war / fight
N3- Onyomi
- セン
- Kunyomi
- たたか(う)
- Stroke count
- 13
- JLPT
- N3
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Picture a weight lifted with strength: that is what 戦 means — war / fight. Now find the part that anchors it in the character itself, 単 (single / simple) — one lantern hung from a tall pole, standing by itself, and beside it 戈 (halberd / conflict) — a long shaft held across the body. Drop that part into the picture and the shape stops being something separate to memorise.
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
戦略
senryaku
strategy
戦術
senjutsu
tactics
挑戦
chousen
challenge
挑戦する
chousensuru
to do challenge
挑戦した
chousenshita
plain past: did challenge
挑戦中です
chousenchuudesu
in the middle of challenge
Example sentences (2)
友達の新しい挑戦を応援しています。
ともだち の あたらしい ちょうせん を おうえん しています。
tomodachi no atarashii chousen o ouen shiteimasu.
I am cheering for my friend's new challenge.
伝統を大切にしながら、新しいことにも挑戦しています。
でんとう を たいせつ に しながら、あたらしい こと に も ちょうせん しています。
dentou o taisetsu ni shinagara, atarashii koto ni mo chousen shiteimasu.
While valuing tradition, they are also taking on new challenges.