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JapanLingo

quiet

N3
Onyomi
Kunyomi
Stroke count
14
JLPT
N3

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 drop of water above rippling waves, with the kanji 静 ("quiet") drawn into the picture.

Break 静 down and you get 青 (blue / green) — the clear blue of water and sky, and beside it 争 (dispute / compete) — two hands pulling hard on the same thing from opposite ends. Picture a drop of water above rippling waves, put 静 inside it, and let that scene stand for "quiet" — quiet. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.

Stroke Order

Stroke count: 14

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 14 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

reisei

calm

seiyou

rest

shizuka

quiet

shizukana

attributive: quiet (before a noun)

reiseina

attributive: calm (before a noun)

shizuka desu

polite: is quiet

Example sentences (4)

kono machi wa totemo shizuka desu.

This town is very quiet.

toshokan de wa shizuka ni shite kudasai.

Please be quiet in the library.

shizukana kankyou no hou ga, shuuchuu shiyasui desu.

A quiet environment makes it easier to concentrate.

shigotoba ga shizuka na node, totemo hatarakiyasui desu.

The workplace is quiet, so it is very easy to work there.