refuse / cut off
N3- Onyomi
- ダン
- Kunyomi
- ことわ(る)・た(つ)
- Stroke count
- 11
- JLPT
- N3
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Break 断 down and you get 斤 (axe / weight) — a tool that splits a block apart. Picture a cleaver blade cutting straight down through a block, put 断 inside it, and let that scene stand for "refuse" — refuse / cut off. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 11
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11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 11 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
判断
handan
judgment
断る
kotowaru
to refuse
断言
dangen
assertion
中断
chuudan
interruption
遮断
shadan
cutoff
診断
shindan
diagnosis
Example sentences (5)
状況を見て判断します。
じょうきょう を みて はんだん します。
joukyou o mite handan shimasu.
I will decide after looking at the situation.
この件は私では判断できないので、上司に確認します。
この けん は わたし で は はんだん できない ので、じょうし に かくにん します。
kono ken wa watashi de wa handan dekinai node, joushi ni kakunin shimasu.
I cannot make a decision on this myself, so I will check with my supervisor.
忙しかったので、誘いを断りました。
いそがしかった ので、さそい を ことわりました。
isogashikatta node, sasoi o kotowarimashita.
I was busy, so I turned down the invitation.
断る場合でも、理由を丁寧に伝えたほうがいいです。
ことわる ばあい で も、りゆう を ていねい に つたえた ほう が いい です。
kotowaru baai de mo, riyuu o teinei ni tsutaeta hou ga ii desu.
Even when refusing, it is better to explain your reason politely.
来週、会社の健康診断を受けなければなりません。
らいしゅう、かいしゃ の けんこうしんだん を うけなければ なりません。
raishuu, kaisha no kenkoushindan o ukenakereba narimasen.
Next week I have to have the company health checkup.