observe / view
N3- Onyomi
- カン
- Stroke count
- 18
- JLPT
- N3
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Break 観 down and you get 見 (see / look) — an eye on legs, walking out to take a look. Picture an eye looking straight ahead, put 観 inside it, and let that scene stand for "observe" — observe / view. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 18
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18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 18 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
観察
kansatsu
observation
観点
kanten
point of view
観測
kansoku
observation (scientific)
観衆
kanshuu
spectators
観察する
kansatsusuru
to do observation
観測する
kansokusuru
to do observation (scientific)
Example sentences (3)
子供の様子をよく観察してください。
こども の ようす を よく かんさつ して ください。
kodomo no yousu o yoku kansatsu shite kudasai.
Please observe the child's condition carefully.
先輩のやり方を観察していると、いろいろ学べます。
せんぱい の やりかた を かんさつ している と、いろいろ まなべます。
senpai no yarikata o kansatsu shiteiru to, iroiro manabemasu.
When you observe how your senior does things, you can learn a lot.
この町は観光産業が盛んです。
この まち は かんこう さんぎょう が さかん です。
kono machi wa kankou sangyou ga sakan desu.
The tourism industry is thriving in this town.