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sound · noise · music
N4
On: おんKun: おと、ね

Memory Aid

The kanji originally depicted a musical instrument, perhaps a drum or bell, with waves representing the sound emanating from it. The top part represents the instrument, and the bottom part resembles 'say' or 'mouth' (口), suggesting the emission of sound.

'Oto' — You hear a loud sound from a car that's about to 'OVERTURN'.

Vocabulary

おとsound, noise
音楽おんがくmusic
発音はつおんpronunciation
音読みおんよみOn'yomi (Chinese reading)
音量おんりょうvolume (of sound)

Example Sentences

鳥の音が聞こえます。

I hear the sound of birds.

毎日音楽を聞きます。

I listen to music every day.

彼の発音はとても良いです。

His pronunciation is very good.

変な音がします。

There's a strange sound.

Related Kanji