The Kanji: 七 (Nana/Shichi) - The "Seven" Kanji
1. Meaning and Usage
Core Meaning: Seven
Readings:
Kun'yomi (Japanese reading): なな (nana), なな.つ (nana.tsu)
On'yomi (Chinese reading): シチ (shichi)
Common Words and Compounds:
七つ (ななつ / nanatsu) - Seven things
七月 (しちがつ / shichigatsu) - July (The seventh month)
七人 (しちにん / shichinin) - Seven people
七夕 (たなばた / tanabata) - Star Festival (The "Seventh Night")
七五三 (しちごさん / shichigosan) - Children's Day festival (7-5-3)
2. Writing and Stroke Order: The Crossed Lines
The correct kanji writing for "七" features a unique angled structure that distinguishes it from other numerical kanji.
Stroke Order:
Stroke 1: A short horizontal stroke from left to right, slightly angled upward.
Stroke 2: A long vertical折 (or) stroke that starts from the right side of the horizontal, curves down, and hooks to the left.
Significance of Correct Kanji Writing:
Angle and Balance: The first stroke should have a noticeable upward angle (about 15-20 degrees), while the second stroke curves gracefully downward. This creates dynamic balance rather than static symmetry.
Proportions: The vertical折 stroke should extend significantly below the horizontal, giving the character a stable foundation. The hook at the end should be subtle but clear.
Distinction: The angled form helps distinguish "七" from similar characters like 切 (cut) which has a vertical rather than angled stroke.
3. Historical Origin and Evolution
The history of "七" reveals another case of character adaptation to avoid numerical confusion.
Oracle Bone Script (甲骨文字):
The earliest form was two crossed lines in an "X" shape (十), which originally represented the number seven.
Bronze Script (金文) & Seal Script (篆書):
To distinguish seven from ten (which later took the "十" form), the character evolved by curving the vertical stroke. This created the distinctive form we recognize today.
Modern Form (楷書):
The modern "七" preserves this differentiation through its curved vertical stroke. The character perfectly demonstrates how practical needs for clarity shaped kanji evolution.
Cultural Connection:
In Japanese culture, the number seven (七) holds profound significance:
Lucky Number: Considered one of the luckiest numbers, featuring prominently in festivals like 七五三 (7-5-3) celebrating children's ages.
Seven Deities: The 七福神 (Shichifukujin) - Seven Gods of Good Fortune.
Traditional Lore: 七草 (nanakusa) - Seven Spring Herbs used in traditional New Year's cuisine.
Buddhist Influence: The 七転び八起き (nana korobi ya oki) - "Fall seven times, rise eight" proverb embodies resilience.
The dual readings (nana/shichi) reflect the character's deep integration into both native Japanese counting (nana) and Chinese-derived numerical systems (shichi).
Summary
The kanji "七" represents both mathematical precision and cultural depth in Japanese. Its distinctive curved form emerged from practical necessity to distinguish it from other numbers, while its cultural significance permeates festivals, folklore, and philosophy. Mastering its stroke order and unique angle is essential for correct kanji writing, teaching learners about both the visual aesthetics and historical evolution of Japanese characters. When you learn how to write kanji like "七," you're engaging with a symbol that bridges practical mathematics with centuries of cultural tradition, embodying the lucky and resilient spirit that the number represents in Japanese society.