mutual / minister
N3- Onyomi
- ソウ・ショウ
- Kunyomi
- あい
- Stroke count
- 9
- JLPT
- N3
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Break 相 down and you get 木 (tree / wood) — a tree with branches reaching up and roots spreading down, and beside it 目 (eye) — an eye stood on its end, pupil lines inside. Picture a tree with a broad green crown, put 相 inside it, and let that scene stand for "mutual" — mutual / minister. 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.
- •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9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 9 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
相手
aite
partner
相続
souzoku
inheritance
相場
souba
market price
相談
soudan
consultation
相続税
souzokuzei
inheritance tax
相談する
soudansuru
to do consultation
Example sentences (5)
相手の話を最後まで聞きましょう。
あいて の はなし を さいご まで ききましょう。
aite no hanashi o saigo made kikimashou.
Let us listen to the other person until the end.
相手の立場になって考えると、答えが見つかることがあります。
あいて の たちば に なって かんがえる と、こたえ が みつかる こと が あります。
aite no tachiba ni natte kangaeru to, kotae ga mitsukaru koto ga arimasu.
When you think from the other person's position, you sometimes find the answer.
転職について先輩に相談しました。
てんしょく について せんぱい に そうだん しました。
tenshoku nitsuite senpai ni soudan shimashita.
I consulted a senior colleague about changing jobs.
一人で悩まないで、だれかに相談したほうがいいですよ。
ひとり で なやまないで、だれ か に そうだん した ほう が いい です よ。
hitori de nayamanaide, dare ka ni soudan shita hou ga ii desu yo.
Do not worry about it alone; it is better to talk to someone.
設計の段階で相談しておけば、あとで困りません。
せっけい の だんかい で そうだん して おけば、あと で こまりません。
sekkei no dankai de soudan shite okeba, ato de komarimasen.
If you consult at the design stage, you will not have trouble later.