1. Kanji Breakdown: 楽
This kanji represents a highly positive and desirable state, encompassing both enjoyment and ease.
Meaning: Pleasure, comfort, ease; music; to be easy, to feel relief.
Reading:
Onyomi (Sino-Japanese reading): ガク (gaku), ラク (raku)
Kunyomi (Native Japanese reading): たの（しい） (tano(shii))
The kanji's etymology is pictographic. Its original form depicted a drum (鼓) set on a wooden stand, with bells (白) hanging from it. This imagery of musical instruments naturally evolved to represent "music," and by extension, the "pleasure and comfort" that music brings.
2. Stroke Order and Writing
Learning the correct stroke order is crucial for balanced and beautiful kanji. "楽" has 13 strokes.
Here is the stroke order diagram and explanation:
Total Strokes: 13
Start with the top part:
Then, write the bottom part "木" (tree/wood):
Key Writing Tips:
Write from top to bottom.
The top part is complex; break it down into smaller components (the "white" 白-like part and the central element).
The bottom part "木" provides a stable base for the character. Its horizontal stroke should be the widest part of the character.
The overall character should feel balanced and, appropriately, "comfortable" to look at.
3. Vocabulary and Example Sentences
Here are some common words using "楽" and how to use them in sentences.
Vocabulary
楽しい (たのしい, tanoshii)
Meaning: Enjoyable, fun, pleasant.
Example: 昨日のパーティーはとても楽しかった。
Romaji: Kinō no pātī wa totemo tanoshikatta.
English: Yesterday's party was very fun.
音楽 (おんがく, ongaku)
Meaning: Music.
Example: 私は音楽を聴くのが好きだ。
Romaji: Watashi wa ongaku o kiku no ga suki da.
English: I like listening to music.
楽な (らくな, raku na)
Meaning: Easy, comfortable, relaxed.
Example: この仕事は楽だ。
Romaji: Kono shigoto wa raku da.
English: This job is easy.
気楽 (きらく, kiraku)
Meaning: Carefree, easy-going, unconcerned.
Example: もっと気楽に生きよう。
Romaji: Motto kiraku ni ikiyou.
English: Let's live more carefree.
楽器 (がっき, gakki)
Meaning: Musical instrument.
Example: ピアノは人気のある楽器です。
Romaji: Piano wa ninki no aru gakki desu.
English: The piano is a popular musical instrument.
安楽 (あんらく, anraku)
Meaning: Peace and comfort, tranquility.
Example: 彼は田舎で安楽な生活を送っている。
Romaji: Kare wa inaka de anraku na seikatsu o okutte iru.
English: He leads a peaceful and comfortable life in the countryside.
Summary
Kanji: 楽
Core Meaning: Pleasure, Comfort, Ease; Music.
Readings: On'yomi ガク (gaku) / ラク (raku), Kun'yomi たのしい (tanoshii)
Stroke Order: 13 strokes. Remember its origin from a drum on a stand, which helps in visualizing its structure.
This kanji is essential for expressing happiness, comfort, and anything related to music. By mastering its stroke order and vocabulary, you will be able to correctly write and use this wonderfully positive character.