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JapanLingo

period / term

N3
Onyomi
Stroke count
12
JLPT
N3

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 the moon in a night sky, with the kanji 期 ("period") drawn into the picture.

Break 期 down and you get 其 (that (one) / basket) — a woven basket set up on two crossed legs of its own, and beside it 月 (moon / month) — the moon hanging in a clear night sky. Picture the moon in a night sky, put 期 inside it, and let that scene stand for "period" — period / term. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.

Stroke Order

Stroke count: 12

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 12 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

enki

postponement

kitai

expectation

douki

synchronization

kakkiteki

groundbreaking

kitaisuru

to do expectation

enkisuru

to do postponement

Example sentences (5)

ame de ibento ga enki ni narimashita.

The event was postponed because of rain.

enki ni natta okage de, junbi suru jikan ga fuemashita.

Thanks to the postponement, we got more time to prepare.

atarashii saabisu ni kitai shiteimasu.

I have high hopes for the new service.

kitai sareteiru node, shikkari junbi shite okimasu.

Since expectations are on me, I will prepare thoroughly.

biza no koushin wa, kigen ga kireru mae ni shite okimashou.

Let us renew the visa before it expires.