Meaning
The kanji 四 primarily signifies the number 'four'. This foundational character appears frequently in everyday Japanese language and numerical expressions. Its visual form is thought to be a pictograph of a mouth or enclosure with four lines or divisions inside. This represented the concept of 'four' as a bounded set or a division into four parts. Over time, this initial pictographic representation evolved into the more abstract and symmetrical form we see today: a closed box with vertical and horizontal strokes within. Despite its simplicity, 四 carries significant cultural weight. The pronunciation 'shi' is a homophone for death (死), often leading to 'yon' being preferred in many contexts to avoid negative connotations. As a Grade 1 kanji, it's learned early in Japanese education and is composed of 5 strokes, making it relatively easy to write and recognize.
Understanding the structure of 四 is straightforward; it’s essentially an enclosure. The meaning of 'four' is directly conveyed through this character. Its ancient origins as a representation of division or enclosure highlight its fundamental numerical purpose. Despite its simple form, it sees widespread usage and is important in both spoken and written Japanese.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary On'yomi reading for 四 is シ (shi). This reading originates from Chinese and is often used in formal compounds, counting, and when combined with other kanji that also have Chinese origins. While common, its usage is sometimes avoided due to the phonetic similarity to the word for death (死 - shi).
- 四季 (shiki) — four seasons. This refers to the distinct spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
- 四月 (shigatsu) — April. This is the fourth month of the year in the Japanese calendar.
- 四角 (shikaku) — square, quadrilateral. Describes a shape with four sides and four angles.
- 四大 (shidai) — the four great (elements, powers, etc.). Often used in philosophical or historical contexts.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The Kun'yomi readings for 四 are よ (yo), よ.つ (yotsu), よっ.つ (yottsu), and よん (yon). These readings are native Japanese pronunciations and are used in a wider variety of contexts, particularly when the kanji is used alone or with okurigana (hiragana suffixes).
よ (yo)
This reading is often found in older or more traditional compounds, or when counting certain items, particularly for people or specific days.
- 四人 (yonin) — four people. For example, in 四人 (four people), the 'yo' reading is combined with 'nin' (人).
- 四日 (yokka) — the fourth day of the month, or four days.
よ.つ (yotsu) / よっ.つ (yottsu)
These readings are used for counting general items, emphasizing the quantity 'four'. よっつ is the more common form for counting "four things."
- 四つ (yottsu) — four (general counter for inanimate objects).
- 四つ角 (yotsukado) — crossroads, intersection. Literally 'four corners'.
- 四つ葉 (yotsuba) — four-leaf clover.
よん (yon)
This is the most common and generally preferred reading for the number four in modern Japanese, especially to avoid the unlucky connotation of 'shi' (death).
- 四時 (yoji) — four o'clock.
- 四歳 (yonsai) — four years old.
- 四階 (yonkai) — fourth floor.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 四 appears in numerous Japanese words and compounds, reflecting its essential role in counting and describing quantities of four. Here are some common examples, categorized by theme:
Time and Seasons
- 四季 (shiki) — The four seasons.
- 四時 (yoji) — Four o'clock.
- 四月 (shigatsu) — April (the fourth month).
- 四日 (yokka) — The fourth day of the month or four days.
Counting and Quantity
- 四つ (yottsu) — Four (general counter for items).
- 四人 (yonin) — Four people.
- 四歳 (yonsai) — Four years old.
- 四匹 (yonhiki) — Four small animals.
Shapes and Directions
- 四角 (shikaku) — Square, quadrilateral.
- 四つ角 (yotsukado) — Crossroads, intersection.
- 四方 (shihō) — Four directions, all sides.
- 四辺 (shihen) — Four sides (of a polygon).
Geography and Culture
- 四国 (Shikoku) — One of Japan's four main islands, literally 'four countries/provinces'.
- 四字熟語 (yojijukugo) — Four-character idiom.
Example Sentences
四つリンゴがあります。
Yottsu ringo ga arimasu.
There are four apples.
この部屋には四人の学生がいます。
Kono heya ni wa yonin no gakusei ga imasu.
There are four students in this room.
四時に会議が始まります。
Yoji ni kaigi ga hajimarimasu.
The meeting starts at four o'clock.
日本には四季があります。
Nihon ni wa shiki ga arimasu.
Japan has four seasons.
私は四歳の時からピアノを習っています。
Watashi wa yonsai no toki kara piano o naratte imasu.
I have been learning piano since I was four years old.
道の四つ角で友達に会いました。
Michi no yotsukado de tomodachi ni aimashita.
I met my friend at the crossroads.
四角いテーブルを買いました。
Shikakui tēburu o kaimashita.
I bought a square table.
私の家から駅まで四キロあります。
Watashi no ie kara eki made yon kiro arimasu.
It is four kilometers from my house to the station.
彼は四つの言語を話すことができます。
Kare wa yon tsu no gengo o hanasu koto ga dekimasu.
He can speak four languages.
世界には四大文明が存在しました。
Sekai ni wa shidai bunmei ga sonzai shimashita.
Four great civilizations existed in the world.
Related Kanji
- 二 — Two (Kanji N5)
- 九 — Nine (Kanji N5)
- 百 — Hundred (Kanji N5)
- 六 — Six (Kanji N5)
- 千 — Thousand (Kanji N5)
- 一 — One (Kanji N5)
Memory Tip
To remember the kanji 四, think of a simple, enclosed box with four distinct sections or divisions within it. Imagine drawing a square, and then adding two lines inside – one horizontal and one vertical – to divide it perfectly into four smaller squares. This visual directly represents the concept of 'four' as a whole divided into four equal parts, or simply as an enclosure containing four units. Another way to visualize it is as a window frame (the outer box) with four panes of glass (the internal divisions), making it easy to associate with the number four.