自
JLPT N5Kun-yomi (Japanese reading)
みずか-ら
On-yomi (Chinese reading)
ジ、シ
Meaning
Self, oneself
Stroke Count
6 strokes
Examples
自分
Related Vocabulary
📝 How to Remember
With 6 strokes, 「自」is easy to write once you learn the stroke order. Practice writing it 5 times daily until it becomes automatic.
⚠️ Teacher's Note — On-yomi vs Kun-yomi
「自」has both On-yomi (ジ、シ) and Kun-yomi (みずか-ら). 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)
「自」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 「自」?+
On-yomi: ジ、シ. Kun-yomi: みずか-ら.
What does 「自」mean in Japanese?+
「自」means "Self, oneself". It is a JLPT N5 kanji — one of the most essential characters for beginners.
How many strokes does 「自」have?+
「自」is written with 6 strokes.
Is 「自」on the JLPT N5?+
Yes, 「自」is an official JLPT N5 kanji. Knowing all ~110 N5 kanji is essential for passing the exam.
Can you give an example sentence using 「自」?+
Yes: 自分. Practicing kanji in context is one of the most effective ways to remember them.
Practice 「自」 with AI