order / preface
N2- Onyomi
- ジョ
- 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
Break 序 down and you get 广 (building / lean-to) — a roof with one open side, built against a wall, and beside it 予 (beforehand / give) — a shuttle passed forward from one hand to the next before it is needed. Picture a deep overhanging eave carried on two posts with its rafter ends showing, put 序 inside it, and let that scene stand for "order" — order / preface. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.
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 sentences (2)
本の序文を先に読みました。
ほん の じょぶん を さき に よみました。
hon no jobun o saki ni yomimashita.
I read the preface of the book first.
仕事は順序よく進めましょう。
しごと は じゅんじょ よく すすめましょう。
shigoto wa junjo yoku susumemashou.
Let us do the work in the right order.