sound
N4- Onyomi
- オン
- Kunyomi
- おと
- Stroke count
- 9
- JLPT
- N4
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Picture an ear turned towards an incoming sound: that is what 音 means — sound. Now find the part that anchors it in the character itself, 立 (stand) — a person standing firmly on the ground, and beside it 日 (sun / day) — the sun framed by four strokes, marking one day. Drop that part into the picture and the shape stops being something separate to memorise.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 9
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9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 9 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
音
oto
sound
音楽
ongaku
music
録音
rokuon
audio recording
録音した
rokuonshita
plain past: did audio recording
録音する
rokuonsuru
to do audio recording
録音中です
rokuonchuudesu
in the middle of audio recording
Example sentences (3)
隣の部屋から変な音がします。
となり の へや から へんな おと が します。
tonari no heya kara henna oto ga shimasu.
There is a strange sound coming from the next room.
夜は音を小さくしないと、隣の人に迷惑ですよ。
よる は おと を ちいさく しない と、となり の ひと に めいわく です よ。
yoru wa oto o chiisaku shinai to, tonari no hito ni meiwaku desu yo.
At night, if you do not turn the volume down, it bothers the neighbours.
私は音楽が好きです。
わたし は おんがく が すき です。
watashi wa ongaku ga suki desu.
I like music.