Stroke order. Is it that important?

[Achilles 1-1]

So I've recently been thinking. Is Stroke order for kanji really that important? I mean sure, its probably there for efficiency, but if I can write it without correct stroke order (not that I do that) is it really that important.


And if it is, I'd imagine once i learn all the radicals, i would know the stroke order of virtually any Kanji, correct?

 

[mdchachi]

So I've recently been thinking. Is Stroke order for kanji really that important? I mean sure, its probably there for efficiency, but if I can write it without correct stroke order (not that I do that) is it really that important.

It's important for legibility plus it helps with memorization. Realistically you're not going to use handwritten Japanese much in your life so maybe it doesn't matter that much. But since you're learning anyway, why not learn it correctly from the start?

And if it is, I'd imagine once i learn all the radicals, i would know the stroke order of virtually any Kanji, correct?

For the most part, yes, but there are exceptions. There are some examples here before the thread devolves into off-topic garbage.