the picture.

Break 封 down and you get 圭 (corner tablet / mound) — one mound of earth stacked squarely on top of another, and beside it 寸 (measure / inch) — a hand measuring a short distance. Picture a mound of earth raised from flat ground, put 封 inside it, and let that scene stand for "seal (envelope)" — seal (envelope). The odder the picture, the better it sticks.

Stroke Order

Stroke count: 9

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 9 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

fuusa

blockade

fuusasuru

to do blockade

fuusashita

plain past: did blockade

fuusashimasu

polite: do blockade

fuusashinai

plain negative: does not do blockade

fuusachuudesu

in the middle of blockade

Example sentences (2)

tegami o fuutou ni irete dashimashita.

I put the letter in an envelope and posted it.

hako o teepu de shikkari fuu shimashita.

I sealed the box firmly with tape.