question on using kanji

[ショーン]

What exactly are kun/on readings & when would I use which ones? Also when do I just read a character just by what it stands for? (ex.山) when would I say san for the on reading or yama for the kun reading? Also when would it only mean mountain? I am very confused with this so any help would be appreciated

 

[Mike Cash]

What exactly are kun/on readings & when would I use which ones? Also when do I just read a character just by what it stands for? (ex.山) when would I say san for the on reading or yama for the kun reading? Also when would it only mean mountain? I am very confused with this so any help would be appreciated

There is a currently active thread on this subject which you may find helpful.

 

[ショーン]

thanks I should have looked around before I posted