日
学
夢
本
語
心
Four
四
Four
Kun-yomi 🇯🇵:
よん (yon)
/
よっつ (yottsu)
(Japanese reading)
On-yomi 🇨🇳:
シ (shi)
(Chinese-derived reading)
Four
Four

Pronunciation rules

  • よっつ (yottsu) is the kun-yomi when counting things.
  • シ (shi) is the on-yomi reading. シ is used in compounds like 四月 (しがつ, shigatsu: April).
  • As part of proper names and set phrases, readings may vary; learn common expressions like 四日 (よっか, yokka: the 4th day of a month).

Examples

Kun-yomiNative Japanese Readings
四 つ ください。
Four, please.
Uses kun-yomi よっつ (yottsu) when counting things
四 つ あります。
There are four.
Uses kun-yomi よっつ (yottsu) when counting things
四 つ だけ です。
Only four.
Uses kun-yomi よっつ (yottsu) when counting things
On-yomiSino-Japanese Readings
四月
April
Uses on-yomi シ (shi) in compound for months
四 月 に いきます。
I will go in April.
Uses on-yomi シ (shi) in compound 四月
ExceptionIrregular Readings
四日
the 4th day of a month
Exception: 四日 reads as よっか for the fourth day of the month

Quick facts

  • Radical: 囗 (enclosure)
  • Strokes: 5
  • Common compounds: 四月 (しがつ, shigatsu), 四日 (よっか, yokka)
  • ⚠️ Exceptions:
    • 四日 reads as よっか when meaning "the 4th day of a month".
    • 四月 reads as しがつ (uses on-yomi シ in compound).
    • Counting: よっつ (four things).

Key Words

四つ - four (things)
四月 - april
四日 - the 4th day of a month