years old
N3- Onyomi
- サイ・セイ
- Kunyomi
- とし
- Stroke count
- 13
- JLPT
- N3
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Break 歳 down and you get 止 (stop / step) — a footprint pressed into the ground, and beside it 戌 (dog (zodiac) / guard) — a long shaft with one extra notch marked partway down. Picture stepping stones leading forward one pace at a time, put 歳 inside it, and let that scene stand for "years old" — years old. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 13
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13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 13 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
歳出
saishutsu
annual expenditure
歳入
sainyuu
annual revenue
歳出が大切です
saishutsugataisetsudesu
annual expenditure is important
歳入が大切です
sainyuugataisetsudesu
annual revenue is important
歳出が必要です
saishutsugahitsuyoudesu
annual expenditure is necessary
歳入が必要です
sainyuugahitsuyoudesu
annual revenue is necessary
Example sentences (2)
その犬は十五歳で死にました。
その いぬ は じゅうごさい で しにました。
sono inu wa juugosai de shinimashita.
That dog died at fifteen years old.
うちの子供は五歳です。
うち の こども は ごさい です。
uchi no kodomo wa gosai desu.
Our child is five years old.