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JapanLingo

family / tribe

N4
Onyomi
Stroke count
11
JLPT
N4

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 a person carrying a box held in both arms, with the kanji 族 ("family") drawn into the picture.

Picture a person carrying a box held in both arms: that is what 族 means — family / tribe. 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

kazoku

family

kizoku

aristocrat

kazoku to hanashimasu

to talk with the family

kazoku ni aimasu

to meet the family

kazoku ni kikimasu

to ask the family

kizokutohanashimasu

to talk with the aristocrat

Example sentences (3)

kazoku to nihon ni sundeimasu.

I live in Japan with my family.

watashi no kazoku wa yonin desu.

There are four people in my family.

shuushoku ga kimatta node, kazoku ni denwa de tsutaemashita.

My job was settled, so I told my family by phone.