take a position
N2- Onyomi
- シュウ
- Kunyomi
- つ(く)
- Stroke count
- 12
- JLPT
- N2
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Picture two cupped hands together, offering something held between them: that is what 就 means — take a position. Now find the part that anchors it in the character itself, 京 (capital) — a tall hall above the rooftops. Drop that part into the picture and the shape stops being something separate to memorise.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 12
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12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 12 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
就任
shuunin
taking office
就職
shuushoku
getting a job
就職する
shuushokusuru
to do getting a job
就任した
shuuninshita
plain past: did taking office
就任する
shuuninsuru
to do taking office
就任します
shuuninshimasu
polite: do taking office
Example sentences (4)
新しい社長が就任しました。
あたらしい しゃちょう が しゅうにん しました。
atarashii shachou ga shuunin shimashita.
The new president took office.
就任にあたって、社長は今後の方針を社員に説明しました。
しゅうにん に あたって、しゃちょう は こんご の ほうしん を しゃいん に せつめい しました。
shuunin ni atatte, shachou wa kongo no houshin o shain ni setsumei shimashita.
On taking office, the president explained the future direction to the employees.
日本のIT会社に就職しました。
にほん の IT がいしゃ に しゅうしょく しました。
nihon no IT gaisha ni shuushoku shimashita.
I got a job at a Japanese IT company.
就職が決まったので、家族に電話で伝えました。
しゅうしょく が きまった ので、かぞく に でんわ で つたえました。
shuushoku ga kimatta node, kazoku ni denwa de tsutaemashita.
My job was settled, so I told my family by phone.