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JapanLingo

dull

N2
Onyomi
Kunyomi
Stroke count
12
JLPT
N2

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 bar of metal, with the kanji 鈍 ("dull") drawn into the picture.

Break 鈍 down and you get 金 (metal / gold) — metal kept under a roof — something precious, and beside it 屯 (sprout / gather) — a stem coiled tight, struggling to straighten as it breaks the surface. Picture a bar of metal, put 鈍 inside it, and let that scene stand for "dull" — dull. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.

Stroke Order

Stroke count: 12

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 12 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

nibui

dull

nibuidesu

polite: is dull

nibukunaidesu

polite negative: is not dull

nibukattadesu

polite past: was dull

Example sentences (2)

kono hasami wa nibukute, yoku kiremasen.

These scissors are dull and do not cut well.

nebusoku no toki wa, atama no hataraki ga nibuku naru you desu.

When you are short on sleep, your mind seems to work more slowly.