Kanji: 抹 (Erase/Powder)
The kanji 抹 carries the dual meaning of "to erase" or "to wipe away" and "powder" (especially a fine powder made by grinding). This reflects the action of rubbing something away until it becomes dust.
Key Reading:
On-yomi (Sino-Japanese reading): マツ (matsu)
Common Words & Usage:
抹殺 (massatsu) - Noun/Suru-verb. Erasure, obliteration.
抹茶 (matcha) - Noun. Powdered green tea.
抹消 (masshō) - Noun/Suru-verb. Deletion, removal (e.g., from a register).
一抹 (ichimatsu) - Noun. A trace, a touch (of feeling, as if a small amount was wiped on).
Example Sentence:
Japanese: 彼は不安の一抹を感じた。
Romaji: Kare wa fuan no ichimatsu o kanjita.
English: He felt a touch of anxiety.
Learning the correct stroke order for kanji like 抹 is essential for balanced, legible Japanese handwriting and is a fundamental part of mastering kanji writing.