Readings: ゲン・ゴン (Onyomi), い(う) / こと (Kunyomi)
Meaning: say, word, speech
The kanji 言 means “to say” or “word,” and it is very commonly used in verbs and nouns such as 言う (to say), 言葉 (word), and 伝言 (message).
View JLPT N5 Kanji ListKanji Details
| Radical | 言 (say) |
|---|---|
| Strokes | 7 |
| JLPT Level | N5 |
| Grade | 2nd Grade |
Readings
| Onyomi | ゲン・ゴン |
|---|---|
| Kunyomi | い(う) / こと |
How to Write – Stroke Order
言 is used to represent speech, language, and communication. It’s easy to recognize thanks to its unique radical shape.
- Start from the top stroke, work down through the vertical strokes
- Finish with the box-like shape underneath
Example Sentences
Japanese: 日本語で言ってください。
Kana: にほんごでいってください。
Romaji: Nihongo de itte kudasai.
English: Please say it in Japanese.
Japanese: その言葉の意味は何ですか？
Kana: そのことばのいみはなんですか？
Romaji: Sono kotoba no imi wa nan desu ka?
English: What is the meaning of that word?
Japanese: 先生が大切なことを言いました。
Kana: せんせいがたいせつなことをいいました。
Romaji: Sensei ga taisetsu na koto o iimashita.
English: The teacher said something important.
Vocabulary Using 言
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 言う | いう | to say |
| 言葉 | ことば | word, language |
| 伝言 | でんごん | message |
| 言語 | げんご | language |
🔗 N5 Grammar & Vocabulary
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