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JapanLingo

rotate / spiral

N1
Onyomi
Stroke count
11
JLPT
N1

Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.

Memory tip

A flat illustration of gusts of wind sweeping across, with the kanji 旋 ("rotate") drawn into the picture.

Picture gusts of wind sweeping across: that is what 旋 means — rotate / spiral. Now find the part that anchors it in the character itself, 方 (direction / way) — a signpost with one arm pointing off. Drop that part into the picture and the shape stops being something separate to memorise.

Stroke Order

Stroke count: 11

General writing tips

These general rules have exceptions. Follow the animation and numbered frames for this character.

  • •Write from top to bottom.
  • •Write from left to right.
  • •Write horizontal strokes before the vertical strokes that cross them.
  • •Draw an outer enclosure first, then fill in what is inside.
  • •In symmetric shapes, write the centre before the left and right sides.
  • •This kanji has 11 strokes — trace them in order in the practice area below.

Step by step

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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

assen

mediation

assensuru

to do mediation

assenshita

plain past: did mediation

assenshimasu

polite: do mediation

assenchuudesu

in the middle of mediation

assenshinai

plain negative: does not do mediation

Example sentences (2)

chijin ni shigoto o assen shite moraimashita.

An acquaintance helped place me in a job.

kyuujin no assen o yosootta sagi ga fueteiru node, chuui ga hitsuyou desu.

Scams posing as job placement services are increasing, so caution is needed.