Are you wondering what “on” and “kun” mean?
Here is a quick and dirty explanation of the two types of readings you will find in a Japanese dictionary:*
Long, long ago, the Japanese did not have an extensive writing system, but they did notice that the Chinese had a pretty nice set-up going. So, as they interacted with Chinese people, they started to “borrow” some of their writing system.
Sometimes it would go like this:
Japanese person: Hey, what does that character mean for you? (referring to, say, 大)
Chinese person: Oh, that means “big.” We pronounce it “da.”
Japanese person: Nifty. Mind if we use that? We’ll pronounce it “dai,” but close enough.
…and that is basically what “ON” readings are. They are readings that are based (more or less) on the original Chinese pronunciation.
But sometimes this would happen:
Chinese person: Hold on, don’t you already have a word for “big?”
Japanese person: Sure, it’s “ookii.” But we can just use the same kanji for that too.
Chinese person: Uh, don’t you think that will be confusing?
Japanese person: Nah, we’ll figure it out.
…and that is basically what “KUN” readings are. They are readings that are based on the original Japanese pronunciation.
You will notice that ON readings are short (just one or two kana long), as in 大 (だい), and there are usually just one or two ON readings per kanji.
KUN readings, on the other hand, are all over the place. They can be short, as in 木 (き), but the reading can also “overflow” the kanji, as in 忙しい (いそがしい), in which case you will have to memorize which hiragana you have to stick on the end to make the word (these hiragana are called “okurigana”). There can also be a LOT of KUN readings for each kanji, but don’t lose heart, because the readings do get simpler as you learn more kanji.
Have any questions or anything to add? Leave them in the comments!
*This is a very rough explanation to save you some time, so please understand that I am glossing over a LOT.
its very difficult..
I know it seems daunting at first, but it really does get easier as you go along….
When do you use each
@Kevin, there isn’t really a hard and fast rule about when a reading is ON vs. KUN. Generally you will find that a lot of nouns and formal sounding language will have ON readings (like in newspapers), and also combinations of multiple kanji will often be ON. People’s names are generally KUN, as are kanji that appear singly.
As you learn new vocabulary you will start to get a feel for it, so you don’t need to be concerned if you don’t remember which reading is which from the very beginning.
should i focus on learning vocabulary first then kanji? you know, i think it will be the same.. or study both at the same time..?
i am feeling overwhelmed.
i really dont need to learn how to write it by hand. i just need to learn how to read them.
but too many Kun readings! so, vocab then kanji or both?
thanks!
@nayeli
What you should study really depends on your reasons for studying Japanese in the first place. It sounds like you are not taking a class but just want to be able to read a little. Is that right? In that case, I would recommend starting with the first grade kanji, and then just work on the meaning and only the most basic vocabulary (just one vocabulary word per kanji). Don’t try to memorize every single way the kanji is used or you will get overwhelmed and give up!
I can give you better advice if you let me know your situation. In any case, just remember that the first grade kanji have lots of different ways to read them, but as you get to the next levels it gets a lot easier. That first hurdle is hard to get over, but don’t give up!