I started learning Japanese 9 years ago. I quickly learned all joyo kanji using kanji damage then learning the rest from other decks. When I learned kanji, I practiced how to write them by hand as well. I think writing them helped me memorize them quickly
Right now, I can read manga and novels. I have multiple tutors that I communicate with verbally and via text. Kanji was never a problem when I type with my keyboard. Sometimes, I practice reading aloud with the tutors (speaking is my weakest skill). They always comment on how impressive my kanji knowledge is (I rarely can't read a word. Even when I don't know it, I can guess reading from the kanji).
Why all this bragging? Because yesterday I went fishing with friends and I sat down for a little and my mind wandered off. I imagined how a conversation about that day would go in Japanese. Then I randomly remembered the world 釣り and guess what?
I COULD NOT WRITE IT IN THE SAND!
I tried to remember how to write other basic kanji like 魚 or 海 and I couldn't. I know that it has been soo long since the last time I practiced hand writing but I'm honestly shocked. I used to be so good at all of them!!
Still not sure what to do about it. Restudy it? Leave it be? Who knows. Right now, I would rather put my all in speaking. But not being able to write truly left me speechless haha
by Key_Jellyfish_2293