言
JLPT N5Kun-yomi (Japanese reading)
い.う、こと
On-yomi (Chinese reading)
ゲン、ゴン
Meaning
Stroke Count
7 strokes
📝 How to Remember
「言」has 7 strokes. Break it into smaller visual components — most complex kanji are combinations of simpler parts you already know.
⚠️ Teacher's Note — On-yomi vs Kun-yomi
「言」has both On-yomi (ゲン、ゴン) and Kun-yomi (い.う、こと). 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)
「言」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 「言」?+
On-yomi: ゲン、ゴン. Kun-yomi: い.う、こと.
What does 「言」mean in Japanese?+
「言」means "null". It is a JLPT N5 kanji — one of the most essential characters for beginners.
How many strokes does 「言」have?+
「言」is written with 7 strokes.
Is 「言」on the JLPT N5?+
Yes, 「言」is an official JLPT N5 kanji. Knowing all ~110 N5 kanji is essential for passing the exam.
Practice 「言」 with AI