heart / mind
N4- Onyomi
- シン
- Kunyomi
- こころ
- Stroke count
- 4
- JLPT
- N4
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
心 is the picture: a heart, the seat of how you feel. Set it against a heart with a heartbeat pulse line running through it and the shape carries its meaning, "heart / mind", with it.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 4
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4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 4 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
心配
shinpai
worry
安心
anshin
relief
熱心
nesshin
enthusiastic
感心
kanshin
admiration
熱心な
nesshinna
attributive: enthusiastic (before a noun)
感心した
kanshinshita
plain past: did admiration
Example sentences (3)
面接の結果が心配です。
めんせつ の けっか が しんぱい です。
mensetsu no kekka ga shinpai desu.
I am worried about the interview result.
心配しなくてもいいですよ。私が手伝います。
しんぱい しなくて も いい です よ。わたし が てつだいます。
shinpai shinakute mo ii desu yo. watashi ga tetsudaimasu.
You do not need to worry. I will help you.
テストに合格して、安心しました。
てすと に ごうかく して、あんしん しました。
tesuto ni goukaku shite, anshin shimashita.
I passed the test and felt relieved.