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N4- Onyomi
- シ
- Kunyomi
- と(まる)
- Stroke count
- 4
- JLPT
- N4
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Picture stepping stones leading forward one pace at a time: that is what 止 means — stop. Now find the part that anchors it in the character itself, 卜 (divining / mark) — a mark made to read what it means. Drop that part into the picture and the shape stops being something separate to memorise.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 4
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4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 4 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
止める
yameru
to quit
停止
teishi
halt
中止
chuushi
cancellation
禁止
kinshi
prohibition
止めて
yamete
quit — te-form
止めます
yamemasu
quit — polite present
Example sentences (3)
体のために、甘い物を止めました。
からだ の ため に、あまい もの を やめました。
karada no tame ni, amai mono o yamemashita.
I gave up sweets for my health.
無理だと思ったら、途中で止めてもいいですよ。
むり だ と おもったら、とちゅう で やめて も いい です よ。
muri da to omottara, tochuu de yamete mo ii desu yo.
If you think it is too much, it is fine to stop partway.
機械が故障したので、今日は生産が止まっています。
きかい が こしょう した ので、きょう は せいさん が とまって います。
kikai ga koshou shita node, kyou wa seisan ga tomatte imasu.
The machine broke down, so production is stopped today.