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JapanLingo

writing brush

N1
Onyomi
Kunyomi
Stroke count
12
JLPT
N1

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 two bamboo stalks with their segments, with the kanji 筆 ("writing brush") drawn into the picture.

Break 筆 down and you get 竹 (bamboo) — two bamboo stalks with their leaves, and beside it 聿 (brush / writing) — a hand holding a brush over the paper. Picture two bamboo stalks with their segments, put 筆 inside it, and let that scene stand for "writing brush" — writing brush. 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

shippitsu

writing (professionally)

shippitsusuru

to do writing (professionally)

shippitsushita

plain past: did writing (professionally)

shippitsushimasu

polite: do writing (professionally)

shippitsuchuudesu

in the middle of writing (professionally)

shippitsushinai

plain negative: does not do writing (professionally)

Example sentences (4)

kare wa gijutsusho o shippitsu shiteimasu.

He is writing a technical book.

hongyou no katawara, gijutsu burogu no shippitsu o tsuzuketeimasu.

Alongside my main job, I keep up the writing of a technical blog.

kare no mezamashii seichou buri wa, tokuhitsu ni ataisuru mono da to omoimasu.

The remarkable way he has grown is, I think, worth singling out.

kono enpitsu wa mijikai desu.

This pencil is short.