hear / ask
N5- Onyomi
- ブン・モン
- Kunyomi
- き(く)
- Stroke count
- 14
- JLPT
- N5
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
An ear (耳) at the gate (門), listening. 聞 means to hear or ask.
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
聞く
kiku
to listen
新聞
shinbun
newspaper
聞いて
kiite
listen — te-form
聞きます
kikimasu
listen — polite present
聞きました
kikimashita
listen — polite past
人に聞きます
hito ni kikimasu
to ask the person
Example sentences (2)
毎日、音楽を聞きます。
まいにち、おんがく を ききます。
mainichi, ongaku o kikimasu.
I listen to music every day.
分からないとき、先生に聞きます。
わからない とき、せんせい に ききます。
wakaranai toki, sensei ni kikimasu.
When I do not understand, I ask my teacher.