laugh
N3- Onyomi
- ショウ
- Kunyomi
- わら(う)
- Stroke count
- 10
- 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 笑 down and you get 竹 (bamboo) — two bamboo stalks with their leaves. Picture two bamboo stalks with their segments, put 笑 inside it, and let that scene stand for "laugh" — laugh. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 10
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10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 10 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
笑う
warau
to laugh
笑って
waratte
laugh — te-form
笑います
waraimasu
laugh — polite present
笑わない
warawanai
laugh — plain negative
笑いました
waraimashita
laugh — polite past
笑いません
waraimasen
laugh — polite negative
Example sentences (2)
子どもたちが大きい声で笑っています。
こどもたち が おおきい こえ で わらっています。
kodomotachi ga ookii koe de waratteimasu.
The children are laughing loudly.
失敗しても、笑って話せるようになりました。
しっぱい して も、わらって はなせる よう に なりました。
shippai shite mo, waratte hanaseru you ni narimashita.
Even when I fail, I have become able to talk about it with a laugh.