say / word
N4- Onyomi
- ゲン・ゴン
- Kunyomi
- い(う)・こと
- Stroke count
- 7
- 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 a banner unfurled to announce something: that is what 言 means — say / word. Now find the part that anchors it in the character itself, 口 (mouth / opening) — an open mouth, or any opening. Drop that part into the picture and the shape stops being something separate to memorise.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 7
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7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 7 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
言明
genmei
declaration
宣言
sengen
declaration
断言
dangen
assertion
発言
hatsugen
remark
公言
kougen
open declaration
言葉
kotoba
word
Example sentences (3)
知らない言葉を辞書で調べます。
しらない ことば を じしょ で しらべます。
shiranai kotoba o jisho de shirabemasu.
I look up words I do not know in the dictionary.
この言葉は毎日使います。
この ことば は まいにち つかいます。
kono kotoba wa mainichi tsukaimasu.
I use this word every day.
教室で習った言葉が、仕事で役に立つようになりました。
きょうしつ で ならった ことば が、しごと で やく に たつ よう に なりました。
kyoushitsu de naratta kotoba ga, shigoto de yaku ni tatsu you ni narimashita.
The words I learned in class have become useful at work.