Yes, it's true that some Japanese people struggle with reading Kanji.

Kanji are Chinese characters used in the Japanese writing system, and they can be quite complex.

While all Japanese learn Kanji as part of their education, the sheer number of characters (over 2,000 commonly used ones) and their varied readings can make them difficult to remember and recognize.

The challenge with Kanji arises from several factors.

Firstly, each Kanji character can have multiple readings, known as "readings" or "pronunciations," depending on the context.

This makes it tricky to know how to pronounce a Kanji when encountering it in different words or phrases.

Secondly, Kanji often have intricate strokes and shapes, making them visually complex.

This complexity can make it hard to differentiate similar-looking characters or to remember their correct forms.

Additionally, there are many homophones in Japanese, where different Kanji characters have the same pronunciation but different meanings.

This adds another layer of difficulty in understanding written text, as readers must rely on context to discern the intended meaning.

To help overcome these challenges, Japanese learners often use techniques such as mnemonics, flashcards, and repetition to memorize Kanji and their readings.

Additionally, modern technology, such as electronic dictionaries and online resources, can assist in looking up unfamiliar Kanji characters.

Despite the difficulties, Kanji remains an integral part of Japanese culture and language.

Mastery of Kanji is seen as a mark of literacy and education in Japan, and it is essential for reading newspapers, books, and other written materials.

However, even native Japanese speakers may encounter Kanji they don't know and continue to learn and improve their Kanji skills throughout their lives.

Go to other articles