Kanji (Japanese hieroglyphs)

Kanji is a symbol that defines combination of sounds that has particular meaning.

What says wiki about Kanji. This is a really comprehensive article.

And I will be brief.

Kanji can be used independently or with other kanji and Kana (katakana and hiragana)  making new words with new meanings.

For example, kanji 上 can form the following meanings:

1) with hiragana:

- 上がる (agaru / あがる) – stand up (v)

- 上げる (ageru / あげる) – lift (v)

- 上 (ue / うえ) – top (n)

2) with other kanji:

- 上流 (jo:ryu: / じょうりゅう) – upstream

Most of the kanji have two reading:

1) On’yomi (Chinese reading) – is used while reading combination of kanji mostly

2) Kun’yomi (Japanese reading) – is used while reading separate kanji mostly

Example:

Kanji 木 has meaning “tree”

On’yomi – moku, boku / もく, ぼく

Kun’yomi – ki / き

Words:

木 – ki / き - tree

木曜日 – mokuyo:bi / もくようび - Thursday