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JapanLingo

cow

N4
Onyomi
Kunyomi
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

A flat illustration of a four-legged animal standing in profile, with the kanji 牛 ("cow") drawn into the picture.

牛 is the picture: an ox with horns above its head. Set it against a four-legged animal standing in profile and the shape carries its meaning, "cow", with it.

Stroke Order

Stroke count: 4

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

Step by step

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2
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4

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

ushi

cow

gyuunyuu

milk

ushiotsukaimasu

to use the cow

ushiokaimasu

to buy the cow

ushigaarimasu

there is a cow

gyuunyuu o tsukaimasu

to use the milk

Example sentences (3)

bokujou de takusan no ushi o mimashita.

I saw many cows at the ranch.

ushi no sewa o suru no wa, asa ga hayakute taihen da sou desu.

I hear looking after cows is hard because you have to start early.

konbini de gyuunyuu o kaimashita.

I bought milk at the convenience store.