chain
N1- Onyomi
- サ
- Kunyomi
- くさり
- Stroke count
- 18
- JLPT
- N1
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Break 鎖 down and you get 金 (metal / gold) — metal kept under a roof — something precious. Picture a bar of metal, put 鎖 inside it, and let that scene stand for "chain" — chain. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 18
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18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 18 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
封鎖
fuusa
blockade
閉鎖
heisa
closure
封鎖する
fuusasuru
to do blockade
閉鎖する
heisasuru
to do closure
閉鎖した
heisashita
plain past: did closure
封鎖した
fuusashita
plain past: did blockade
Example sentences (4)
事故で道路が封鎖されました。
じこ で どうろ が ふうさ されました。
jiko de douro ga fuusa saremashita.
The road was blocked off due to the accident.
道路が封鎖されたため、迂回路の案内が出されました。
どうろ が ふうさ された ため、うかいろ の あんない が だされました。
douro ga fuusa sareta tame, ukairo no annai ga dasaremashita.
Because the road was blocked off, detour guidance was issued.
古い工場が閉鎖されました。
ふるい こうじょう が へいさ されました。
furui koujou ga heisa saremashita.
The old factory was closed down.
今月末をもって、旧システムは閉鎖されることになりました。
こんげつまつ を もって、きゅう しすてむ は へいさ される こと に なりました。
kongetsumatsu o motte, kyuu shisutemu wa heisa sareru koto ni narimashita.
As of the end of this month, the old system is to be shut down.