Understanding Onyomi vs. Kunyomi: Key Differences Explained

Anyone who has ventured into learning Japanese can relate to the experience. Picture this: you’ve just mastered your first kanji character, “生” (せい, sei), which translates to “life” or “living.” The thrill of this accomplishment quickly fades when you discover that this single kanji has over ten different readings! Yes, you read that correctly—one character, multiple interpretations.

Kanji can seem daunting, but we’re here to simplify it for you! In this article, you’ll discover the two types of readings associated with kanji, their origins, and the appropriate contexts for using each. Let’s unravel the mysteries of kanji together!

Important: This guide is intended for those with some prior knowledge of Japanese. Kanji can be quite challenging, so it’s recommended that you first familiarize yourself with the fundamentals through beginner-level Japanese lessons.

Where do onyomi and kunyomi readings come from?

Japanese kanji possess two distinct readings: 音読み (onyomi), the Chinese reading, and 訓読み (kunyomi), the native Japanese reading. The arrival of kanji, or Chinese characters, in Japan around the fifth century transformed the landscape of written communication, transitioning from a purely spoken language to one that incorporated these complex symbols.

音読み, which translates to “sound reading,” originates from the Chinese pronunciations of kanji characters. The Japanese language has skillfully adapted these readings to harmonize with native vocabulary, creating a unique blend of influences.

The journey of kanji to Japan was not a one-time event, but rather a gradual process that unfolded over several centuries, primarily via Korea. As a result, the onyomi readings of kanji often mirror the regional Chinese pronunciations from the era they were introduced to Japan. Consequently, various types of onyomi readings exist, each reflecting the distinct influences of different periods in Chinese history on Japanese language.

The primary types of onyomi, or Chinese readings of kanji, are Go-on (呉音), which originated from the Wu region and was introduced between the fifth and sixth centuries, and Kan-on (漢音), which came from the Han region and was adopted between the seventh and ninth centuries.

訓読み, or “meaning reading,” refers to the Japanese pronunciation of kanji characters. Throughout history, the Japanese have linked Chinese characters to their own words and sounds. Unlike on’yomi, which emphasizes the phonetic sounds derived from Chinese, kunyomi readings are centered on the meanings associated with these characters.

This adaptation enabled the Japanese to incorporate the kanji system while preserving their own language. Kunyomi readings are distinctly Japanese and have no direct counterparts in Chinese.

How many readings do kanji have?

When it comes to kanji, it’s all about the numbers! Each character typically features at least two readings: on’yomi (Chinese readings) and kun’yomi (Japanese readings). However, some kanji boast even more readings. For instance, the kanji “生” has over 10 different pronunciations, making it one of the most versatile characters. While it’s challenging to definitively crown a single kanji as having the most readings, “生” certainly stands out in this dynamic landscape of kanji usage.

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A kanji with 10+ readings isn’t common, but a kanji with three or four is. Let’s look at another common example: “行.”

The term “銀行,” which translates to “bank,” is pronounced as “こう” (kō). When we look at the word “行く,” meaning “to go,” it’s read as “い” (i). The word “行う,” meaning “to do or to perform,” is pronounced “おこな” (okana). Lastly, in the case of “行政,” which means “administration,” the reading is “ぎょう” (gyō). Each of these words showcases the versatility of the character “行” in the Japanese language.

The question “How many readings does a kanji have?” varies by kanji, with some having numerous readings and most having at least two. This complexity can be quite perplexing! To navigate this challenge, we strongly suggest learning Japanese online with a skilled tutor.

In the next sections, we’ll go over some rules for onyomi vs. kunyomi that can help you find the correct reading.

When to use kunyomi

First, let’s explore when to use the Japanese readings of kanji. In a dictionary, you’ll find the kunyomi represented in hiragana.

Given the vast number of kanji characters, exceptions are inevitable. However, these general guidelines will assist you in selecting the appropriate reading.

Words with okurigana

Okurigana are hiragana characters that come after kanji in a word. Kanji with okurigana usually use the kunyomi reading. Check out these examples:

Single kanji words

A word made of a single kanji usually uses the kunyomi. Here are some examples:

Japanese names

Use kunyomi for Japanese names:

When to use onyomi

Let’s dive into the fascinating world of Chinese pronunciation, known as Onyomi. In your dictionary, you’ll find Onyomi represented in katakana, which highlights its roots in Chinese language and how it influences Japanese pronunciation.

Compound words

When a word is made from more than one kanji, use onyomi readings. Here are some examples:

You can master kanji (even if it seems impossible at first)

Let’s face it: mastering kanji can be the toughest challenge when learning Japanese, especially with its myriad of readings. However, don’t be discouraged—it’s definitely achievable! We recommend starting with the most frequently used readings. Remember, you don’t have to learn every single one right away. Focus on the essentials, and you’ll build a solid foundation for your language journey.

It may seem odd to say this in an article focused on onyomi and kunyomi, but let’s put those readings aside for now. While the differences between kunyomi and onyomi are intriguing, they aren’t crucial to your understanding of kanji at this stage.

Begin your journey by mastering the fundamental readings of common kanji, focusing on both on’yomi and kun’yomi. Once you’re comfortable with these basics, dive into exploring additional readings. The best way to do this is through vocabulary acquisition. By learning words, you’ll encounter various readings in context, which not only reinforces your understanding but also expands your vocabulary simultaneously.

To find out which kanji and readings you should study, why not talk to one of our LingualNeeds Japanese tutors?