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JapanLingo

town

N4
Onyomi
Kunyomi
Stroke count
7
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 rice field divided into four plots by its paths, with the kanji 町 ("town") drawn into the picture.

Break 町 down and you get 田 (rice field) — a field cut into four plots by its paths, and beside it 丁 (nail / town block) — a nail seen from the side, its head flat above a straight shaft. Picture a rice field divided into four plots by its paths, put 町 inside it, and let that scene stand for "town" — town. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.

Stroke Order

Stroke count: 7

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 7 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

machi

town

machi ni ikimasu

to go to the town

machi no chikaku desu

near the town

machi de hataraiteimasu

to work at the town

Example sentences (3)

watashi no machi ni wa ookii kouen ga arimasu.

There is a big park in my town.

machi no suupaa de kaimono o shimasu.

I shop at the supermarket in town.

kono machi no jinkou wa hetteimasu.

The population of this town is decreasing.