Kanji
Kanji Foundations: Signs and stations
標識と駅の漢字
Elementary
~35 min
~35 min
I can follow basic direction and station signs.
Can-do goal
I can follow basic direction and station signs.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 南 | 9 | みなみ | south | 南口 みなみぐち — south exit | The detailed centre hangs inside the outer frame. |
| 口 | 3 | くち | mouth / opening | 口を開けます くちをあけます — open one's mouth | A simple opening forms a square. Contrast: 口 is an empty opening; 日 contains an inner line. |
| 出 | 5 | で | exit / go out | 出口 でぐち — exit | One mountain-like shape emerges from another. |
| 入 | 2 | はい | enter | 入ります はいります — enter | The strokes narrow as they enter. Contrast: 入 (enter) crosses differently from 人 (person). |
| 駅 | 14 | えき | station | 駅前 えきまえ — in front of the station | The horse radical appears on the left. |
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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