JLPT N5
Kun-yomi (Japanese reading)
やま
On-yomi (Chinese reading)
サン、セン
Meaning
Stroke Count
3 strokes

📝 How to Remember

「山」is one of the simplest kanji with only 3 strokes. Focus on getting the stroke order correct from the start — simple kanji appear in almost every JLPT question.

⚠️ Teacher's NoteOn-yomi vs Kun-yomi

「山」has both On-yomi (サン、セン) and Kun-yomi (やま). 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)

「山」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 「山」?+
On-yomi: サン、セン. Kun-yomi: やま.
What does 「山」mean in Japanese?+
「山」means "null". It is a JLPT N5 kanji — one of the most essential characters for beginners.
How many strokes does 「山」have?+
「山」is written with 3 strokes.
Is 「山」on the JLPT N5?+
Yes, 「山」is an official JLPT N5 kanji. Knowing all ~110 N5 kanji is essential for passing the exam.