Onyomi: サン, セン · Kunyomi: やま · Meanings: mountain
Kanji for mountain
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Find visually similar kanji, commonly confused characters, related meanings, and useful words connected to 山.
The kanji 山 was born from a simple image of three peaks rising from the earth — the middle one tallest, symbolizing a majestic mountain range. In ancient times, people looked up to mountains with awe and respect, seeing them as the homes of gods, spirits, and the source of rivers. The form hasn’t changed much over thousands of years; it still captures the natural wonder and stability of mountains.
Three peaks rise from the ground — tall, silent, and strong. 山 means mountain, a symbol of nature’s strength and calmness.
Picture three proud peaks standing firm — that’s 山, the mountain that reminds us to stay grounded yet reach for the sky.
| Word | Reading | Meaning | Meta |
|---|---|---|---|
| 山 | やま | mountain, hill | common JLPT-N5 Noun, Counter |
| 山 | さん | Mt., Mount | Suffix |
| 山 | むれ | mountain, hill | Noun |
| 山脈 | さんみゃく | mountain range, mountain belt | common JLPT-N1 Noun |
| 山岳 | さんがく | mountain chain, mountains | common JLPT-N1 Noun |
| 山腹 | さんぷく | hillside, mountainside | JLPT-N1 Noun |
| 山火事 | やまかじ | forest fire, wildfire, bushfire | common Noun |
| 山小屋 | やまごや | mountain hut (esp. one that offers lodging to climbers and hikers), mountain cottage, mountain shanty | common Noun |
| 椿 | つばき | common camellia (Camellia japonica) | common Noun |
| 山葵 | わさび | wasabi (Wasabia japonica), Japanese horseradish | common Noun |