What is the Kanji for "Inside"?
If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for "Inside", you've come to the right place!
The Japanese Kanji for "Inside" is "内".
This kanji has 2 readings:
Its kunyomi reading is "Uchi".
Its onyomi reading is "Nai".
kunyomi readings are based on the pronunciation of native Japanese words, and onyomi readings are based on the Chinese pronunciation of the character.
If you visually breakdown this kanji, you can see is made up of 2 parts:
The radical "冂" means "Enclosure" . And The kanji "人" means "Person" and can be read as "Jin", "Nin", "Hito" and "Ri".
Now, let's make sure you understand this kanji the other way around too.
What does the kanji "内" mean in japanese?
"内" means "Inside" .
Japanese School Students learn this kanji in Second Grade, while foreigners may learn this kanji in preparation for the JLPT N3 exam.
Here are some words that use this kanji:
内: "Inside". The Japanese noun '内 (うち)' primarily means 'inside' or 'within'. It refers to the interior or internal part of something, whether physical or abstract. It can also imply a sense of belonging or being part of a group or family. For example: inside the house「家の内」(いえのうち). Our family「うちの家族」(うちのかぞく). Additionally, '内' can be used to contrast with '外 (そと)', meaning 'outside'. It is a versatile word often used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.
内容: "Content". The Japanese noun '内容 (ないよう)' means 'content'. It refers to the substance, material, or information contained within something, such as a book, speech, or document. This word is often used in formal or academic contexts to describe the details or essence of a subject. For example: the content of the book is interesting「その本の内容は面白い」(そのほんのないようはおもしろい). Please explain the content of the meeting「会議の内容を説明してください」(かいぎのないようをせつめいしてください). It can also refer to the details of a contract or agreement, as in '契約の内容 (けいやくのないよう) (the content of the contract)'.
家内: "Wife". The Japanese noun '家内 (かない)' is a polite and somewhat old-fashioned term used to refer to one's own wife. It is often used in formal or traditional contexts. The word literally translates to 'inside the house,' reflecting the historical context where women were primarily associated with domestic roles. However, its usage has declined in modern times, with '妻 (つま)' or '奥さん (おくさん)' being more common. Example sentences: My wife is kind「家内は優しいです」(かないはやさしいです). I will discuss this with my wife「家内と相談します」(かないとそうだんします).
国内: "Domestic". The Japanese noun '国内 (こくない)' means 'domestic' and refers to something within a country, as opposed to international. It is commonly used in contexts such as domestic travel, domestic markets, or domestic affairs. For example: domestic travel is popular「国内旅行は人気です」(こくないりょこうはにんきです). The domestic market is growing「国内市場は成長しています」(こくないしじょうはせいちょうしています). This word is often used in contrast with '国際 (こくさい)', which means 'international'.
案内: "Guidance". The Japanese verbal noun '案内 (あんない)' primarily means 'guidance' or 'information'. It is commonly used to refer to the act of guiding someone, providing directions, or offering information about a place, event, or procedure. For example: I will guide you to the station「駅まで案内します」(えきまであんないします). Please check the event information「イベントの案内を確認してください」(イベントのあんないをかくにんしてください). It can also be used in contexts like invitations or announcements, such as 'tour guide' (観光案内, かんこうあんない) or 'information desk' (案内所, あんないじょ). The word carries a polite and formal tone, often used in professional or service-oriented settings.
内部: "Inside". The Japanese noun '内部 (ないぶ)' means 'inside' or 'interior'. It refers to the inner part or space of something, such as a building, object, or organization. This word is often used in formal or technical contexts. For example: the inside of the building is beautiful「建物の内部は美しい」(たてもののないぶはうつくしい). We need to investigate the inside of the organization「組織の内部を調査する必要がある」(そしきのないぶをちょうさするひつようがある). It can also be used metaphorically, such as when discussing the inner workings of a system or the internal aspects of a situation.
内閣: "Cabinet". The Japanese noun '内閣 (ないかく)' refers to the 'cabinet' in a governmental context. It specifically denotes the group of ministers or executives who are responsible for the administration and policy-making of a government. This term is commonly used in political discussions and news reports. For example: The cabinet held a meeting「内閣は会議を開いた」(ないかくはかいぎをひらいた). The prime minister reshuffled the cabinet「首相は内閣を改造した」(しゅしょうはないかくをかいぞうした). The term is often associated with the executive branch of government and is a key component in the political structure of Japan.
市内: "City". The Japanese noun '市内 (しない)' refers to the area within a city or town, often used to specify something located inside the city limits. It is commonly used in contexts like transportation, events, or services that are confined to the city area. For example: The event is held within the city「イベントは市内で行われます」(イベントはしないでおこなわれます). The hospital is located in the city「病院は市内にあります」(びょういんはしないにあります). This term is particularly useful when distinguishing between locations inside and outside the city.
