wear / arrive
N4- Onyomi
- チャク
- Kunyomi
- き(る)・つ(く)
- Stroke count
- 12
- JLPT
- N4
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Picture a garment with its collar and sleeves: that is what 着 means — wear / arrive. Now find the part that anchors it in the character itself, 目 (eye) — an eye stood on its end, pupil lines inside. Drop that part into the picture and the shape stops being something separate to memorise.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 12
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12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 12 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
到着
touchaku
arrival
着て
kite
wear — te-form
着る
kiru
to wear
着任
chakunin
assumption of office
癒着
yuchaku
collusion
着ます
kimasu
wear — polite present
Example sentences (3)
荷物は明日到着する予定です。
にもつ は あした とうちゃく する よてい です。
nimotsu wa ashita touchaku suru yotei desu.
The package is scheduled to arrive tomorrow.
空港に到着したら、すぐに電話します。
くうこう に とうちゃく したら、すぐ に でんわ します。
kuukou ni touchaku shitara, sugu ni denwa shimasu.
I will call as soon as I arrive at the airport.
寒いので、上着を着ます。
さむい ので、うわぎ を きます。
samui node, uwagi o kimasu.
It is cold, so I will put on a jacket.