noun

kanji

KAND-zhee

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Kanji (noun) means the system of writing Japanese using characters borrowed from Chinese, where each character can represent a whole word or concept. Example: “Learning kanji takes years because there are thousands in common use.”

noun

The system of writing Japanese using characters borrowed from Chinese, where each character can represent a whole word or concept.

"Learning kanji takes years because there are thousands in common use."

"Newspapers assume readers know around two thousand kanji."

A single character used in this system.

"The kanji for "mountain" looks like a simple peak."

How to use kanji

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishChinese-derived characters used in Japanese writing, each carrying meaning rather than just sound.

Common mistake

Kanji carry meaning (like whole-word symbols); kana are purely phonetic. Japanese text normally mixes both.

Easily confused with

kana →

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: kanjis

Test yourself on “kanji” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Learning _____ takes years because there are thousands in common use.

Etymology

From Japanese kanji, literally "Han characters" — characters that originated in China during the Han dynasty and were adopted into Japanese writing.

Origin: Japanese

Frequently asked questions

What does “kanji” mean?

The word “kanji” means the system of writing Japanese using characters borrowed from Chinese, where each character can represent a whole word or concept. In plain terms, chinese-derived characters used in Japanese writing, each carrying meaning rather than just sound.

How do you pronounce “kanji”?

“Kanji” is pronounced KAND-zhee (/ˈkɑnd͡ʒi/ in IPA).

How do you use “kanji” in a sentence?

Here is “kanji” used in a sentence: “Learning kanji takes years because there are thousands in common use.”

What part of speech is “kanji”?

“Kanji” is a noun.

Where does the word “kanji” come from?

The word “kanji” comes from Japanese. From Japanese kanji, literally "Han characters" — characters that originated in China during the Han dynasty and were adopted into Japanese writing.

How many meanings does “kanji” have?

“Kanji” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the system of writing Japanese using characters borrowed from Chinese, where each character can represent a whole word or concept.

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Vocabulary lists that include kanji:

Words with Japanese origins Words that start with K