steep / dangerous
N3- Onyomi
- ケン
- Kunyomi
- けわ(しい)
- Stroke count
- 11
- JLPT
- N3
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Picture an overhanging cliff with shelter beneath it: that is what 険 means — steep / dangerous. Now find the part that anchors it in the character itself, ⻖ (hill / mound) — a terraced hill climbing at the left, and beside it 㑒 (gathered together) — several small figures huddled close together under one line. 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.
- •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11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 11 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
険しい
kewashii
steep
保険
hoken
insurance
危険
kiken
dangerous
冒険
bouken
adventure
危険な
kikenna
attributive: dangerous (before a noun)
危険です
kikendesu
polite: is dangerous
Example sentences (5)
この山の道は険しいです。
この やま の みち は けわしい です。
kono yama no michi wa kewashii desu.
The path up this mountain is steep.
部長の顔が険しかったので、何かあったのだと思います。
ぶちょう の かお が けわしかった ので、なに か あった の だ と おもいます。
buchou no kao ga kewashikatta node, nani ka atta no da to omoimasu.
The manager's expression was grim, so I think something happened.
日本では健康保険に入る必要があります。
にほん で は けんこう ほけん に はいる ひつよう が あります。
nihon de wa kenkou hoken ni hairu hitsuyou ga arimasu.
In Japan, you need to join health insurance.
保険に入っておけば、病気のときも安心です。
ほけん に はいって おけば、びょうき の とき も あんしん です。
hoken ni haitte okeba, byouki no toki mo anshin desu.
If you have insurance, you can feel secure even when you get sick.
ここは危険なので、入らないでください。
ここ は きけん な ので、はいらないで ください。
koko wa kiken na node, hairanaide kudasai.
It is dangerous here, so please do not enter.