1. Kanji Breakdown: 点
This kanji represents the concept of a point, mark, or spot, both literally and figuratively.
Meaning: Point, dot, mark; to point out; a score; a spot.
Reading:
Onyomi (Sino-Japanese reading): テン (ten)
Kunyomi (Native Japanese reading): None in common modern use.
The traditional form "點" is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字):
Left (黑): Means "black."
Right (占): Provides the sound ("ten").
The idea was a "black mark"—a spot or dot made with black ink. The simplified form "点" retains this core idea of a mark or point in a more abstract way. The top part can be seen as a person's head or a marker, and the bottom four dots (灬) are the "fire" radical, which in this context can symbolize something small and focused, like an ember (a point of fire).
2. Stroke Order and Writing
Learning the correct stroke order is crucial for balanced and beautiful kanji. "点" has 9 strokes.
Here is the stroke order diagram and explanation:
Total Strokes: 9
Start with the top vertical stroke.
The horizontal stroke.
The left-falling stroke.
The right-falling dot.
The top-left dot of the fire radical (灬).
The top-right dot of the fire radical.
The bottom-left dot of the fire radical.
The bottom-right dot of the fire radical.
The final long horizontal stroke that forms the base of the fire radical.
Key Writing Tips:
Write from top to bottom.
The top part should be compact.
The four dots of the "fire" radical (灬) are crucial. They are not just four dots but are derived from "fire" (火). They should be evenly spaced and have a slight upward curve.
The final horizontal stroke (stroke 9) is the base and should be the longest, providing stability.
3. Vocabulary and Example Sentences
Here are some common words using "点" and how to use them in sentences.
Vocabulary
点 (てん, ten)
Meaning: Point, dot, mark; score (in a game or test).
Example: この点は何を意味しますか。
Romaji: Kono ten wa nani o imi shimasu ka.
English: What does this dot mean?
重点 (じゅうてん, jūten)
Meaning: Emphasis, important point, main point.
Example: 今日はこの部分に重点を置いて説明します。
Romaji: Kyō wa kono bubun ni jūten o oite setsumei shimasu.
English: Today, I will explain with emphasis on this part.
弱点 (じゃくてん, jakuten)
Meaning: Weak point, weakness, flaw.
Example: 私の弱点は恥ずかしがり屋なことです。
Romaji: Watashi no jakuten wa hazukashigariya na koto desu.
English: My weakness is that I am shy.
点ける (つける, tsukeru)
Meaning: To turn on (a switch, light, etc.). Note: This verb uses the same kanji but is a different word, relating to "making a point" of light or power.
Example: 暗いので電気を点けてください。
Romaji: Kurai node denki o tsukete kudasai.
English: It's dark, so please turn on the light.
交点 (こうてん, kōten)
Meaning: Intersection point, crossing point.
Example: 二本の線の交点を求めなさい。
Romaji: Nihon no sen no kōten o motome nasai.
English: Find the intersection point of the two lines.
満点 (まんてん, manten)
Meaning: Perfect score, full marks.
Example: テストで満点を取った！
Romaji: Tesuto de manten o totta!
English: I got a perfect score on the test!
Summary
Kanji: 点
Core Meaning: Point, Dot, Mark, Score.
Readings: On'yomi テン (ten)
Stroke Order: 9 strokes. Focus on the distinctive four-dot "fire" radical at the bottom.
This kanji is essential for discussions about scores, emphasis, locations, and making marks. By mastering its stroke order and vocabulary, you will be able to correctly write and use this highly versatile character.