self
N4- Onyomi
- ジ・シ
- Kunyomi
- みずか(ら)
- Stroke count
- 6
- JLPT
- N4
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Picture two people standing side by side: that is what 自 means — self. Now find the part that anchors it in the character itself, 目 (eye) — an eye stood on its end, pupil lines inside. Drop that part into the picture and the shape stops being something separate to memorise.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 6
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
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
自由
jiyuu
free
自首
jishu
surrendering oneself
自供
jikyou
confession
自転車
jitensha
bicycle
自由な
jiyuuna
attributive: free (before a noun)
自動化
jidouka
automation
Example sentences (3)
昼休みは自由に使っていいです。
ひるやすみ は じゆう に つかって いい です。
hiruyasumi wa jiyuu ni tsukatte ii desu.
You may use your lunch break freely.
この会社は服装が自由なので、働きやすいです。
この かいしゃ は ふくそう が じゆう な ので、はたらきやすい です。
kono kaisha wa fukusou ga jiyuu na node, hatarakiyasui desu.
This company has a free dress code, so it is comfortable to work here.
自転車で駅まで行きます。
じてんしゃ で えき まで いきます。
jitensha de eki made ikimasu.
I go to the station by bicycle.