---
title: "Russian Cursive Н н (En): How to Write It"
description: "How to write Н н (En) in Russian cursive: stroke order, how it joins, how to tell it from п, Latin n, and 4 example words with audio."
canonical: "https://dailycyrillic.com/learn/russian-cursive/en"
lang: "en"
published: "2026-10-25T11:07:25.000Z"
modified: "2026-10-31T11:50:40.000Z"
author: "Daily Cyrillic"
---

# Russian Cursive Н н (En): How to Write It

By [Daily Cyrillic](/about) · Updated 31 Oct 2026

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

## Turn this guide into words you can use

Build a free Russian set for this topic, with examples and ElevenLabs AI audio.

Нн

Н н · эн · /n/

## Sound

An "n" as in "no".

## How to write cursive н, step by step

1.  Draw a slanted downstroke from the x-height to the baseline.
2.  Retrace up to mid-height and draw a short crossbar to the right.
3.  Rise to the x-height and pull the second downstroke parallel to the first.
4.  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.

Example words in cursive
| Cursive | Print | 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

Build a free Russian set for this topic, with examples and ElevenLabs AI audio.

[Full Russian cursive chart](/learn/russian-cursive)

## Keep practising

-   [
    
    Full Russian cursive chart
    
    All 33 letters in print and cursive, how to read handwriting, and a printable worksheet.
    
    ](/learn/russian-cursive)
-   [
    
    The Russian Alphabet
    
    Every printed letter with its name, sound and audio.
    
    ](/learn/russian-alphabet)
-   [
    
    Russian Alphabet Trainer
    
    Quiz yourself on letters and sounds, free and without sign-up.
    
    ](/tools/russian-alphabet-trainer)

Source: https://dailycyrillic.com/learn/russian-cursive/en