What is On‘yomi?118

On'yomi, also known as Sino-Japanese readings, are one of two main ways of pronouncing kanji, the Chinese characters used in the Japanese writing system. The other way of pronouncing kanji is called kun'yomi, which are native Japanese readings. On'yomi were originally derived from the pronunciation of Chinese characters during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE), and they have been used in Japanese ever since.

There are two main types of on'yomi: Tō'on and Kan'on. Tō'on are the older readings, and they are more similar to the original Chinese pronunciation. Kan'on are the newer readings, and they were introduced to Japan later from the southern part of China. Tō'on are typically used for kanji that were introduced to Japan earlier, while Kan'on are typically used for kanji that were introduced later.

On'yomi are used in a variety of situations, including:
In compound words, where one kanji is pronounced with its on'yomi and the other is pronounced with its kun'yomi.
In Chinese loanwords, which are words that have been borrowed from Chinese and are pronounced with their on'yomi.
In names of people and places, which are often pronounced with their on'yomi.

Learning on'yomi is an important part of learning Japanese, as it allows you to read and understand a wider range of texts. There are a number of resources available to help you learn on'yomi, including dictionaries, textbooks, and online courses.

How to Learn On'yomi

There are a few different ways to learn on'yomi. One way is to use a dictionary or textbook. Dictionaries typically list the on'yomi for each kanji, along with the kun'yomi. Textbooks often include lessons on on'yomi, and they may also provide exercises to help you practice.

Another way to learn on'yomi is to use flashcards. You can make your own flashcards, or you can download them from the internet. Flashcards are a great way to practice on'yomi, and they can be used anywhere.

Finally, you can also learn on'yomi by listening to native Japanese speakers. You can find native Japanese speakers to talk to online, or you can listen to Japanese audio recordings. Listening to native speakers is a great way to improve your pronunciation, and it can also help you to learn new on'yomi.

Conclusion

Learning on'yomi is an important part of learning Japanese. By learning on'yomi, you will be able to read and understand a wider range of texts. There are a number of resources available to help you learn on'yomi, so there is no excuse not to start learning today.

2024-11-05

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