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JapanLingo

law / rhythm

N2
Onyomi
Stroke count
9
JLPT
N2

Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.

Memory tip

A flat illustration of a road arching over a bridge across water, with the kanji 律 ("law") drawn into the picture.

Break 律 down and you get 彳 (step / going) — the left half of a crossroads, where people walk, and beside it 聿 (brush / writing) — a hand holding a brush over the paper. Picture a road arching over a bridge across water, put 律 inside it, and let that scene stand for "law" — law / rhythm. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.

Stroke Order

Stroke count: 9

General writing tips

These general rules have exceptions. Follow the animation and numbered frames for this character.

  • •Write from top to bottom.
  • •Write from left to right.
  • •Write horizontal strokes before the vertical strokes that cross them.
  • •Draw an outer enclosure first, then fill in what is inside.
  • •In symmetric shapes, write the centre before the left and right sides.
  • •This kanji has 9 strokes — trace them in order in the practice area below.

Step by step

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2
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9

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

houritsu

law

houritsugataisetsudesu

law is important

houritsugahitsuyoudesu

law is necessary

houritsuokangaemasu

to think about law

houritsunitsuitehanashimasu

to talk about law

Example sentences (6)

atarashii houritsu ga shigatsu kara hajimarimasu.

The new law takes effect in April.

houritsu ga kawaru to, tetsuzuki mo kawaru koto ga arimasu.

When the law changes, the procedures sometimes change too.

houritsu ga kaisei saremashita.

The law was revised.

houritsu no kaisei ni tomonatte, shanai no kisoku mo minaosu koto ni narimashita.

Along with the revision of the law, we have decided to review our internal rules too.

kojin jouhou wa houritsu de hogo sareteimasu.

Personal information is protected by law.

menkyo ga nai mono ga soujuu suru koto wa, houritsu de kinjirareteimasu.

Operating it without a license is prohibited by law.