山 – Mountain (San / Yama Kanji)
Learn the meaning, Onyomi and Kunyomi readings, stroke order, common vocabulary, and example sentences for the Japanese Kanji 山.
Kanji 山 Readings – Onyomi & Kunyomi
山 has both an Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading and Kunyomi (native Japanese) readings, each used in different word contexts.
Used in compound words such as 富士山 (Fujisan – Mount Fuji) and 火山 (kazan – volcano).
Used to mean a mountain, as in 高い山に登ります (takai yama ni登orimasu).
山 Stroke Order – How to Write 山
山 is written with 3 strokes. Follow the numbered order below to write it correctly.
💡 Tip: Write the central vertical drop stroke with a slight hook on the left, followed by the enclosing left vertical wall and right-falling stroke, and finish with the bottom base hook stroke.
Common Words Using 山 (Vocabulary List)
Here are 6 essential words that use the kanji 山, worth memorizing first.
Example Sentences with 山
See 山 used in real, natural Japanese sentences with Kanji, Kana, Romaji and English meaning.
週末に家族と山に登ります。
しゅうまつに かぞくと やまに のぼります。
Shūmatsu ni kazoku to yama ni noborimasu.
I am climbing a mountain with my family this weekend.
遠くに高い山が見えます。
とおくに たかい やまが みえます。
Tōku ni takai yama ga miemasu.
A tall mountain can be seen in the distance.
いつか富士山に登りたいです。
いつか ふじさんに のぼりたいです。
Itsuka Fujisan ni noboritai desu.
I want to climb Mount Fuji someday.
山道で可愛い花を見つけました。
やまみちで かわいい はなを みつけました。
Yamamichi de kawaii hana o mitsukemashita.
I found a cute flower on the mountain trail.
秋の山は紅葉がとても綺麗です。
あきの やまは こうようが とても きれいです。
Aki no yama no kōyō wa totemo kirei desu.
The autumn leaves on the mountain are very beautiful.
Frequently Asked Questions About 山
What does the Kanji 山 mean?
山 means "mountain." It is a fundamental JLPT N5 kanji used in words like 山 (yama, mountain) and 富士山 (Fujisan, Mount Fuji).
What is the Onyomi reading of 山?
The primary Onyomi reading of 山 is サン (san), as seen in compound words like 富士山 (Fujisan, Mount Fuji) and 火山 (kazan, volcano).
What is the Kunyomi reading of 山?
The main Kunyomi reading is やま (yama) when referring to a mountain.
How many strokes does 山 have?
山 is written with 3 strokes.
Is 山 a JLPT N5 kanji?
Yes, 山 is an essential JLPT N5 kanji taught in grade 1 of Japanese elementary school.
Your Japanese story
starts right now.
Join 2.4 million learners. Free 6 Month Premium plan. No credit card needed.