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JapanLingo

pierce / carry through

N1
Onyomi
Kunyomi
Stroke count
11
JLPT
N1

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 a cart on its wheels, with the kanji 貫 ("pierce") drawn into the picture.

Picture a cart on its wheels: that is what 貫 means — pierce / carry through. Now find the part that anchors it in the character itself, 毋 (do not / forbid) — a figure with a bar struck straight across it, blocking the way, and beside it 貝 (shell / money) — a shell, the money people once traded with. Drop that part into the picture and the shape stops being something separate to memorise.

Stroke Order

Stroke count: 11

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 11 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

kantetsu

carrying through

kantetsusuru

to do carrying through

kantetsushita

plain past: did carrying through

kantetsushimasu

polite: do carrying through

kantetsushinai

plain negative: does not do carrying through

kantetsuchuudesu

in the middle of carrying through

Example sentences (2)

kare wa jibun no shuchou o kantetsu shimashita.

He carried his argument through to the end.

shuui no hantai ni atte mo shoshi o kantetsu shita ten wa, takaku hyouka sareteimasu.

Carrying his original intent through despite opposition is highly regarded.