Colegio de Santo Cristo de Burgos Corp.

Educatio Directa Domino

Quezon Ave., cor. Valderas St., Sariaya, Quezon

Reading guide:
E.g.
人 : ジン、ニン、ひと = The character in red is the Kanji
人 : ジン、ニン、ひと = These are written in Katakana (angular writing)
人 : ジン、ニン、ひと = This is written in Hiragana (cursive)

Each words are pronounced as spelled in hiragana and katana. The characters in grey
highlight are the “advanced” reading of the kanji character but it is taught only in higher
levels:
E.g.
日 : ジツ、ニチ、か、ひ

TIPS FOR BEAUTIFUL HANDWRITING (1)

Differentiate straight and curved lines!
Kanji characters are mix of straight and curved lines. Look closely. Many lines are slightly
curved, and that makes the character beautiful.

In most cases (but not all), horizontal and vertical lines are straight, and diagonal lines are
curved.

Also in handwriting (especially in calligraphy), horizontal lines are slightly tilted upwards
(beginning lower, ending higher).

Students of Western countries tend to write in Italic. It is not recommended to do it with

Japanese characters.

KANJI WRITING: LESSON 5

FOREIGN LANGUAGE 2 | JOHN KIRBY J. MIRANDA Page 1

 Colegio de Santo Cristo de Burgos Corp.
Educatio Directa Domino
Quezon Ave., cor. Valderas St., Sariaya, Quezon

休 : キュウ、やす(まる)、やす(む)、やす(める)
Meaning: to rest
Shape: 人(person) + 木(tree)
Symbolizing a person resting by the tree.
The left part is called "ninben" which is a modified form of 人. Unlike 人, the 2nd line is
straight and vertical.
The right part is 木. The shape is vertically long.

食 : ショク、ジキ、く(う)、く(らう)、た(べる)

Meaning: to eat
Shape: 人 + 良

FOREIGN LANGUAGE 2 | JOHN KIRBY J. MIRANDA Page 2

 Colegio de Santo Cristo de Burgos Corp.
Educatio Directa Domino
Quezon Ave., cor. Valderas St., Sariaya, Quezon

The upper part is called "hitokanmuri" which is a modified form of 人. The 1st and the 2nd
strokes start at the same point.
The lower part is 良. Look closely how the last 3 strokes are drawn.

飲 : イン、の(む)
Meaning: to drink
Shape: 食 + 欠
The left part is called "shokuhen" which is a modified form of 食. Note that it is 1 stroke less
than 食.
The right part is 欠. Note how the lines are tilted.

気 : キ、ケ

Meaning: Ki, Life

Note the difference of the length of horizontal lines.
Look closely how the 4th stroke is drawn.
Inner part looks like Katakana メ.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE 2 | JOHN KIRBY J. MIRANDA Page 3

 Colegio de Santo Cristo de Burgos Corp.
Educatio Directa Domino
Quezon Ave., cor. Valderas St., Sariaya, Quezon

天 : テン、あま、あめ
Meaning: heaven, sky
Shape: 一 + 大
Symbolizing higher area (一) above a person with unfurled arms (大).
The 1st stroke is longer than the 2nd.
The 1st and the 3rd strokes are just touching, not crossed.
Don't mix up with 夫.

雨 : ウ、あま、あめ
Meaning: rain
The 1st and the 2nd strokes are not crossed.
There should be enough inner space for four short lines.
Tilt short lines properly.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE 2 | JOHN KIRBY J. MIRANDA Page 4

 Colegio de Santo Cristo de Burgos Corp.
Educatio Directa Domino
Quezon Ave., cor. Valderas St., Sariaya, Quezon

春 : シュン、はる
Meaning: spring season
Shape: 三　+ 人 + 日
For the first 3 strokes (三), the 2nd one is shortest and the 3rd one is longest.
The 4th and the 5th strokes (人) should be positioned properly to create a good balance of
the whole structure.

夏 : カ、ゲ、なつ
Meaning: summer
Upper part looks like 百, but it has 1 more stroke.
The lower part looks like 夕. Try to maintain a good balance (left & right) when you draw
the last stroke.

秋 : シュウ、あき
Meaning: autumn, fall
Shape: 禾 + 火
The left part is called "nogihen". The 5th stroke should be short.
The right part is 火. The shape is vertically long.

冬 : トウ、ふゆ
Meaning: winter

FOREIGN LANGUAGE 2 | JOHN KIRBY J. MIRANDA Page 5

 Colegio de Santo Cristo de Burgos Corp.
Educatio Directa Domino
Quezon Ave., cor. Valderas St., Sariaya, Quezon

The upper part looks like 夕. Try to maintain a good balance (left & right) when you draw
the 3rd stroke.
The last two short strokes should be tilted properly.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE 2 | JOHN KIRBY J. MIRANDA Page 6