neglect / lazy
N2- Onyomi
- タイ
- Kunyomi
- おこた(る)
- 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
Break 怠 down and you get 台 (stand / platform) — a raised block to set things on, and beside it 心 (heart / feeling) — a heart, the seat of how you feel. Picture a figure standing on a raised platform, put 怠 inside it, and let that scene stand for "neglect" — neglect / lazy. 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.
- •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9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 9 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
怠る
okotaru
to neglect
怠って
okotatte
neglect — te-form
怠ります
okotarimasu
neglect — polite present
怠らない
okotaranai
neglect — plain negative
怠りました
okotarimashita
neglect — polite past
怠りません
okotarimasen
neglect — polite negative
Example sentences (2)
準備を怠ると失敗しやすいです。
じゅんび を おこたる と しっぱい しやすい です。
junbi o okotaru to shippai shiyasui desu.
If you neglect the preparation, you are likely to fail.
毎日の練習を怠らないようにしています。
まいにち の れんしゅう を おこたらない よう に して います。
mainichi no renshuu o okotaranai you ni shite imasu.
I try not to skip my daily practice.