Translation and Meaning of: 読み - yomi

The word 「読み」 (yomi) in Japanese is widely used in the context of reading and interpreting words and texts. It derives from the verb 「読む」 (yomu), which means "to read." In Japanese, this term is often used to reference the way kanji characters are read, either in on'yomi reading (using the pronunciation derived from Chinese) or kunyomi (using a native Japanese pronunciation). The concept of "yomi" is crucial for understanding how kanji function in the Japanese writing system, where a single kanji can have multiple readings depending on the context.

The etymology of the word can be decomposed using the kanji characters 「読」 and the addition of the suffix 「み」, which in various scenarios suggests the idea of an action or process. In 「読む」 (yomu), the root 「読」 reflects the idea of reading, and by transforming it into 「読み」, we have a noun that encomes the various aspects of that action. Historically, the use of yomi dates back to the Heian period, when the kanji writing system was formally adopted and adapted to include Sino-Japanese readings and purely Japanese readings.

In the study of the Japanese language, understanding the reading system can be compared to deciphering a code, where each kanji can have multiple readings depending on its combination with other characters or the context in which it is used. Some words have only one reading, while others can have variations in both 「音読み」 (on'yomi, Chinese reading) and 「訓読み」 (kun'yomi, Japanese reading). For example, the kanji 「日」 can be read as "nichi" or "jitsu" in on'yomi, and "hi" or "ka" in kunyomi, highlighting the complexity and beauty of the language.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 読解 (dokai) - Reading comprehension
• 読書 (dokusho) - Reading books
• 読取り (yomitori) - Reading and interpretation (general)
• 読み取り (yomitari) - Reading and interpretation (focusing on specific information)
• 読み込み (yomi-komi) - Deep reading or absorption of information
• 読み方 (yomikata) - Pronunciation guide
• 読み上げ (yomiage) - Reading aloud
• 読み書き (yomikaki) - Reading and writing
• 読み手 (yomite) - Reader (person who reads)
• 読み解き (yomidoki) - Reading interpretation
• 読み解く (yomidoku) - Decipher or interpret a text directly

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