Kanji
Kanji Foundations: Time expressions
時間表現の漢字
Elementary
~35 min
~35 min
I can read common expressions for before, after and recurring time.
Can-do goal
I can read common expressions for before, after and recurring time.
Learn kanji through words
Notice the shape and core meaning, then learn the reading used in the example word. A kanji may have other readings later.
| Kanji | Strokes | Target reading | Core meaning | Example word | Shape cue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 前 | 9 | まえ | before / front | 駅の前 えきのまえ — in front of the station | The lower knife component cuts a point before. |
| 後 | 9 | あと | after / behind | 学校の後 がっこうのあと — after school | The walking radical suggests following behind. |
| 毎 | 6 | まい | every | 毎日 まいにち — every day | Recognise the repeated shape in recurring time words. |
| 週 | 11 | しゅう | week | 毎週 まいしゅう — every week | The movement radical wraps around 周. |
| 半 | 5 | はん | half | 七時半 しちじはん — half past seven | The vertical line divides the form in half. |
Practice sequence
- Say the example word.
- Identify the kanji inside it.
- Recall its core meaning.
- Type the character from memory.
- Review again on a later day.
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