picture / stroke
N4- Onyomi
- ガ・カク
- Stroke count
- 8
- JLPT
- N4
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Break 画 down and you get 一 (one / a line) — a single line, the very first mark, and beside it 由 (reason / from) — a seed case with a single shoot poking out through the top. Picture a brush laying down a clean stroke on paper, put 画 inside it, and let that scene stand for "picture" — picture / stroke. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 8
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8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 8 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
計画
keikaku
plan
映画
eiga
movie
画面
gamen
screen
画期的
kakkiteki
groundbreaking
計画する
keikakusuru
to do plan
画期的な
kakkitekina
attributive: groundbreaking (before a noun)
Example sentences (3)
夏休みの旅行を計画しています。
なつやすみ の りょこう を けいかく しています。
natsuyasumi no ryokou o keikaku shiteimasu.
I am planning a trip for the summer holidays.
計画どおりに進まないこともあります。
けいかく どおり に すすまない こと も あります。
keikaku doori ni susumanai koto mo arimasu.
There are times when things do not go according to plan.
週末に日本の映画を見ました。
しゅうまつ に にほん の えいが を みました。
shuumatsu ni nihon no eiga o mimashita.
I watched a Japanese movie on the weekend.