step / grade
N3- Onyomi
- ダン
- Stroke count
- 9
- JLPT
- N3
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 段 means — step / grade. Now find the part that anchors it in the character itself, 殳 (action / tool) — a hand swinging a tool. Drop that part into the picture and the shape stops being something separate to memorise.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 9
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9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 9 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
手段
shudan
means
値段
nedan
price
段階
dankai
stage
値段が大切です
nedangataisetsudesu
price is important
値段が必要です
nedangahitsuyoudesu
price is necessary
値段を考えます
nedan'okangaemasu
to think about price
Example sentences (5)
連絡手段はメールが便利です。
れんらく しゅだん は めーる が べんり です。
renraku shudan wa meeru ga benri desu.
Email is a convenient means of contact.
目的のためなら、どんな手段でもいいわけではありません。
もくてき の ため なら、どんな しゅだん で も いい わけ で は ありません。
mokuteki no tame nara, donna shudan de mo ii wake de wa arimasen.
It is not the case that any means is acceptable just because of the goal.
この店は値段が安いです。
この みせ は ねだん が やすい です。
kono mise wa nedan ga yasui desu.
The prices at this store are low.
値段が高くても、いい物を買ったほうがいいです。
ねだん が たかくて も、いい もの を かった ほう が いい です。
nedan ga takakute mo, ii mono o katta hou ga ii desu.
Even if the price is high, it is better to buy something good.
設計の段階で相談しておけば、あとで困りません。
せっけい の だんかい で そうだん して おけば、あと で こまりません。
sekkei no dankai de soudan shite okeba, ato de komarimasen.
If you consult at the design stage, you will not have trouble later.