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JapanLingo

car / vehicle

N5
Onyomi
Kunyomi
Stroke count
7
JLPT
N5

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 車 ("car") drawn into the picture.

A cart seen from above, with axle and wheels. 車 means car or vehicle.

Stroke Order

Stroke count: 7

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 7 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

densha

train

jitensha

bicycle

shanai

inside a vehicle

kuruma

car

gesha

getting off

jousha

boarding (a vehicle)

Example sentences (2)

chichi wa mainichi, kuruma de kaisha e ikimasu.

My father goes to the office by car every day.

ie no mae ni shiroi kuruma ga arimasu.

There is a white car in front of the house.