masses / crowd
N1- Onyomi
- シュウ
- Stroke count
- 12
- JLPT
- N1
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Picture an open notebook with an idea lighting up above it, and set 衆 inside that picture. The scene is the hook: bring it back and 衆 comes with it, meaning "masses / crowd".
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 12
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12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 12 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
大衆
taishuu
the masses
群衆
gunshuu
crowd
聴衆
choushuu
audience
観衆
kanshuu
spectators
聴衆に会います
choushuuniaimasu
to meet the audience
観衆に聞きます
kanshuunikikimasu
to ask the spectators
Example sentences (6)
この雑誌は大衆に人気があります。
この ざっし は たいしゅう に にんき が あります。
kono zasshi wa taishuu ni ninki ga arimasu.
This magazine is popular with the masses.
大衆の関心を集めることと、内容の質は別の問題です。
たいしゅう の かんしん を あつめる こと と、ないよう の しつ は べつ の もんだい です。
taishuu no kanshin o atsumeru koto to, naiyou no shitsu wa betsu no mondai desu.
Attracting mass attention and the quality of the content are separate questions.
駅前に群衆が集まりました。
えきまえ に ぐんしゅう が あつまりました。
ekimae ni gunshuu ga atsumarimashita.
A crowd gathered in front of the station.
無料の公開日とあって、朝から群衆が長い列を作りました。
むりょう の こうかいび と あって、あさ から ぐんしゅう が ながい れつ を つくりました。
muryou no koukaibi to atte, asa kara gunshuu ga nagai retsu o tsukurimashita.
As it was the free open day, a crowd formed a long queue from the morning.
聴衆は講演に聞き入りました。
ちょうしゅう は こうえん に ききいりました。
choushuu wa kouen ni kikiirimashita.
The audience was absorbed in the lecture.
聴衆の反応を見ながら、話す速さを調整しています。
ちょうしゅう の はんのう を み ながら、はなす はやさ を ちょうせい しています。
choushuu no hannou o mi nagara, hanasu hayasa o chousei shiteimasu.
Watching how the audience reacts, I adjust my speaking pace.