decay
N1- Onyomi
- キュウ
- Kunyomi
- く(ちる)
- Stroke count
- 6
- JLPT
- N1
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Break 朽 down and you get 木 (tree / wood) — a tree with branches reaching up and roots spreading down, and beside it 丂 (breath held back) — a hooked line broken off short, like a breath caught halfway out. Picture a small grove of three trees clustered together, put 朽 inside it, and let that scene stand for "decay" — decay. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 6
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6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 6 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
老朽化
roukyuuka
deterioration with age
老朽化する
roukyuukasuru
to do deterioration with age
老朽化した
roukyuukashita
plain past: did deterioration with age
老朽化します
roukyuukashimasu
polite: do deterioration with age
老朽化しない
roukyuukashinai
plain negative: does not do deterioration with age
老朽化中です
roukyuukachuudesu
in the middle of deterioration with age
Example sentences (3)
設備の老朽化が進んでいます。
せつび の ろうきゅうか が すすんでいます。
setsubi no roukyuuka ga susundeimasu.
The equipment is deteriorating with age.
橋の老朽化が進んでおり、計画的な補修が求められています。
はし の ろうきゅうか が すすんで おり、けいかくてき な ほしゅう が もとめられています。
hashi no roukyuuka ga susunde ori, keikakuteki na hoshuu ga motomerareteimasu.
The bridges are ageing, and planned repair work is being called for.
道路の陥没は、地下の水道管の老朽化が原因でした。
どうろ の かんぼつ は、ちか の すいどうかん の ろうきゅうか が げんいん でした。
douro no kanbotsu wa, chika no suidoukan no roukyuuka ga gen'in deshita.
The road cave-in was caused by ageing water pipes underground.