四


The kanji for four is completely different from the first three. It is also unusual for numbers in that the kun reading is used more often than the on one. As with all number kanji, the Hindu-Arabic 4 is often used instead.

on readings:
  • shi
kun readings:
  • yon
  • yo
  • yot
examples:
四季 shiki four seasons
四方拝 shihōhai Rite of the Four Directions
四日 yokka 4th day (of the month)
四番 yonban fourth, number 4
四分 yonfun four minutes
四匹 yonhiki four (small animals)
四本 yonhon four (cylindrical object)
四百 yonhyaku four hundred
四階 yonkai fourth floor
四頭 yontō four (large animals)
四谷 Yotsuya a part of Tokyo
四ツ谷 Yotsuya a part of Tokyo

links:
Wiktionary
Japanese homepage | top

Last Alteration Performed: 11 May 2025 by Bradley James Wogsland.