muscle / logic thread
N1- Onyomi
- キン
- Kunyomi
- すじ
- 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
Picture a needle threaded and ready to sew: that is what 筋 means — muscle / logic thread. Now find the part that anchors it in the character itself, 竹 (bamboo) — two bamboo stalks with their leaves. 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
本筋
honsuji
main thread
本筋が大切です
honsujigataisetsudesu
main thread is important
本筋が必要です
honsujigahitsuyoudesu
main thread is necessary
本筋を考えます
honsujiokangaemasu
to think about main thread
本筋について話します
honsujinitsuitehanashimasu
to talk about main thread
Example sentences (3)
話が本筋からそれました。
はなし が ほんすじ から それました。
hanashi ga honsuji kara soremashita.
The conversation strayed from the main thread.
議論が本筋から外れたときは、進行役が戻す役割を担います。
ぎろん が ほんすじ から はずれた とき は、しんこうやく が もどす やくわり を にないます。
giron ga honsuji kara hazureta toki wa, shinkouyaku ga modosu yakuwari o ninaimasu.
When the discussion strays from the main thread, it falls to the facilitator to bring it back.
寒さで筋肉が収縮します。
さむさ で きんにく が しゅうしゅく します。
samusa de kinniku ga shuushuku shimasu.
Muscles contract in the cold.