Thursday 3 November 2016

why do some kanji have multiple stroke counts?


A few years ago, I came across the issue of one kanji having multiple stroke counts. Now, I need to review this:
牙 = (4 or 5 strokes)
瓜 = (5 or 6 strokes)
邑 = (6 or 7 strokes)
....


If native speakers don't know about this ambiguity, then I'll just ignore it. But, if it is something to be aware of, can someone please check these assertions?
(1) Depending on the era, some kanji's stroke counts changed. One stroke count is considered correct in modern Japan, while the other is just a historical footnote.
(2) Counter to the trend of simplifying kanji, the modern writings have the greater number of strokes.


Any more information would be welcomed. thanks.




Answer



There are currently 1,006 kanji that are taught in elementary schools and those are named 教育漢字. It is only these 1,006 kanji that are given "official" stroke counts by 文部科学省, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.


Strange as it may seem, the other kanji simply do not have official stroke counts. What that means is that it is left to the discretion of the individual publisher and dictionary author.


The 1,006 kanji are listed here on Wikipedia.


No comments:

Post a Comment

readings - Appending 内 to a company name is read ない or うち?

For example, if I say マイクロソフト内のパートナーシップは強いです, is the 内 here read as うち or ない? Answer 「内」 in the form: 「Proper Noun + 内」 is always read 「ない...