So far I can recognize and write hiragana, katakana is easy to recognize, but still working on the… - Feed Post by anthonyiteza
So far I can recognize and write hiragana, katakana is easy to recognize, but still working on the writing. Anyone else confused with kanji having up to 5 different pronunciations?
posted by anthonyiteza
Comments 4
As a general rule, when a kanji is used besides another kanji, they use on-reading, but when a kanji has no other kanji besides, it uses kun reading. Using "mountain - 山" as an example: (富士山は大きい山です - fujiSAN wa ookii YAMA desu - Mount Fuji is a big mountain). There may be some exceptions, but I'm no expert myself, so I'm open to corrections. 頑張って！ :)
Japanese can be a pain with their multitude of readings. Though it is nice sometimes they do follow general rules like body parts typically keep the kunyomi reading even with multiple kanji together. Typically for the most part just try and remember the more common reading and then normally the uncommon is normally with just a word or two so just memorize it when the time comes. Like Tute mentioned majority of the time when there is a kana next to the kanji it typically uses the Kun reading and then when it is next to another kanji it typically uses the on reading.
Japanese has a lot of different weird exceptions the strangest changed reading I've seen is for "one track mind" (一本気 いっぽんぎ) But just take it one word at a time and you'll be fine :D the best way to keep words in mind is exposure and usage! I've noticed that sometimes words are changed around so it sounds better when spoken so always try and pronounce each word you learn to it makes it easier to remember too. I keep writing these essays to people xD ごめんなさい
I had know idea that more than one kanji next to each other meant to use the -on reading. I have a lot to learn, but that clears up a lot. Thanks guys!!! :D
Just think of "ough" sound in English. You don't have much problem reading "A rough-coated, dough-faced, thoughtful ploughman strode through the streets of Scarborough; after falling into a slough, he coughed and hiccoughed.", right?
