carry / luck
N4- Onyomi
- ウン
- Kunyomi
- はこ(ぶ)
- Stroke count
- 12
- 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 cart on its wheels: that is what 運 means — carry / luck. Now find the part that anchors it in the character itself, ⻌ (road / movement) — a road running along the bottom of the character. Drop that part into the picture and the shape stops being something separate to memorise.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 12
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12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 12 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
運転
unten
driving
運動
undou
exercise
運ぶ
hakobu
to carry
海運
kaiun
marine transport
運搬
unpan
transportation
運用
un'you
operation (funds
Example sentences (3)
日本では左側を運転します。
にほん で は ひだりがわ を うんてん します。
nihon de wa hidarigawa o unten shimasu.
In Japan, you drive on the left side.
雨の日は、いつもよりゆっくり運転したほうがいいです。
あめ の ひ は、いつも より ゆっくり うんてん した ほう が いい です。
ame no hi wa, itsumo yori yukkuri unten shita hou ga ii desu.
On rainy days, it is better to drive more slowly than usual.
健康のために、毎朝運動しています。
けんこう の ため に、まいあさ うんどう しています。
kenkou no tame ni, maiasa undou shiteimasu.
I exercise every morning for my health.