自
self
N4- Onyomi
- ジ・シ
- Kunyomi
- みずか(ら)
- Stroke count
- 6
- JLPT
- N4
Mnemonic
自 means "self". Its on'yomi ジ・シ and kun'yomi みずか(ら). To remember it, picture "self" every time you see 自, and link that image to the reading so the shape, sound, and meaning stick together.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 6
- 1上から下へ書きます。Write from top to bottom.
- 2左から右へ書きます。Write from left to right.
- 3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.
- 4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.
- 5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.
- 6この漢字は6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 6 strokes — trace them in order in the practice area below.
Step by step
Stroke-order data: KanjiVG (CC BY-SA 3.0).
Practice Writing
Trace the faded character with your mouse or finger. Hide the outline to test yourself.
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
自由free自供confession自首surrendering oneself自由なattributive: free (before a noun)自動化automation自転車bicycle
Example sentences (3)
自由はとても大切です。
じゆう は とても たいせつ です。
jiyuu wa totemo taisetsu desu.
The free is very important.
毎日自供を使います。
まいにち じきょう を つかいます。
mainichi jikyou o tsukaimasu.
I use the confession every day.
自首の意味を調べました。
じしゅ の いみ を しらべました。
jishu no imi o shirabemashita.
I looked up the meaning of "surrendering oneself".