書: the kanji for write
書 is a JLPT N5 kanji that means write. Below are its readings, 15 common words and example sentences, all with audio.
Stroke order
書 is written in 10 strokes. The red stroke is the one to write next, and the dot shows where it starts.
Words by reading
書 has 2 readings in the official Jōyō Kanji Table. Below are 15 common words grouped by reading. Tap ▶ to hear each word (audio plays with a free account).
ショ (sho)
On reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 書類しょるい · shorui | documents |
| 辞書じしょ · jisho | dictionary |
| 図書館としょかん · toshokan | library |
| 読書どくしょ · dokusho | reading |
| 報告書ほうこくしょ · hōkokusho | report |
| 請求書せいきゅうしょ · seikyūsho | invoice |
| 契約書けいやくしょ · keiyakusho | contract |
| 領収書りょうしゅうしょ · ryōshūsho | receipt |
| 履歴書りれきしょ · rirekisho | resume |
| 書店しょてん · shoten | bookstore |
| 秘書ひしょ · hisho | secretary |
かく (kaku)
Kun reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 書くかく · kaku | to write |
| 肩書きかたがき · katagaki | (job) title |
| 書き方かきかた · kakikata | way of writing |
| 下書きしたがき · shitagaki | draft |
Example sentences for work and daily life
- 請求書をお送りします。Seikyūsho o ookuri shimasu.We'll send you the invoice.
- 契約書にサインしてください。Keiyakusho ni sain shite kudasai.Please sign the contract.
- 報告書を書いています。Hōkokusho o kaite imasu.I'm writing a report.
- メールの下書きを確認してください。Mēru no shitagaki o kakunin shite kudasai.Please check the draft of the email.
- 名刺に肩書きが書いてあります。Meishi ni katagaki ga kaite arimasu.The job title is on the business card.
- 領収書をください。Ryōshūsho o kudasai.May I have a receipt?
Questions about 書
How many strokes does 書 have?
書 is written in 10 strokes. The stroke order is shown at the top of this page.
What are the readings of 書?
The on readings are sho (ショ). The kun readings are kaku (かく).
What is the difference between 請求書 and 領収書?
請求書 (seikyūsho) is an invoice, a request for payment. 領収書 (ryōshūsho) is a receipt, proof that you have paid.
What JLPT level is 書?
N5. The JLPT does not publish official kanji lists, so this level is a guide based on the official Test Content Specifications used through 2009.
About the JLPT level
The JLPT does not publish official lists of kanji for each level. The level on this page is a guide based on the official Test Content Specifications used for the test through 2009. The JLPT states that the current N5 is designed to match the former Level 4.
More JLPT N5 kanji
Actions
Executive Japanese by CCN is one-on-one online Japanese for managers and directors doing business in Japan.
Sources
- Jōyō Kanji Table (常用漢字表), Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, 2010: readings and special readings of 書
- JLPT Frequently Asked Questions, The Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services: how current levels match the former levels
- Stroke order diagrams are based on KanjiVG by Ulrich Apel, used under CC BY-SA 3.0. The diagrams on this page are shared under the same license.