Ask a Japanese Teacher! ON or KUN reading?

Summary

In this educational video, Hoko clarifies the confusion surrounding the use of On and Kun readings in Japanese Kanji. She explains that Kun readings are used for single Kanji and verbs or adjectives, while On readings are used for compound words. The video provides examples, such as 'Yama' for mountain and 'Shu' for meal, to illustrate the general rule. Hoko also mentions that there are exceptions and encourages learners to stick to the rule as they start studying Kanji, inviting viewers to ask more questions in the comments.

Takeaways

• 📚 On and Kun readings are two ways to read Kanji characters in Japanese.
• 🗻 The example of 'Yama' (mountain) is used to explain the origin of Kun reading.
• 🌏 The same character 'Yama' is given an On reading 'yamama' when it refers to a country.
• 📖 Kun reading is used for single Kanji characters, like 'Han' for flower or 'Ren' for person.
• 🔄 When a single Kanji is used in verbs or adjectives, Kun reading is also applied.
• 📰 For compound words with more than one Kanji, On reading is generally used, like 'Shinbun' (newspaper).
• 🍜 The character 'Shu' (meal) in a compound is read with its On reading when used as a noun.
• 🍽️ However, if 'Shu' is part of a verb like 'to eat', its Kun reading 'Tabu' is used.
• 📝 There are exceptions to these rules, but beginners should start with the general guidelines.
• 💡 The video encourages learners to ask questions and continue studying Kanji.

Q & A

What are the on and kun readings in Japanese Kanji?

On readings are the Chinese-based pronunciations of Kanji, while kun readings are the native Japanese pronunciations.

Why do some Kanji have both on and kun readings?

Kanji often have both on and kun readings because they were originally borrowed from Chinese and later adapted into Japanese, resulting in two distinct pronunciations.

When should I use the kun reading for a Kanji?

You should use the kun reading for a Kanji when it is used as a single character, especially in verbs or adjectives.

Can you give an example of a Kanji with a kun reading?

The Kanji for 'flower' is 'Han' and its kun reading is 'hana'.

What is the general rule for using on readings in Kanji compounds?

The general rule is to use the on readings when a word is made up of more than one Kanji.

Is there an example given in the script for using on readings in a compound?

Yes, the script provides 'Shu' (meal) as an example of a compound where the on readings 'Shu' and 'G' are used.

How do you know which reading to use when a Kanji is part of a verb?

When a Kanji is part of a verb, you should use the kun reading, as demonstrated with the Kanji 'Ka' meaning 'to eat', which is read 'tabu'.

Are there exceptions to the general rule of using kun readings for single Kanji and on readings for compounds?

Yes, there are exceptions to the general rule, but it is advised to stick to the rule when first learning Kanji.

What does the script suggest for learners who are confused about when to use on or kun readings?

The script suggests that learners should stick to the general rule as they begin to study Kanji and become familiar with exceptions over time.

How can learners improve their understanding of when to use on and kun readings?

Learners can improve their understanding by practicing reading Kanji in different contexts and consulting resources that explain the usage of on and kun readings.