small
N5- Onyomi
- ショウ
- Kunyomi
- ちい(さい)・こ
- 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
Three small strokes, like tiny specks. 小 means small.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 3
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3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 3 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
小さい
chiisai
small
小学校
shougakkou
elementary school
小説
shousetsu
novel
縮小
shukushou
reduction
縮小した
shukushoushita
plain past: did reduction
縮小する
shukushousuru
to do reduction
Example sentences (2)
私の部屋は小さいです。
わたし の へや は ちいさい です。
watashi no heya wa chiisai desu.
My room is small.
小さい犬が公園にいます。
ちいさい いぬ が こうえん に います。
chiisai inu ga kouen ni imasu.
There is a small dog in the park.