When learning kanji, what is the most important to learn, the onyomi and kunyomi, or the meaning… - Feed Post by Valentina6
When learning kanji, what is the most important to learn, the onyomi and kunyomi, or the meaning of it? I dread the answer 'both' xD..
posted by Valentina6
Comments 3
Most of time, compound words use only the first onyomi of each kanji (as in 元気 → げんき). But pay attention to any onyomi that appear as suffixes (e.g.: 応 → オウ, -ノウ, 反応 → はんのう). That said, don't bother trying to learn *all* possible readings in one stab, especially the kunyomi, as most are exceptional. You'll be able to spot more of these exceptions with time and practice.
As for the kanji meanings, don't bother too much too, as in some compound words that meaning disappears or just makes no sense. They may help you, whoever, remember what a compound word is, or even guess what a new, never seen word is ─ same when learning onyomi, which may help you guess the pronouciation too. (YMMV)
But that's only my opinion, though. Let's see what more experienced friends have to say ;)
rblopes Thank you so much for sharing your 'method' with us :) I find any opinion useful. I do find learning vocabulary beforehand very helpful, because later, when I come across a 'new kanji' I can recall the syllable used for it from vocabulary.
What about radicals? Why do some people emphasize the importance of learning them before the 'more complex' kanji?
I guess that's because there aren't really that much radicals so if you can write them the 'more complex' Kanji become a bit easier to handle.
Just my opinion though.
