direction / person
N4- Onyomi
- ホウ
- Kunyomi
- かた
- 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
Picture a pedestrian crossing marked with painted stripes: that is what 方 means — direction / person. Now find the part that anchors it in the character itself, 亠 (lid / top) — a lid resting on the top. Drop that part into the picture and the shape stops being something separate to memorise.
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
方法
houhou
method
地方
chihou
region
方策
housaku
measure
方針
houshin
policy
方法が大切です
houhougataisetsudesu
method is important
地方に行きます
chihouniikimasu
to go to the region
Example sentences (3)
使い方が分からないので、もう一度説明してもらえますか。
つかいかた が わからない ので、もう いちど せつめい して もらえます か。
tsukaikata ga wakaranai node, mou ichido setsumei shite moraemasu ka.
I do not understand how to use it, so could you explain it once more?
先生は厳しいですが、教え方はとても分かりやすいです。
せんせい は きびしい です が、おしえかた は とても わかりやすい です。
sensei wa kibishii desu ga, oshiekata wa totemo wakariyasui desu.
The teacher is strict, but the way they teach is very easy to follow.
この使い方が正しいかどうか、先生に聞いてみます。
この つかいかた が ただしい か どう か、せんせい に きいて みます。
kono tsukaikata ga tadashii ka dou ka, sensei ni kiite mimasu.
I will ask the teacher whether this usage is correct.