四 – Four (Yon / Shi / Yottsu Kanji)
Learn the meaning, Onyomi and Kunyomi readings, stroke order, common vocabulary, and example sentences for the Japanese Kanji 四.
Kanji 四 Readings – Onyomi & Kunyomi
四 has both an Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading and Kunyomi (native Japanese) readings, each used in different word contexts.
Used in compound words such as 四月 (shigatsu – April). Rarely used alone since it sounds like 死 (death).
The common reading used for counting, such as 四人 (yonin – four people) and 四時 (yoji – four o'clock).
四 Stroke Order – How to Write 四
四 is written with 5 strokes. Follow the numbered order below to write it correctly.
💡 Tip: Write the enclosing box first, then the inner strokes, closing the bottom line last.
Common Words Using 四 (Vocabulary List)
Here are 10 essential words that use the kanji 四, worth memorizing first.
Example Sentences with 四
See 四 used in real, natural Japanese sentences with Kanji, Kana, Romaji and English meaning.
りんごが四つあります。
りんごが よっつ あります。
Ringo ga yottsu arimasu.
There are four apples.
四人家族です。
よにん かぞくです。
Yonin kazoku desu.
We are a family of four.
四月に学校が始まります。
しがつに がっこうが はじまります。
Shigatsu ni gakkou ga hajimarimasu.
School starts in April.
日本には四季があります。
にほんには しきが あります。
Nihon ni wa shiki ga arimasu.
Japan has four seasons.
彼のオフィスは四階にあります。
かれの おふぃすは よんかいに あります。
Kare no ofisu wa yonkai ni arimasu.
His office is on the fourth floor.
Frequently Asked Questions About 四
What does the Kanji 四 mean?
四 means four. It is one of the most common JLPT N5 kanji and appears in many everyday words such as 四月 (shigatsu, April) and 四人 (yonin, four people).
What is the Onyomi reading of 四?
The Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading of 四 is シ (shi), as in 四月 (shigatsu, April). It is often avoided in isolation since it sounds like 死 (death).
What is the Kunyomi reading of 四?
The Kunyomi (native Japanese) readings of 四 are よん (yon, commonly used for counting) and よっ.つ (yottsu, four things).
How many strokes does 四 have?
四 is written with 5 strokes.
Is 四 a JLPT N5 kanji?
Yes, 四 is part of the official JLPT N5 kanji list and is one of the first number kanji beginners learn.
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