Russian Cursive Н н (En): How to Write It
By Daily Cyrillic · Updated
Cursive н is two straight downstrokes linked by a short crossbar in the middle, like a small Latin H. It keeps the crossbar of the print letter, which is what separates it from п and и. An "n" as in "no".
Reading time: about 2 min.
- Sound
- /n/, written n
- Letter name
- эн
- Often confused with
- п, Latin n
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Sound
An "n" as in "no".
How to write cursive н, step by step
- Draw a slanted downstroke from the x-height to the baseline.
- Retrace up to mid-height and draw a short crossbar to the right.
- Rise to the x-height and pull the second downstroke parallel to the first.
- Exit with a small hook to the right on the baseline.
The capital Н
Capital Н is a handwritten Latin H: a left stem that often starts with a looping hook, a looped crossbar and a right stem. In some hands it looks like a large script N with a bar.
How it connects to other letters
н joins from the baseline on both sides. The crossbar is drawn in one motion by retracing, so no pen lift is needed.
Letters it is confused with
н / п: п is joined at the top like an n; н is joined in the middle by a crossbar. Look where the two strokes meet.
н / Latin n: Despite its sound, н is never written like an English n. An n-shape in a Russian word is п.
Example words in cursive
Read the cursive word first, then check the print form and meaning.
| Cursive | Transliteration | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| нос | нос | nos | nose |
| сон | сон | son | sleep, dream |
| ночь | ночь | noch' | night |
| весна | весна | vesná | spring |
Common mistakes
- Writing an English n for н, which a Russian reader sees as п.
- Placing the crossbar so low or high that it blends into the connectors.
Turn this guide into words you can use
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