digit / beam
N1- Onyomi
- ケタ
- Kunyomi
- けた
- Stroke count
- 10
- 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 桁 down and you get 木 (tree / wood) — a tree with branches reaching up and roots spreading down, and beside it 行 (go / conduct) — a crossroads seen from above, paths leading off in both directions. Picture a small grove of three trees clustered together, put 桁 inside it, and let that scene stand for "digit" — digit / beam. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 10
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10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 10 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 sentences (1)
首脳どうしの会談ともなると、警備の規模も桁違いになります。
しゅのう どうし の かいだん と も なる と、けいび の きぼ も けたちがい に なります。
shunou doushi no kaidan to mo naru to, keibi no kibo mo ketachigai ni narimasu.
When it comes to a summit between leaders, the scale of security is on another level.