How to use this PDF...

[AhmedHan]

Level 4 Kanji list | Japan Forum

Please have a look at the file above. The column next to the Kanji column (the third column - Readings), there written two different translation for each Kanji. One is written in capital letters (the one above), the other is in small letters (below). Which one is the corresponding pronunciation for the Kanji.

For example, 一 is written both "ICHI, ITSU" and "hito(tsu)". Why?

 

[moofs]

The capitalized readings are the On-yomi (Chinese reading) while the lower cased ones are the Kun-yomi(Japanese reading).

In charts like these, On-yomi are usually written in Katakana to indicate "foreign"-ness, while Kun-yomi are written in Hiragana.

Usually On-yomi are used in kanji combinations, and Kun-yomi are used in single kanji words / kanji+hiragana compounds like verbs or adjectives, etc.

 

[sl0815]

These are not translations but pronunciations. The ones in capital letters are on'yomi and the ones in small letters are kun'yomi. The context decides which pronunciation you have to choose. In the rightmost column you can see some examples on how to pronounce the kanji.

がんばって！

EDIT: Mhhh, little late, I guess

Jan

 

[-Rudel-]

The one above is the how would pronounce the Kanji if the Kanji is written by itself. But the second table appears to be that the first line is for the Kun readings. ☝

 

[lexico]

According to Nangi on kanji reading, the rules of thumb of distinquishing ON-yomi and KUN-yomi are;

1) single kanjis are often read in the KUN-reading; together with the hiragana immediately following it. Often they are verbs or adjective verbs.

2) two or more kanjis in a string are often read in the ON-reading. ON-readings are often the borrowed readings after the Chinese readings of the kanji but adapted to the Japanese speech habit.