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JapanLingo

circulate / follow

N1
Onyomi
Stroke count
12
JLPT
N1

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 disappearing through a tunnel cut into a hillside, with the kanji 循 ("circulate") drawn into the picture.

Break 循 down and you get 彳 (step / going) — the left half of a crossroads, where people walk. Picture a road disappearing through a tunnel cut into a hillside, put 循 inside it, and let that scene stand for "circulate" — circulate / follow. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.

Stroke Order

Stroke count: 12

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 12 strokes — trace them in order in the practice area below.

Step by step

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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)

ketsueki ga karada no naka o junkan shite imasu.

Blood circulates through the body.

shigen o junkan saseru shikumi o kangaete imasu.

We are working on a system for recycling resources.