間
JLPT N5Kun-yomi (Japanese reading)
あいだ、ま、あい
On-yomi (Chinese reading)
カン、ケン
Meaning
Stroke Count
12 strokes
Related Vocabulary
📝 How to Remember
At 12 strokes, 「間」requires deliberate practice. Identify the radical (root part) first, then learn the remaining strokes as a unit.
⚠️ Teacher's Note — On-yomi vs Kun-yomi
「間」has both On-yomi (カン、ケン) and Kun-yomi (あいだ、ま、あい). 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)
「間」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 「間」?+
On-yomi: カン、ケン. Kun-yomi: あいだ、ま、あい.
What does 「間」mean in Japanese?+
「間」means "null". It is a JLPT N5 kanji — one of the most essential characters for beginners.
How many strokes does 「間」have?+
「間」is written with 12 strokes.
Is 「間」on the JLPT N5?+
Yes, 「間」is an official JLPT N5 kanji. Knowing all ~110 N5 kanji is essential for passing the exam.
Practice 「間」 with AI