読(よ)む

よむ

verb (godan)

to read

1. to read

To look at and comprehend written text. Used for books, newspapers, signs, emails, and any written material.

I read a book.

I'm reading the newspaper.

Can you read this kanji?

Small letters are hard to read.

I like reading books before bed and read a little every night.

2. to read aloud, to recite

To speak written words out loud, as in reading poetry or reading to someone.

Read it out loud.

詩(し)を読(よ)む。

I recite a poem.

I read a picture book to the child.

The teacher read the textbook aloud for us.

Reading books aloud to my child every night is something I enjoy.

3. to guess, to predict

To anticipate or predict something, as in 'reading' a situation or someone's intentions. 空気(くうき)を読(よ)む means to read the atmosphere/room.

Read the room.

I read the other person's feelings.

I act after predicting what will happen.

I was able to predict his next move.

People who can't read the room sometimes trouble those around them.

TRANSITIVITY: 他動詞(たどうし) (transitive). No pair verb. Pattern: Xを読(よ)む (read X).

ASPECT: ている indicates ongoing action. 読(よ)んでいる = 'is reading.'

COMMON PATTERNS:

Godan verb: te-form 読(よ)んで. Cultural: 空気(くうき)を読(よ)む refers to understanding social cues. KY = 空気(くうき)読(よ)めない (can't read the room).

basic

Added 2026.1.5 21:03 · Revised 2026.2.6 6:20

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