On‘yomi and Kun‘yomi in Japanese Vocabulary50

Japanese is a unique language that employs a combination of three different writing systems: hiragana, katakana, and kanji. Kanji, the characters borrowed from Chinese, are particularly complex, as they can have multiple readings depending on the context in which they are used.

One of the most fundamental distinctions in kanji readings is between on'yomi and kun'yomi. On'yomi are the Chinese-derived readings, while kun'yomi are the native Japanese readings. The vast majority of kanji have both on'yomi and kun'yomi readings, and it is essential to be familiar with both in order to read and understand Japanese fluently.

On'yomi

On'yomi readings are based on the pronunciation of the corresponding Chinese character. They were originally introduced to Japan during the Nara period (710-794) and have been used ever since to represent the Chinese vocabulary that has been adopted into Japanese.

There are two main types of on'yomi: Go-on and Kan-on. Go-on readings are based on the pronunciation of Chinese during the Tang dynasty, while Kan-on readings are based on the pronunciation of Chinese during the Han dynasty. Most kanji have both Go-on and Kan-on readings, although one is typically more common than the other.

Kun'yomi

Kun'yomi readings are the native Japanese readings of kanji. They are thought to have developed independently of the Chinese readings, and they often reflect the meaning of the kanji in Japanese.

There are two main types of kun'yomi: pure kun'yomi and mixed kun'yomi. Pure kun'yomi readings are unrelated to the Chinese readings, while mixed kun'yomi readings are a combination of Chinese and Japanese elements.

Using On'yomi and Kun'yomi

The choice of which reading to use for a particular kanji depends on several factors, including the context in which it is used, the surrounding words, and the speaker's preference. However, there are some general guidelines that can help you to make the right choice.
When a kanji is used in a word of Chinese origin, it is typically read with its on'yomi.
When a kanji is used in a word of Japanese origin, it is typically read with its kun'yomi.
When a kanji is used in a word that has both Chinese and Japanese elements, it can be read with either its on'yomi or its kun'yomi, depending on the speaker's preference.

Mastering the on'yomi and kun'yomi readings of kanji is essential for reading and understanding Japanese. By following the guidelines above, you can improve your reading skills and expand your vocabulary.

2025-01-04

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