# Kanji

/ˈkændʒi/ (US) · /kˈændʒi/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/kanji
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

the Chinese characters used in Japanese writing. Each character represents a whole word or an idea rather than just a sound.

For teachers: logographic characters of Chinese origin used in the Japanese writing system. Each character typically represents a concept or morpheme and may have multiple phonetic readings depending on context.

## Examples

- I am learning how to write my name in kanji.
- Most Japanese sentences use a mix of kanji for the main ideas and hiragana for the grammar.
- Advanced proficiency in the language requires memorising over two thousand kanji, as these characters are essential for reading newspapers, academic texts, and official government documents.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I learned three kanjis today." but "I learned three kanji today." — The word is usually treated as an invariant plural in English, meaning the form does not change when referring to multiple characters.

## Usage notes

- Typically functions as a plural noun or a collective noun; it does not usually take an 's' in the plural form.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.