1. Kanji Breakdown: 郎
This kanji is primarily used in names and titles, carrying a classic and masculine nuance.
Meaning: Son, young man, husband. It's a suffix traditionally used in male names and certain titles.
Reading:
Onyomi (Sino-Japanese reading): ロウ (rou)
Kunyomi (Native Japanese reading): None in common modern use.
The kanji is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字). Its original form in Chinese was associated with a place name, but in Japanese, it has taken on a specific role:
Left (良): This means "good," and primarily provides the sound ("rou").
Right (阝): This is the "village" or "town" radical (おおざと).
While the literal combination is "good village," its usage has evolved to signify a "good man" or a "young man from a good family," which is why it became a popular suffix for male names.
2. Stroke Order and Writing
Learning the correct stroke order is crucial for balanced and beautiful kanji. "郎" has 9 strokes.
Here is the stroke order diagram and explanation:
Total Strokes: 9
Start with the left part "良":
Then, write the right radical "阝" (village radical):
Key Writing Tips:
Write from left to right, top to bottom.
The left part "良" is complex. Pay close attention to the dot (stroke 1) and the final hook (stroke 6).
The right radical "阝" is written with two strokes. The final vertical stroke should be straight and strong.
The character should be well-balanced, with "良" occupying about two-thirds of the width.
3. Vocabulary and Example Sentences
Here are some common words and names using "郎" and how to use them in sentences.
Vocabulary and Names
郎 (ろう, rou)
Meaning: A suffix for male names. (e.g., 太郎, 一郎).
Example: 私の弟の名前は太郎です。
Romaji: Watashi no otōto no namae wa Tarou desu.
English: My younger brother's name is Taro.
新郎 (しんろう, shinrou)
Meaning: Groom.
Example: 新郎新婦へのスピーチを準備する。
Romaji: Shinrou shinpu e no supīchi o junbi suru.
English: I will prepare a speech for the groom and bride.
太郎 (たろう, Tarou)
Meaning: A very common Japanese male name (literally "first son").
Example: 太郎君はサッカーが上手だ。
Romaji: Tarou-kun wa sakkā ga jōzu da.
English: Taro is good at soccer.
三郎 (さぶろう, Saburou)
Meaning: A common Japanese male name (literally "third son").
Example: 次郎の弟は三郎です。
Romaji: Jirou no otōto wa Saburou desu.
English: Jiro's younger brother is Saburo.
野郎 (やろう, yarou)
Meaning: Guy, fellow; bastard (a vulgar and derogatory term when used directly at someone).
Example: あの野郎！ひどいことをするな！
Romaji: Ano yarou! Hidoi koto o suru na!
English: That bastard! Don't you dare do that!
Summary
Kanji: 郎
Core Meaning: Son, Young Man (used primarily as a suffix in male names).
Readings: On'yomi ロウ (rou)
Stroke Order: 9 strokes. Remember it's composed of 良 (left - good/sound) and 阝 (right - village).
This kanji is essential for understanding and forming Japanese male names. By mastering its stroke order and usage, you will be able to correctly write and recognize this very common character in names.