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JapanLingo

brain

N1
Onyomi
Stroke count
11
JLPT
N1

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 the moon in a night sky, with the kanji 脳 ("brain") drawn into the picture.

Break 脳 down and you get 月 (moon / month) — the moon hanging in a clear night sky. Picture the moon in a night sky, put 脳 inside it, and let that scene stand for "brain" — brain. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.

Stroke Order

Stroke count: 11

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 11 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

shunou

leader

shunoutohanashimasu

to talk with the leader

shunouniaimasu

to meet the leader

shunounikikimasu

to ask the leader

shunounirenrakushimasu

to contact the leader

Example sentences (2)

kakkoku no shunou ga kaidan shimashita.

The leaders of each country held talks.

shunou doushi no kaidan to mo naru to, keibi no kibo mo ketachigai ni narimasu.

When it comes to a summit between leaders, the scale of security is on another level.