kanji
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.”
How to use kanji
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishChinese-derived characters used in Japanese writing, each carrying meaning rather than just sound.
Kanji carry meaning (like whole-word symbols); kana are purely phonetic. Japanese text normally mixes both.
Word forms
kanji plural, kanjis plural
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.
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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