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JapanLingo

do / sake of

N2
Onyomi
Kunyomi
Stroke count
9
JLPT
N2

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 an abacus with beads slid along its rods, with the kanji 為 ("do") drawn into the picture.

Break 為 down and you get 丶 (dot) — a single dot marking the spot, and beside it 勹 (wrap / enclose) — an arm curved around to wrap something close. Picture an abacus with beads slid along its rods, put 為 inside it, and let that scene stand for "do" — do / sake of. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.

Stroke Order

Stroke count: 9

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 9 strokes — trace them in order in the practice area below.

Step by step

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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

kawase

exchange (currency)

kawasenokaigigaarimasu

there is a meeting about exchange (currency)

kawaseotantoushiteimasu

to be in charge of exchange (currency)

kawasenoshiryouotsukurimasu

to make materials for exchange (currency)

kawasenitsuitehoukokushimasu

to report on exchange (currency)

Example sentences (3)

kawase no hendou de rieki ga herimashita.

Profits fell due to exchange rate fluctuations.

kaigai to no torihiki ga ooi kaisha hodo, kawase no eikyou o ukeyasui desu.

The more overseas business a company does, the more it is affected by exchange rates.

kawase wa mainichi hendou shiteimasu.

Exchange rates fluctuate every day.