Hiragana "Du" Coloring Pages

The "Du" in "Kozutsumi"

The letter on this coloring page is the Hiragana "Du".
The word is "Kozutsumi". In Kanji, it is written as "小包".
The picture on the left shows a square small parcel tied up tightly with string, looked at from an angle.
A small parcel is a package you send to someone by wrapping things in paper or a box.
It is so exciting to wonder what is inside!

Hiragana "Du" Was Born from "Tsu"

Hiragana "Du" is the letter "Tsu" with tenten (dots) added to it.
The original "Tsu" became its shape today while people were writing the Kanji for "river" (川) in a quick, flowing way.
Hiragana "Du" is read with the same sound as "Zu".
Usually, we almost always use "Zu", and there are almost no words that start with Hiragana "Du".

When to Use Hiragana "Du"

"Kozutsumi" is a word made by putting "Ko" (small) and "Tsutsumi" (parcel) together.
When they joined together, the "Tsu" sound changed to "Du".
Mikazuki (crescent moon: mika + tsuki) and Tezukuri (handmade: te + tsukuri) are in the same group too.
Another time is when the "Tsu" sound repeats and the second one gets dots, like in "Tsuzuku" (to continue) or "Tsuzumi" (hand drum).
We write it as Hiragana "Du" because it comes from "Tsu".

Tips for Writing

"Tsu" is written in 1 stroke.
Draw a line from left to right going slightly up, make a big, round curve on the right, and sweep smoothly down to the bottom left.
If you draw the round curve big and gentle, your letter will look grand and nice.
At the end, write 2 tenten on the top right. Write them small in the open space above the round curve.

How to Look at the Coloring Page

On this coloring page, you will find a picture of a small parcel on the left, a big Hiragana "Du" and the word "Kozutsumi" written top-to-bottom on the top right, and tracing boxes lined up on the bottom right.
In "Kozutsumi", "Tsu" and Hiragana "Du" sit right next to each other.
Point with your finger and read "Ko - Du - Tsu - Mi", and check which one has the dots.
We left the parcel address blank on purpose, so think about who you want to send it to!
If you write "Tsu" and Hiragana "Du" side by side, you can easily see how the sound changes with or without the dots.
Say "Tsu" and Hiragana "Du" out loud again and again!

Color the Big Hiragana "Du" with a Gradient

The big Hiragana "Du" is drawn with just 1 stroke! It looks super pretty if you change the color little by little from the start to the end.
For example, try changing from yellow to orange as you go!
Color the two dots in purple or blue to make them pop.

Color the Parcel Paper and String

If you color the parcel wrapping paper light brown or ochre, it will look just like a real package sent in the mail!
Color the top side a little lighter where the light hits, and the sides a little darker. This makes the box shape stand out clearly!
Pick a different color for the string—like white, red, or dark brown—so it stands out against the wrapping paper.

Turn It into a Present!

If you color the wrapping paper pink or light blue and add your own patterns, it turns into a present!
Try drawing your favorite patterns, like polka dots, stripes, or stars.
You can also change the string knot to look like a cute ribbon!

Trace Hiragana "Du" Slowly on the Curves

Let's trace Hiragana "Du" in the bottom-right boxes using a pencil.
Try to draw the first sideways line just a little bit above the middle line of the box. This makes the character look super neat!
Take your time and trace slowly around the rounded curve.
Once you write all 8 of them, compare your work with the example!
At the end, check to see if all 8 pairs of dots are the same size.
If they match, your tracing will look amazing!

How Parcels Are Sent

People started sending mail parcels in Japan back in the Meiji era.
Now, you can send packages all over Japan using the post office's Yu-Pack or home delivery services.
Have you ever sent a gift to a relative who lives far away?

Why String Is Tied in a Cross

In the old days, people usually wrapped parcels in paper and tied string around them in a cross shape.
This kept the package from coming undone while it was being carried.
Take a close look at the string on the parcel in the coloring page to see how it is tied!

When to Use "ず" or Hiragana "Du"

The sounds "ず" and Hiragana "Du" sound the same, but with modern spelling, we almost always use "ず".
However, if a word comes from a word that starts with "つ"—like "こづつみ" (small parcel) or "みかづき" (crescent moon)—you write it with Hiragana "Du".
It is easy to get confused when you write essays at school, so it is great to remember this rule!

Handmade Gifts

The Hiragana "Du" in "てづくり" (handmade) is also a voiced sound made by joining "て" (hand) and "つくり" (making).
If you send a handmade card or origami in a parcel, the person who gets it will be so happy!
It would also be wonderful to color this coloring page and give it as a gift!