Onyomi 音読み

Kunyomi 訓読み

Explanation

Slope, hill

Personalized Lesson For You!

Kanji Story

Imagine standing at the foot of a hill ('阝') and looking up. The slope ('坂') stretches ahead, inviting you to climb and explore the scenic surroundings.

Frequency in JLPT exams

The kanji '阪' may appear occasionally in JLPT materials, particularly in the N3 and higher levels. While not as frequently encountered as more common kanji, it is still important to recognize its presence and understand its meaning and readings in context.

Example Sentences

• 大阪市は日本で有名です。

  Osaka City is famous in Japan.

  おおさかしはにほんでゆうめいです。

  Oosaka-shi wa Nihon de yuumei desu.

  Pronunciation

• ここは急な坂ですね。

  This is a steep slope, isn't it?

  ここはきゅうなさかですね。

  Kokowa kyuuna saka desune.

  Pronunciation

• 山の頂上にたどり着くためには、多くの坂を登らなければならない。

  To reach the top of the mountain, you have to climb many hills.

  やまのちょうじょうにたどりつくためには、おおくのさかをのぼらなければならない。

  Yama no choujou ni tadoritsuku tame niwa, ooku no saka o noboranakereba naranai.

  Pronunciation

Notes and Tips for JLPT students

• The kanji '阪' is often used in place names, such as '大阪' (Osaka).
• It represents the concept of a slope or hill.
• Familiarize yourself with the onyomi reading 'ハン' as it commonly appears in compound words involving place or city names.

Usage in Japanese Names

• The kanji '阪' is commonly found in family names, often representing the ancestral roots of individuals from hilly or sloped regions.
• Names like '阪口' (Sakaguchi) or '阪本' (Sakamoto) use the kanji '阪'. It adds a sense of locality and implies a connection to hills or slopes.