edge / end
N1- Onyomi
- タン
- Kunyomi
- はし・はた
- Stroke count
- 14
- JLPT
- N1
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Break 端 down and you get 立 (stand) — a person standing firmly on the ground. Picture a signpost standing fixed at a crossing, put 端 inside it, and let that scene stand for "edge" — edge / end. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 14
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14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 14 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
発端
hottan
beginning
先端
sentan
cutting edge
半端
hanpa
incomplete
半端な
hanpana
attributive: incomplete (before a noun)
半端です
hanpadesu
polite: is incomplete
発端が大切です
hottangataisetsudesu
beginning is important
Example sentences (6)
小さな誤解が事件の発端でした。
ちいさな ごかい が じけん の ほったん でした。
chiisana gokai ga jiken no hottan deshita.
A small misunderstanding was the origin of the incident.
些細な確認漏れが発端となり、大きな混乱に至りました。
ささい な かくにん もれ が ほったん と なり、おおきな こんらん に いたりました。
sasai na kakunin more ga hottan to nari, ookina konran ni itarimashita.
A trivial missed check was the starting point, and it led to serious confusion.
先端の技術を学びたいです。
せんたん の ぎじゅつ を まなびたい です。
sentan no gijutsu o manabitai desu.
I want to learn cutting-edge technology.
先端の技術を追うだけでなく、基礎の理解も欠かせません。
せんたん の ぎじゅつ を おう だけ で なく、きそ の りかい も かかせません。
sentan no gijutsu o ou dake de naku, kiso no rikai mo kakasemasen.
It is not enough to chase cutting-edge technology; a grasp of the basics is essential too.
中途半端な状態で終わらせたくありません。
ちゅうと はんぱな じょうたい で おわらせたく ありません。
chuuto hanpana joutai de owarasetaku arimasen.
I do not want to leave it finished only halfway.
半端な知識で説明すると、かえって混乱を招きます。
はんぱな ちしき で せつめい する と、かえって こんらん を まねきます。
hanpana chishiki de setsumei suru to, kaette konran o manekimasu.
Explaining with half-baked knowledge only invites confusion.