The reference material is focused on the distinction between on and kun readings in Japanese. Therefore, the response will explain kun reading within that context.
Understanding Kun Reading
Kun reading (訓読み, kun'yomi) is the Japanese reading of a kanji, based on the pronunciation of the native Japanese word (和語, wago) that the kanji originally represented. In simpler terms, it is how the Japanese read a character based on its meaning within the Japanese language.
Key Characteristics of Kun Reading
- Based on Native Japanese Words: It uses the pronunciation of pre-existing Japanese words.
- Meaning-Based Connection: The kanji's kun reading reflects its meaning in Japanese.
- Often Used for Single Kanji Words: Frequently appears when a kanji stands alone as a word, or when it's followed by hiragana (Japanese phonetic script) to form verb and adjective inflections.
Example:
Consider the kanji for "new": 新.
- Meaning: New
- Kun Reading: atarashii (新しい), which is the native Japanese word for "new." You see this in words like 新しい (atarashii - new).
- Associated Native Japanese word: あたらしい (atarashii)
Therefore, when a kanji is being used with its native Japanese meaning and pronunciation, you are likely dealing with the kun reading.
