How to write cursive N and n
N is the two-hump version of M: a curl at the top of the capital, two slanted stems with a rounded hump over each, and a tail. The lowercase n has the same two humps starting from the midline.
Capital N
Tall: baseline to topline.
Just below the topline, on the left, with a small curl.
Low on the right, swinging up: the tail reaches a third to half of the way to the midline and runs into the next letter.
Lowercase n
Short: baseline to midline.
About three quarters of the way up to the midline, on the left.
Low on the right, swinging up.
Count the humps. A lowercase n has two. If you add a third, you have written an m.
Common mistakes with capital N
- The hump is pointed, so the N looks like a print N.
- A second hump is added, so the N becomes an M.
- The two stems do not share one slant.
Common mistakes with lowercase n
- The humps are made with undercurves, so the n reads as a u.
- The humps are pointed, so the n looks like a print n.
- A third hump is added, so the n becomes an m.
Joining n to other letters
Practice these pairs until the join feels like one movement.
Print a practice sheet for N and n
The sheet has the numbered stroke guide for both letters, rows to trace, two practice words and a blank row for writing on your own.