fork in road
N2- Onyomi
- キ
- Stroke count
- 7
- 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 a milestone post standing beside the road: that is what 岐 means — fork in road. Now find the part that anchors it in the character itself, 山 (mountain) — three peaks rising side by side. Drop that part into the picture and the shape stops being something separate to memorise.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 7
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7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 7 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
岐路
kiro
crossroads
岐路が大切です
kirogataisetsudesu
crossroads is important
岐路が必要です
kirogahitsuyoudesu
crossroads is necessary
岐路を考えます
kirookangaemasu
to think about crossroads
岐路について話します
kironitsuitehanashimasu
to talk about crossroads
Example sentences (2)
この先で道が二つに分岐しています。
この さき で みち が ふたつ に ぶんき して います。
kono saki de michi ga futatsu ni bunki shite imasu.
The road forks in two up ahead.
この決定は会社の分岐点になりました。
この けってい は かいしゃ の ぶんきてん に なりました。
kono kettei wa kaisha no bunkiten ni narimashita.
This decision became a turning point for the company.