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JapanLingo

hard

N2
Onyomi
Kunyomi
Stroke count
12
JLPT
N2

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 large stone, with the kanji 硬 ("hard") drawn into the picture.

Break 硬 down and you get 石 (stone) — a rock sitting at the foot of a cliff, and beside it 更 (change / renew) — a hand reaching up to reset the sun in its frame, starting the count again. Picture a large stone, put 硬 inside it, and let that scene stand for "hard" — hard. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.

Stroke Order

Stroke count: 12

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 12 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

katai

hard (object)

kataidesu

polite: is hard (object)

katakunaidesu

polite negative: is not hard (object)

katakattadesu

polite past: was hard (object)

Example sentences (4)

kono niku wa sukoshi katai desu.

This meat is a little tough.

katai node, naifu de mo kirinikui kamo shiremasen.

It is hard, so it may be difficult to cut even with a knife.

katai pan na node, yukkuri kanda hou ga ii desu.

It is hard bread, so it is better to chew slowly.

yawarakai beddo yori, katai beddo no hou ga yoku nemuremasu.

I sleep better on a firm bed than on a soft one.