JLPT N5
Kun-yomi (Japanese reading)
か-わる、か-える
On-yomi (Chinese reading)
ヘン
Meaning
Change, strange
Stroke Count
9 strokes
Examples

変わる

📝 How to Remember

「変」has 9 strokes. Break it into smaller visual components — most complex kanji are combinations of simpler parts you already know.

⚠️ Teacher's NoteOn-yomi vs Kun-yomi

「変」has both On-yomi (ヘン) and Kun-yomi (か-わる、か-える). On-yomi is typically used in compound words (two kanji together), while Kun-yomi appears when the kanji stands alone or with hiragana.

🎯 JLPT N5 — How It's Tested

もんだい1 (Kanji Reading) & もんだい2 (Kanji Writing)

「変」typically appears in もんだい1, where you choose the correct reading, and もんだい2, where you choose the correct kanji for a hiragana word. Make sure you can recognize it both ways.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you read the kanji 「変」?+
On-yomi: ヘン. Kun-yomi: か-わる、か-える.
What does 「変」mean in Japanese?+
「変」means "Change, strange". It is a JLPT N5 kanji — one of the most essential characters for beginners.
How many strokes does 「変」have?+
「変」is written with 9 strokes.
Is 「変」on the JLPT N5?+
Yes, 「変」is an official JLPT N5 kanji. Knowing all ~110 N5 kanji is essential for passing the exam.
Can you give an example sentence using 「変」?+
Yes: 変わる. Practicing kanji in context is one of the most effective ways to remember them.