trunk / main part
N2- Onyomi
- カン
- Kunyomi
- みき
- Stroke count
- 13
- 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 small grove of three trees clustered together, and set 幹 inside that picture. The scene is the hook: bring it back and 幹 comes with it, meaning "trunk / main part".
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 13
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13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 13 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
幹部
kanbu
leadership
幹部と話します
kanbutohanashimasu
to talk with the leadership
幹部に会います
kanbuniaimasu
to meet the leadership
幹部に聞きます
kanbunikikimasu
to ask the leadership
幹部に連絡します
kanbunirenrakushimasu
to contact the leadership
Example sentences (3)
会社の幹部が方針を説明しました。
かいしゃ の かんぶ が ほうしん を せつめい しました。
kaisha no kanbu ga houshin o setsumei shimashita.
The company's executives explained the policy.
現場の声が幹部に届かなければ、良い判断はできません。
げんば の こえ が かんぶ に とどかなければ、よい はんだん は できません。
genba no koe ga kanbu ni todokanakereba, yoi handan wa dekimasen.
If the voices from the front line do not reach the leadership, good decisions cannot be made.
九時の新幹線で出発します。
くじ の しんかんせん で しゅっぱつ します。
kuji no shinkansen de shuppatsu shimasu.
I depart on the nine o'clock bullet train.