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JapanLingo

slave / subordinate

N1
Onyomi
Stroke count
16
JLPT
N1

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 single hand cupped sideways as if scooping something up, with the kanji 隷 ("slave") drawn into the picture.

Break 隷 down and you get 隶 (catch / servant) — a hand stretched out, just closing on the tail of whatever it is made to follow. Picture a single hand cupped sideways as if scooping something up, put 隷 inside it, and let that scene stand for "slave" — slave / subordinate. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.

Stroke Order

Stroke count: 16

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 16 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

reizoku

servitude

reizokusuru

to do servitude

reizokushita

plain past: did servitude

reizokushimasu

polite: do servitude

reizokushinai

plain negative: does not do servitude

reizokuchuudesu

in the middle of servitude

Example sentences (2)

rekishi no jugyou de reizoku no jidai o manabimashita.

We learned about the era of servitude in history class.

gijutsu ni reizoku suru no de wa naku, tsukaikonasu shisei ga motomeraremasu.

What is called for is mastering technology rather than being enslaved to it.