Print j
In print, the lowercase letter j takes 1 stroke plus 1 dot and is a letter with a tail that drops below the baseline. Print letters (also called manuscript) are built from straight lines and circles, drawn top to bottom and left to right, with a lift of the pencil between strokes. This is the order most kindergarten and first-grade programs teach, so it is a good model for a child who is just starting. In English text j is the number 23 most common letter, at about 0.15% of all letters, so it comes up in fewer words than most letters.
An i with a tail: the stem drops below the baseline and loops back left before you add the dot.
Stroke by stroke
- Start on the dashed midline at the right side. Curve straight down, ending on the descender line at the left side.
- Lift your pen and add the dot just above the dashed midline, centered over the letter.
Common mistakes
Missing the loop in the tail, which makes it a y.
j is most often confused with y. Put them side by side and check the first stroke: the starting point and the height are what separate them.
Words with j to practise
Practice
Trace on screen first: press Trace it above and follow the grey letter. Then print the sheet and write the same letter on paper. Writing on paper is what builds the habit.
Questions about print lowercase j
How many strokes is the lowercase letter j in print writing?
1 stroke and 1 dot. Add the dot last, after the letter is finished.
Where do I start j in print?
Start on the dashed midline at the right side. Curve straight down, ending on the descender line at the left side.
Is print j the same in every school?
Most programs agree on the shape, but some teach the stroke order differently. This page follows one common top-to-bottom, left-to-right order and says so, so if your school's handbook differs, follow the handbook.
What letter is j confused with?
j is most often confused with y. Put them side by side and check the first stroke: the starting point and the height are what separate them.
Can I print a practice sheet for j?
Yes. Open the worksheet maker, type jjj or a whole word, pick a line size, and print. The sheet has a dark model row, grey tracing rows, dotted rows and blank lines.