二
Mnemonic
Draw one bold line in the sand. A stranger walks up and scratches another one right above it. You step back and see two perfect parallel lines — a simple, undeniable pair.
Additional thoughts
Each horizontal stroke is the radical 'one.' One on top of one equals two. The bottom stroke is longer, the top shorter — picture a foundation supporting a second floor.Quick recall
Stack one line above another one and you get two.Details
The keyword for 二 is two. This kanji represents the number two and is one of the simplest characters in Japanese, consisting of two horizontal strokes. It is used for counting, ordering, and expressing the concept of duality or a pair. Its straightforward visual design directly mirrors the quantity it represents.
- On'yomi
- に、じ
- Kun'yomi
- ふた、ふた.つ、ふたたび