KanjiJLPT N5
Yen / Circle

circle, yen, round

Mnemonic

The symbol for Japan's yen.

Details

The keyword for 円 is yen / circle. This kanji carries a dual meaning: it refers to the Japanese unit of currency, the yen, and also represents the geometric concept of a circle or anything round. The connection between these two meanings is historical, as early Japanese coins were circular in shape, linking the idea of roundness with money. In everyday usage, context determines whether the kanji refers to monetary value or to the shape of a circle.
On'yomi
えん
Kun'yomi
まる.い、まる、まど、まど.か、まろ.やか