Kanji Kickstart: How Readings Behave (On Readings, Kun Readings, and Patterns)

On vs. Kun: What the Two Reading Types Really Mean

Most kanji have more than one way to read them because Japanese uses kanji to write two kinds of vocabulary:

• On readings (音読み): readings that tend to appear in Sino-Japanese vocabulary—words that are usually written as multi-kanji compounds.
• Kun readings (訓読み): readings that tend to appear in native Japanese vocabulary—often a single kanji used as a word, or a kanji with okurigana (kana attached) to show inflection.

Think of it as a behavior rule, not a strict law: word structure strongly predicts reading type, but you still confirm by checking a dictionary or furigana when needed.

Quick mental model

• Kanji + kanji (compound) → usually on
• Kanji alone as a basic word → often kun
• Kanji + okurigana (like ～る, ～い, ～した) → usually kun

Pattern 1: Compounds Tend to Use On Readings

Multi-kanji compounds are the most reliable place to expect on readings. When you see two (or more) kanji stuck together with no kana in between, your default guess should be “on-on.”

Step-by-step: how to guess a compound reading type

1. Count kanji: if it’s 2+ kanji with no kana, assume on readings.
2. Say a placeholder rhythm in your head (e.g., “○○-○○”) to remind yourself it’s likely Sino-Japanese.
3. Only after that, check the actual pronunciation.

This habit prevents a common beginner mistake: trying to force a kun reading into a compound.

Pattern 2: Standalone Words and Okurigana Tend to Use Kun Readings

When a kanji is used as a native Japanese word, it often appears either:

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• as a single kanji word, or
• with okurigana that shows grammar (verb/adjective endings).

Step-by-step: how to use okurigana as a reading clue

1. Spot kana attached to the kanji (e.g., ～る, ～い, ～かった, ～して).
2. Assume the kanji is using a kun reading that matches a native verb/adjective stem.
3. Learn the whole word as a unit (kanji + okurigana), not the kanji reading in isolation.

Common Exceptions You Should Expect (Without Memorizing Lists)

Some words break the “compound=on” and “standalone=kun” tendency. Instead of treating these as random, treat them as predictable categories you’ll meet often.

Exception A: Mixed readings (on + kun) in common words

Some very common everyday words mix a Sino-Japanese element with a native element.

Practical takeaway: if a 2-kanji word names a very basic, concrete everyday thing, it has a higher chance of being a native word written with kanji (often kun readings). You still verify, but your “surprise level” should be lower.

Exception B: Single kanji used with an on reading

Some single-kanji words are commonly said with an on reading, especially in set contexts.

Practical takeaway: “single kanji” is a strong hint for kun, but not a guarantee. If the word feels like an abstract concept or a technical label, on readings become more likely.

Phonetic Components: When a Part Hints at Sound

Besides meaning hints, many kanji contain a component that tends to suggest pronunciation. You don’t need to analyze every kanji; you just want to notice recurring sound families. When you learn one kanji well, it can make the next one easier to read.

Below are a few high-yield phonetic families. The idea is not “this always works,” but “this often nudges you toward the right on reading.”

Phonetic family: 青 → often セイ / ショウ

How to use it: if you see a kanji containing 青 and it’s in a compound, “セイ” is a strong first guess.

Phonetic family: 工 → often コウ

How to use it: in compounds, try コウ first when you recognize the family, then confirm.

Phonetic family: 交 → often コウ

Notice what this gives you in real reading: if you already know 学校 is がっこう, then 校 being コウ becomes easier to believe and reuse in new compounds.

Phonetic family: 艮 → often コン

How to use it: when you see this family in a compound, “コン” is a good candidate.

Practical step-by-step: how to learn phonetic hints without overload

1. Only track families you meet repeatedly. If you’ve seen the same component in 3+ kanji, it’s worth noting.
2. Attach the hint to a compound you already know. Example: tie 交→コウ to 交通 and 学校.
3. Use it as a first guess in compounds. Don’t force it in native words with okurigana.
4. Expect drift. The hint may shift slightly (e.g., セイ vs ショウ), or not apply in a particular word.

Drills: Guess the Likely Reading Type from Word Structure

For each item, don’t try to recall the exact reading first. Instead, answer: Is this more likely on or kun? Use the structure clues (compound vs okurigana vs standalone). Then check the provided answer.

Drill Set A (predict on/kun)

• 1) 電話
• 2) 新しい
• 3) 入口
• 4) 走る
• 5) 写真
• 6) 手紙
• 7) 安心
• 8) 青い

Answers (with verification readings)

Drill Set B (add a phonetic-hint step)

For each compound, do two guesses: (1) likely reading type, (2) if you recognize a phonetic family, guess a possible on sound.

• 1) 清水
• 2) 晴天
• 3) 効果
• 4) 根本

Answers (type + readings + what the hint was doing)

Goal of these drills: build a fast “first guess” system (structure → reading type; phonetic family → likely on sound), then confirm with real readings as you encounter words.