Readings: チュウ・ジュウ (Onyomi), なか (Kunyomi)
Meaning: inside, middle, center, during
中 is a versatile and frequently used kanji. It appears in common words like 中国 (China), 中学校 (middle school), and 午前中 (in the morning). It’s also used to express something happening “in the middle” or “during” a period.
View JLPT N5 Kanji ListKanji Details
| Radical | 丨 (stick) |
|---|---|
| Strokes | 4 |
| JLPT Level | N5 |
| Grade | 1st Grade |
Readings
| Onyomi | チュウ・ジュウ |
|---|---|
| Kunyomi | なか |
How to Write – Stroke Order
中 symbolizes something being centered. It’s easy to write and appears very early in Japanese education. Its core meaning relates to “in the middle” or “inside.”
Example Sentences
Japanese: かばんの中に本があります。
Kana: かばんのなかにほんがあります。
Romaji: Kaban no naka ni hon ga arimasu.
English: There is a book inside the bag.
Japanese: 中国へ行ったことがあります。
Kana: ちゅうごくへいったことがあります。
Romaji: Chuugoku e itta koto ga arimasu.
English: I have been to China.
Japanese: 午前中は忙しいです。
Kana: ごぜんちゅうはいそがしいです。
Romaji: Gozenchuu wa isogashii desu.
English: I’m busy in the morning.
Vocabulary Using 中
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 中 | なか | inside, middle |
| 中国 | ちゅうごく | China |
| 中学校 | ちゅうがっこう | middle school |
| 午前中 | ごぜんちゅう | in the morning |
| 真ん中 | まんなか | center, middle |
🔗 N5 Grammar & Vocabulary
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