train / polish
N2- Onyomi
- レン
- Kunyomi
- ね(る)
- Stroke count
- 14
- JLPT
- N2
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Picture a cart on its wheels: that is what 練 means — train / polish. Now find the part that anchors it in the character itself, 糸 (thread / silk) — a thread wound on its spool, and beside it 東 (east) — the sun caught behind the branches of a tree. Drop that part into the picture and the shape stops being something separate to memorise.
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
練習
renshuu
practice
練る
neru
to knead
訓練
kunren
training
練って
nette
knead — te-form
練習する
renshuusuru
to do practice
練習した
renshuushita
plain past: did practice
Example sentences (6)
避難訓練が年に二回あります。
ひなん くんれん が ねん に にかい あります。
hinan kunren ga nen ni nikai arimasu.
We have evacuation drills twice a year.
毎日の訓練を続けていれば、必ず上手になります。
まいにち の くんれん を つづけて いれば、かならず じょうず に なります。
mainichi no kunren o tsuzukete ireba, kanarazu jouzu ni narimasu.
If you keep up daily training, you will definitely get better.
プレゼンの練習を三回しました。
ぷれぜん の れんしゅう を さんかい しました。
purezen no renshuu o sankai shimashita.
I practiced my presentation three times.
練習すればするほど、話すのが楽になります。
れんしゅう すれば する ほど、はなす の が らく に なります。
renshuu sureba suru hodo, hanasu no ga raku ni narimasu.
The more you practice, the easier speaking becomes.
面接の前に、自己紹介を練習しました。
めんせつ の まえ に、じこしょうかい を れんしゅう しました。
mensetsu no mae ni, jikoshoukai o renshuu shimashita.
I practiced my self-introduction before the interview.
毎日練習すれば、話せるようになります。
まいにち れんしゅう すれば、はなせる よう に なります。
mainichi renshuu sureba, hanaseru you ni narimasu.
If you practice every day, you will become able to speak.