1. Kanji Breakdown: 道
This kanji represents a profound concept in Japanese culture, extending far beyond its literal meaning.
Meaning: Road, path, way; moral principle, doctrine, method, art. It signifies both a physical path and a spiritual or philosophical "Way" (as in Taoism or Japanese arts).
Reading:
Onyomi (Sino-Japanese reading): ドウ (dō)
Kunyomi (Native Japanese reading): みち (michi)
The kanji is a compound ideograph (会意文字). It consists of two parts:
Left (辶 / 辵): This is the "movement" or "road" radical (しんにょう), which relates to walking or progressing along a path.
Right (首): This component means "head" or "neck," but here it is thought to represent the concept of "guiding" or "leading."
Thus, the original meaning is a "path that guides you forward," which evolved into both physical and philosophical meanings.
2. Stroke Order and Writing
Learning the correct stroke order is crucial for balanced and beautiful kanji. "道" has 12 strokes.
Here is the stroke order diagram and explanation:
Total Strokes: 12
Start with the right-side component "首":
Then, write the left-side radical "辶":
Key Writing Tips:
Write the components from left to right, but within each component, the stroke order is from top to bottom.
The "辶" radical is written last. Its two dots are written first, followed by the long, sweeping stroke that cradles the right side of the character.
Pay attention to the balance. The "首" part should be compact and sit comfortably above the base of the "辶" radical.
3. Vocabulary and Example Sentences
Here are some common words using "道" and how to use them in sentences.
Vocabulary
道 (みち, michi)
Meaning: Road, street, path.
Example: この道をまっすぐ行ってください。
Romaji: Kono michi o massugu itte kudasai.
English: Please go straight along this road.
道具 (どうぐ, dōgu)
Meaning: Tool, instrument, implement.
Example: 大工は道具を大切にします。
Romaji: Daiku wa dōgu o taisetsu ni shimasu.
English: Carpenters take good care of their tools.
剣道 (けんどう, kendō)
Meaning: Kendo, "The Way of the Sword" (Japanese fencing).
Example: 兄は剣道を十年間習っている。
Romaji: Ani wa kendō o jūnenkan naratte iru.
English: My older brother has been learning kendo for ten years.
書道 (しょどう, shodō)
Meaning: Calligraphy, "The Way of Writing."
Example: 書道は日本の伝統的な芸術です。
Romaji: Shodō wa Nihon no dentō-teki na geijutsu desu.
English: Shodo is a traditional Japanese art.
道德 (どうとく, dōtoku)
Meaning: Morals, morality, ethics.
Example: 嘘をつくのは道德に反する。
Romaji: Uso o tsuku no wa dōtoku ni hansuru.
English: Telling lies is against morality.
方法 (ほうほう, hōhō)
Meaning: Method, way, manner. (Note: This word uses the on'yomi of 方 and 法, but 法 also contains the "道" meaning of "way").
Example: 問題を解決する方法を見つけよう。
Romaji: Mondai o kaiketsu suru hōhō o mitsukeyou.
English: Let's find a method to solve the problem.
Summary
Kanji: 道
Core Meaning: Path, Way, Method, Doctrine. It bridges the physical and the philosophical.
Readings: On'yomi ドウ (dō), Kun'yomi みち (michi)
Stroke Order: 12 strokes. Remember to write the right side "首" first, followed by the left radical "辶".
This kanji is central to understanding many aspects of Japanese culture, from martial arts to ethics. By mastering its stroke order and vocabulary, you will be able to correctly write and use this deeply meaningful kanji.