The kanji symbol for wind is 風 (kaze).
This character is fundamental in the Japanese language, representing the natural phenomenon of wind. It is widely used in various contexts, from describing weather conditions to appearing in compound words and proper nouns.
Meaning and Pronunciation
The kanji 風 primarily means 'wind'. It has several readings, depending on the context in which it is used. The most common readings are:
- Kun'yomi (Japanese reading): kaze (かぜ)
- On'yomi (Sino-Japanese reading): fū (ふう)
The kun'yomi reading kaze is typically used when the character stands alone or as part of a native Japanese word, while the on'yomi reading fū is commonly found in compound words derived from Chinese.
Common Words Featuring 風
Understanding the kanji 風 is essential for grasping many Japanese words related to weather, atmosphere, and even abstract concepts. Here's a table showcasing some common examples:
| Kanji Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 風 | かぜ (kaze) | Wind |
| 台風 | たいふう (taifū) | Typhoon |
| 和風 | わふう (wafū) | Japanese style |
| 風景 | ふうけい (fūkei) | Scenery, landscape |
| 風邪 | かぜ (kaze) | Cold (illness) |
Note: While 風邪 uses the same kaze reading as 'wind', its meaning is entirely different, highlighting how kanji combinations can create distinct concepts.
Stroke Order and Appearance
The kanji 風 is composed of 9 strokes. Its radical is 風 (radical 182), which also serves as the character itself. Observing its structure can help in memorization and understanding its visual representation.
For more detailed information on this and other kanji, you can explore resources like Jisho.org.
