Definition

A character used in the Japanese writing system that is based on Chinese characters.

Example

She learned to write her name in kanji during her Japanese language class.

Conversation

Have you started learning kanji yet?

Not yet, but I’ve heard it’s pretty challenging.

Yeah, I find the kanji characters fascinating, though!

They are! I admire people who can write them well.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Kanji → The word 'kanji' (漢字) originates from Japanese, where 'kan' (漢) refers to the Han dynasty of China, and 'ji' (字) means character or letter. Thus, 'kanji' literally means 'Han characters' and refers to the logographic characters used in the modern Japanese writing system that are derived from Chinese characters.

Memory Tip

Think of 'Han' as a reference to the historical Chinese dynasty, and 'characters' as the symbols used in writing. This helps you remember that 'kanji' are the characters that originated from the Han dynasty.

Visually Confused Words