Mnemonic
A sage stands by a stream, delivering words of instruction to students gathered on the bank. The stream carries his voice downstream, spreading lessons to every village. His words flow endlessly like water—clear, steady, and shaping everything they touch.
Additional thoughts
Think of the kanji as words (言) flowing in a stream (川)—instruction is guidance that pours forth continuously. A teacher's voice is like a current: it moves in one direction, carrying meaning to those downstream.Quick recall
Words pour forth in a stream of instruction, carrying lessons to all who listen.Details
The keyword for 訓 is instruction. This kanji refers to the act of teaching, giving guidance, or imparting lessons, particularly in a formal or authoritative manner. It carries the sense of providing moral or practical direction, as well as interpreting and explaining the meaning of words or texts. In Japanese linguistics, it also specifically refers to the native Japanese reading assigned to Chinese characters, reflecting the idea of explaining or translating their meaning.
- On'yomi
- くん、きん
- Kun'yomi
- おし.える、よ.む、くん.ずる