Skip to content
JapanLingo

ear

N5
Onyomi
Kunyomi
Stroke count
6
JLPT
N5

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 an ear turned towards an incoming sound, with the kanji 耳 ("ear") drawn into the picture.

耳 is the picture: an ear turned towards the sound. Set it against an ear turned towards an incoming sound and the shape carries its meaning, "ear", with it.

Stroke Order

Stroke count: 6

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 6 strokes — trace them in order in the practice area below.

Step by step

1
2
3
4
5
6

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 sentences (2)

usagi no mimi wa nagai desu.

A rabbit has long ears.

mimi ga samui desu kara, boushi o kaburimasu.

My ears are cold, so I will put on a hat.