Skip to content
JapanLingo

hand over / cross

N3
Onyomi
Kunyomi
Stroke count
12
JLPT
N3

Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.

Memory tip

A flat illustration of two cupped hands together, offering something held between them, with the kanji 渡 ("hand over") drawn into the picture.

Picture two cupped hands together, offering something held between them: that is what 渡 means — hand over / cross. Now find the part that anchors it in the character itself, 氵 (water) — three drops of water running down the left edge. Drop that part into the picture and the shape stops being something separate to memorise.

Stroke Order

Stroke count: 12

General writing tips

These general rules have exceptions. Follow the animation and numbered frames for this character.

  • •Write from top to bottom.
  • •Write from left to right.
  • •Write horizontal strokes before the vertical strokes that cross them.
  • •Draw an outer enclosure first, then fill in what is inside.
  • •In symmetric shapes, write the centre before the left and right sides.
  • •This kanji has 12 strokes — trace them in order in the practice area below.

Step by step

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

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

watasu

to hand over

jouto

transfer (of rights)

watashite

hand over — te-form

watashimasu

hand over — polite present

joutoshita

plain past: did transfer (of rights)

watasanai

hand over — plain negative

Example sentences (3)

uketsuke de meishi o watashimashita.

I handed over my business card at the reception desk.

kono shorui o buchou ni watashite moraemasen ka.

Could you hand these documents to the manager?

buchou ga modottara, kono shorui o watashite kudasai.

When the manager comes back, please hand them these documents.