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JapanLingo

loose / slow

N2
Onyomi
Kunyomi
Stroke count
15
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 needle threaded and ready to sew, with the kanji 緩 ("loose") drawn into the picture.

Break 緩 down and you get 糸 (thread / silk) — a thread wound on its spool. Picture a needle threaded and ready to sew, put 緩 inside it, and let that scene stand for "loose" — loose / slow. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.

Stroke Order

Stroke count: 15

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 15 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

yurui

loose

yuruyaka

gentle

yuruidesu

polite: is loose

yuruyakana

attributive: gentle (before a noun)

yuruyakadesu

polite: is gentle

yurukunaidesu

polite negative: is not loose

Example sentences (2)

kono shatsu wa sukoshi yurui desu.

This shirt is a little loose.

neji ga yuruku natteiru node, shimenaoshita hou ga ii desu yo.

The screw has come loose, so you had better tighten it again.