Quick answer
筆 is the kanji for "Writing brush". Its reading is ふで (fude). This page includes example sentences and a stroke-order diagram.
Meaning
Writing brush
Also : Writing · Handwriting · Painting brush
Learn 筆 with SRS
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
12 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 筆 represents 'WRITING BRUSH'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of writing brush.
On-reading: ひつ — remember this sound by associating it with writing brush. Kun-reading: ふで.
Example Sentences
毛筆で書かれた書道の作品は、日本の美の象徴です。
もうひつでかかれたしょどうのさくひんは、にほんのびのしょうちょうです。
Calligraphy works written with a brush are a symbol of Japanese beauty.
筆記体で書かれた手紙は、読みにくい場合があります。
ひっきたいでかかれたてがみは、よみにくいばあいがあります。
Letters written in cursive can be difficult to read.
Vocabulary using 筆
Grammar to study at this level
- [Noun] + に伴い～に伴い (ni tomonai) - Along with / In accordance with
- [Noun] + をはじめ～をはじめ (wo hajime) - Starting with / Including
- [Noun] + に応じて～に応じて (ni oujite) - According to / In response to
- [Noun] + から + [Noun] + にかけて～にかけて (ni kakete) - From...to / In the area of
- [Noun] + に限り～に限り (ni kagiri) - Limited to / Only
Last updated Jun 11, 2026
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