usual / always
N3- Onyomi
- ジョウ
- Kunyomi
- つね
- Stroke count
- 11
- JLPT
- N3
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Break 常 down and you get 尚 (still / esteemed) — smoke curling up through a little vent in the roof, and beside it 吊 (hang / suspend) — a banner hanging straight down from a crossbar. Picture the same patterned cloth hung out on the line three days running, put 常 inside it, and let that scene stand for "usual" — usual / always. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 11
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11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 11 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
常識
joushiki
common sense
常識が大切です
joushikigataisetsudesu
common sense is important
常識が必要です
joushikigahitsuyoudesu
common sense is necessary
常識を考えます
joushikiokangaemasu
to think about common sense
常識について話します
joushikinitsuitehanashimasu
to talk about common sense
Example sentences (2)
国によって常識は違います。
くに に よって じょうしき は ちがいます。
kuni ni yotte joushiki wa chigaimasu.
Common sense differs from country to country.
自分の国の常識が、日本でも通じるわけではありません。
じぶん の くに の じょうしき が、にほん で も つうじる わけ で は ありません。
jibun no kuni no joushiki ga, nihon de mo tsuujiru wake de wa arimasen.
What is common sense in your own country does not necessarily apply in Japan.