be careful
N2- Onyomi
- シン
- Kunyomi
- つつし(む)
- Stroke count
- 13
- 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 慎 down and you get 忄 (heart / feeling) — a heart standing upright at the left, and beside it 真 (true / genuine) — an eye set squarely on its stand, the same from every angle. Picture a heart-shaped lantern glowing on its string, put 慎 inside it, and let that scene stand for "be careful" — be careful. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 13
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13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 13 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
慎重
shinchou
cautious
慎重な
shinchouna
attributive: cautious (before a noun)
慎重です
shinchoudesu
polite: is cautious
慎重じゃないです
shinchoujanaidesu
polite negative: is not cautious
Example sentences (6)
慎重に言葉を選びました。
しんちょう に ことば を えらびました。
shinchou ni kotoba o erabimashita.
I chose my words carefully.
大きな買い物ほど、慎重に決めたほうがいいでしょう。
おおきな かいもの ほど、しんちょう に きめた ほう が いい でしょう。
ookina kaimono hodo, shinchou ni kimeta hou ga ii deshou.
The bigger the purchase, the more carefully you should decide.
子どものデータに関しては、特に慎重な保護が求められます。
こども の でーた に かんして は、とくに しんちょうな ほご が もとめられます。
kodomo no deeta ni kanshite wa, tokuni shinchouna hogo ga motomeraremasu.
With regard to children's data, especially careful protection is required.
立場が上になるほど、慎重に振る舞う必要があります。
たちば が うえ に なる ほど、しんちょう に ふるまう ひつよう が あります。
tachiba ga ue ni naru hodo, shinchou ni furumau hitsuyou ga arimasu.
The higher your position, the more carefully you need to conduct yourself.
慎重さも必要ですが、時には大胆な決断が求められます。
しんちょうさ も ひつよう です が、とき に は だいたんな けつだん が もとめられます。
shinchousa mo hitsuyou desu ga, toki ni wa daitanna ketsudan ga motomeraremasu.
Caution is needed too, but at times a bold decision is called for.
人事に関する情報は、慎重に扱う必要があります。
じんじ に かんする じょうほう は、しんちょう に あつかう ひつよう が あります。
jinji ni kansuru jouhou wa, shinchou ni atsukau hitsuyou ga arimasu.
Information relating to personnel matters needs to be handled carefully.