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JapanLingo

warn / police

N3
Onyomi
Stroke count
19
JLPT
N3

Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.

Memory tip

A flat illustration of two speech bubbles overlapping in a conversation, with the kanji 警 ("warn") drawn into the picture.

Break 警 down and you get 敬 (respect) — a hand tapping a reminder to stand a little straighter, out of respect, and beside it 言 (speech / words) — words rising out of an open mouth. Picture two speech bubbles overlapping in a conversation, put 警 inside it, and let that scene stand for "warn" — warn / police. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.

Stroke Order

Stroke count: 19

General writing tips

These general rules have exceptions. Follow the animation and numbered frames for this character.

  • •Write from top to bottom.
  • •Write from left to right.
  • •Write horizontal strokes before the vertical strokes that cross them.
  • •Draw an outer enclosure first, then fill in what is inside.
  • •In symmetric shapes, write the centre before the left and right sides.
  • •This kanji has 19 strokes — trace them in order in the practice area below.

Step by step

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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

keisatsu

police

keikai

vigilance

keikoku

warning

keikaisuru

to do vigilance

keikaishita

plain past: did vigilance

keikokusuru

to do warning

Example sentences (2)

saifu o nakushite, keisatsu ni todokemashita.

I lost my wallet and reported it to the police.

nani ka attara, sugu ni keisatsu ni denwa shita hou ga ii desu.

If anything happens, it is better to call the police right away.