何 – What (Nani Kanji)
Learn the meaning, Onyomi and Kunyomi readings, stroke order, common vocabulary, and example sentences for the Japanese Kanji 何.
Kanji 何 Readings – Onyomi & Kunyomi
何 has both an Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading and Kunyomi (native Japanese) readings, each used in different word contexts.
Rarely used alone; appears mainly in certain formal or literary compound words rather than everyday speech.
なに is used when asking "what" directly, such as 何ですか (nan desu ka). なん is used before certain sounds, numbers, and counters, such as 何時 (nanji – what time) and 何人 (nannin – how many people).
何 Stroke Order – How to Write 何
何 is written with 7 strokes. Follow the numbered order below to write it correctly.
💡 Tip: Write the person radical 亻 first (short diagonal, then vertical), then build 可 on the right — horizontal, vertical hook, and final horizontal.
Common Words Using 何 (Vocabulary List)
Here are 10 essential words that use the kanji 何, worth memorizing first.
Example Sentences with 何
See 何 used in real, natural Japanese sentences with Kanji, Kana, Romaji and English meaning.
これは何ですか。
これは なんですか。
Kore wa nan desu ka.
What is this?
今何時ですか。
いま なんじですか。
Ima nanji desu ka.
What time is it now?
何か食べたいです。
なにか たべたいです。
Nanika tabetai desu.
I want to eat something.
家族は何人ですか。
かぞくは なんにんですか。
Kazoku wa nannin desu ka.
How many people are in your family?
今日は何曜日ですか。
きょうは なにようびですか。
Kyou wa nanyoubi desu ka.
What day of the week is it today?
Frequently Asked Questions About 何
What does the Kanji 何 mean?
何 means "what." It is one of the most essential JLPT N5 kanji, used constantly in questions such as 何ですか (nan desu ka, what is it?) and 何時 (nanji, what time).
What is the Onyomi reading of 何?
The Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading of 何 is カ (ka), though it is rarely used on its own outside certain formal or literary compound words.
What is the Kunyomi reading of 何?
The Kunyomi (native Japanese) reading of 何 is なに (nani) or なん (nan), meaning "what," with なん used before certain sounds and counters.
How many strokes does 何 have?
何 is written with 7 strokes.
Is 何 a JLPT N5 kanji?
Yes, 何 is part of the official JLPT N5 kanji list and is one of the most frequently used kanji in everyday conversation, especially in questions.
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