Kanji
Kanji (漢字) are Chinese characters used in the Japanese writing system. Unlike Hiragana and Katakana, which represent sounds, Kanji represent meanings or concepts. While there are thousands of Kanji characters, this page focuses on the most common ones used in daily life.
Strokes:
Select a stroke count below to filter the common Kanji.
3 Strokes
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On-yomi and Kun-yomi
Most Kanji characters have at least two types of readings: On-yomi (Sino-Japanese reading, based on original Chinese sounds) and Kun-yomi (Native Japanese reading). As a general rule, On-yomi is used when Kanji are combined to form compound words, while Kun-yomi is used when a Kanji stands alone or is used in verbs and adjectives.
山
On-yomi
さん
ざん
Kun-yomi
やま
やま
水
On-yomi
すい
すい
Kun-yomi
みず
みず
One Kanji, Many Sounds
A single Kanji can be pronounced in different ways depending on its role in a sentence or the words it's paired with. Mastering these variations is key to reading Japanese fluidly.
生
On-yomi
せい
しょう
Kun-yomi
なま
う-
い-
下
On-yomi
か
げ
Kun-yomi
した
もと
さ-
Same Sound, Different Kanji
Japanese has many words that sound exactly the same but are written with different Kanji. Choosing the correct Kanji is essential for conveying the right meaning.
かえる
帰
To return home (the most common usage).
変
To change or alter something.
蛙
Frog (a noun, but read the same).
あつい
熱
Hot to the touch (like coffee or a stove).
暑
Hot weather or atmospheric temperature.
厚
Thick (like a book or a slice of bread).