bright
N4- Onyomi
- メイ
- Kunyomi
- あか(るい)
- Stroke count
- 8
- JLPT
- N4
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
The sun (日) and moon (月) together give the most light. 明 means bright or clear.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 8
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8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 8 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
説明
setsumei
explanation
明確
meikaku
clear
克明
kokumei
scrupulousness
釈明
shakumei
explanation (of conduct)
弁明
benmei
explanation
明示
meiji
explicit statement
Example sentences (3)
新しいルールについて説明します。
あたらしい るーる について せつめい します。
atarashii ruuru nitsuite setsumei shimasu.
I will explain the new rules.
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?
明日の朝、東京へ行きます。
あした の あさ、とうきょう へ いきます。
ashita no asa, toukyou e ikimasu.
I am going to Tokyo tomorrow morning.