song / sing
N4- Onyomi
- カ
- Kunyomi
- うた・うた(う)
- Stroke count
- 14
- JLPT
- N4
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Break 歌 down and you get 欠 (lack / open mouth) — a person leaning forward with their mouth open. Picture an open mouth releasing musical waves as it sings, put 歌 inside it, and let that scene stand for "song" — song / sing. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 14
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14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 14 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
歌
uta
song
歌が大切です
uta ga taisetsu desu
song is important
歌が必要です
uta ga hitsuyou desu
song is necessary
歌が分かります
uta ga wakarimasu
to understand song
Example sentences (3)
カラオケで日本の歌を歌いました。
からおけ で にほん の うた を うたいました。
karaoke de nihon no uta o utaimashita.
I sang Japanese songs at karaoke.
この歌はとても有名です。
この うた は とても ゆうめい です。
kono uta wa totemo yuumei desu.
This song is very famous.
姉は歌が上手です。
あね は うた が じょうず です。
ane wa uta ga jouzu desu.
My older sister is good at singing.