天 – Heaven / Sky (Ten / Ame Kanji)
Learn the meaning, Onyomi and Kunyomi readings, stroke order, common vocabulary, and example sentences for the Japanese Kanji 天.
Kanji 天 Readings – Onyomi & Kunyomi
天 has both an Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading and Kunyomi (native Japanese) readings, each used in different word contexts.
Used in compound words such as 天気 (tenki – weather) and 天才 (tensai – genius).
A native reading meaning heaven or sky, used mainly in classical and poetic language.
天 Stroke Order – How to Write 天
天 is written with 4 strokes. Follow the numbered order below to write it correctly.
💡 Tip: Write the top horizontal stroke, then the second horizontal stroke below it, finishing with the left and right diagonal strokes.
Common Words Using 天 (Vocabulary List)
Here are 10 essential words that use the kanji 天, worth memorizing first.
Example Sentences with 天
See 天 used in real, natural Japanese sentences with Kanji, Kana, Romaji and English meaning.
今日の天気はどうですか。
きょうの てんきは どうですか。
Kyou no tenki wa dou desu ka.
How is the weather today?
彼は数学の天才です。
かれは すうがくの てんさいです。
Kare wa suugaku no tensai desu.
He is a math genius.
夕食に天ぷらを食べました。
ゆうしょくに てんぷらを たべました。
Yuushoku ni tenpura o tabemashita.
I ate tempura for dinner.
夏の夜に天の川が見えます。
なつの よるに あまのがわが みえます。
Natsu no yoru ni amanogawa ga miemasu.
You can see the Milky Way on summer nights.
雨天の場合、試合は中止です。
うてんの ばあい、しあいは ちゅうしです。
Uten no baai, shiai wa chuushi desu.
In case of rain, the match will be cancelled.
Frequently Asked Questions About 天
What does the Kanji 天 mean?
天 means heaven or sky. It is a common JLPT N5 kanji and appears in many everyday words such as 天気 (tenki, weather) and 天使 (tenshi, angel).
What is the Onyomi reading of 天?
The Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading of 天 is テン (ten), as in 天気 (tenki, weather) and 天才 (tensai, genius).
What is the Kunyomi reading of 天?
The Kunyomi (native Japanese) readings of 天 are あめ (ame) and あま (ama), meaning "heaven/sky," seen in classical and poetic words such as 天の川 (amanogawa, the Milky Way).
How many strokes does 天 have?
天 is written with 4 strokes.
Is 天 a JLPT N5 kanji?
Yes, 天 is part of the official JLPT N5 kanji list and is essential for everyday words like 天気 (tenki, weather).
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