1.
the on-reading of a kanji — the Japanese pronunciation of a Chinese character derived from its original Chinese reading
Refers to the pronunciation of a kanji that was borrowed from Chinese, as opposed to its native Japanese reading. For example, the 字音 of 山 is さん (as in 登山), while its native reading is やま. Used in linguistic, educational, and dictionary contexts to contrast with 訓読み.
A linguistic and lexicographic term for the Chinese-derived reading of a kanji. In technical discussion, often contrasted explicitly with 訓 (native Japanese reading).
Usage
- Encountered in dictionaries, linguistics textbooks, and discussions about Japanese writing and etymology.
- Closely synonymous with 音読み in most contexts, though 字音 is slightly more technical and often used in academic writing.
- In general everyday conversation, 音読み is far more common than 字音.
Common collocations
- 字音と訓: on-reading and kun-reading
- 字音で読む: to read using the on-reading
- 字音仮名遣い: historical kana spelling of Sino-Japanese readings
- 呉音・漢音・唐音: Go, Kan, and Tō layers of on-readings
Similar words
- 音読み: on-reading — the everyday, commonly used term for the same concept.
- 訓読み: kun-reading — the native Japanese reading, the opposite category.
- 字訓: kun-reading in a technical/academic sense, paralleling 字音.
Register
Mildly technical; standard in linguistics and lexicography. In casual or classroom contexts, 音読み is preferred.