以内: "Within". The Japanese noun '以内 (いない)' means 'within' and is used to indicate a limit or boundary in terms of time, distance, or quantity. It is often used to specify that something must be done or occur within a certain period or range. For example: Please submit the report within three days「レポートを三日以内に提出してください」(レポートをみっかいにないにていしゅつしてください). The hotel is within 5 kilometers from here「ホテルはここから5キロ以内です」(ホテルはここから5キロいないです). This word is commonly used in formal and everyday contexts to set clear limits or expectations.
内側: "Inside". The Japanese noun '内側 (うちがわ)' means 'inside'. It refers to the inner part or interior of something, often used to describe the side that is not visible from the outside. This word is commonly used in both physical and abstract contexts. For example: the inside of the box「箱の内側」(はこのうちがわ). She keeps her feelings inside「彼女は感情を内側に秘めている」(かのじょはかんじょうをうちがわにひめている). It can also be used to describe the inner side of a structure or object, such as the inside of a room or a container.
室内: "Indoors". The Japanese noun '室内 (しつない)' refers to the 'inside of a room' or 'indoors'. It is commonly used to describe activities, events, or conditions that take place inside a building or enclosed space. For example: Let's stay indoors「室内にいましょう」(しつないにいましょう). The indoor temperature is comfortable「室内の温度は快適です」(しつないのおんどはかいてきです). This word is often used in contrast to '室外 (しつがい)', which means 'outdoors'. It can also be used in compound words like '室内遊び (しつないあそび)' (indoor play) or '室内温度 (しつないおんど)' (indoor temperature).
社内: "In company". The Japanese noun '社内 (しゃない)' refers to something that is within a company or organization. It is commonly used to describe activities, communications, or matters that occur inside a company. For example: in-company training「社内研修」(しゃないけんしゅう). The email is for internal use only「このメールは社内専用です」(このメールはしゃないせんようです). This term is often used in business contexts to distinguish between internal and external affairs.
その内: "Soon". The Japanese adverb 'その内 (そのうち)' means 'soon' or 'before long'. It is used to indicate that something will happen in the near future, often with a sense of vagueness or uncertainty about the exact timing. This word is commonly used in casual conversation. For example: I'll do it soon「その内 やります」(そのうちやります). We'll meet again soon「その内また会いましょう」(そのうちまたあいましょう). It can also imply 'eventually' or 'someday' depending on the context, as in 'I'll figure it out eventually'「その内わかるよ」(そのうちわかるよ).
体内: "Inside body". The Japanese noun '体内 (たいない)' refers to the 'inside of the body'. It is commonly used in medical, biological, or health-related contexts to describe something occurring within the body. For example: The medicine works inside the body「薬は体内で効く」(くすりはたいないできく). Toxins accumulate inside the body「毒素が体内に蓄積する」(どくそがたいないにちくせきする). This term is often used in scientific or formal discussions about bodily functions, health, or medical treatments.
都内: "Tokyo". The Japanese noun '都内 (とない)' refers to the area within Tokyo Metropolis. It is commonly used to specify locations or events that are situated inside Tokyo. For example: I live in Tokyo「私は都内に住んでいます」(わたしはとないにすんでいます). The concert will be held in Tokyo「コンサートは都内で開催されます」(コンサートはとないではいかいされます). This term is particularly useful when distinguishing between Tokyo and other regions in Japan.
内面: "Inside" or "Inner". The Japanese noun '内面 (ないめん)' refers to the inner or internal aspect of something, often used to describe the psychological, emotional, or hidden aspects of a person or object. It contrasts with the external or surface appearance. For example: His inner thoughts are complex「彼の内面は複雑だ」(かれのないめんはふくざつだ). The inner workings of the machine are intricate「その機械の内面は複雑だ」(そのきかいのないめんはふくざつだ). This word is commonly used in contexts discussing psychology, art, or philosophy to emphasize what is not immediately visible.
内科: "Internal medicine". The Japanese noun '内科 (ないか)' refers to the medical field of 'internal medicine'. This term is used to describe the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of diseases affecting internal organs. It is commonly used in the context of hospitals or clinics to specify a department or a doctor's specialization. For example: I went to the internal medicine department「内科に行きました」(ないかにいきました). He is an internal medicine doctor「彼は内科の医者です」(かれはないかのいしゃです).
内臓: "Internal organs". The Japanese noun '内臓 (ないぞう)' refers to the internal organs of the body, such as the heart, liver, stomach, and intestines. It is commonly used in medical or biological contexts to describe the organs located inside the body cavity. For example: The doctor examined his internal organs「医師は彼の内臓を 検査した」(いしはかれのないぞうをけんさした). Eating healthy is important for your internal organs「健康的な食事は内臓に重要です」(けんこうてきなしょくじはないぞうにじゅうようです). The term is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
境内: "Precincts". The Japanese noun '境内 (けいだい)' refers to the precincts or grounds of a shrine or temple. It specifically denotes the area within the boundaries of a religious site, often including the main buildings, gardens, and other structures. For example: the precincts of the shrine are beautiful「神社の境内は美しい」(じんじゃのけいだいはうつくしい). We walked around the temple precincts「お寺の境内を歩きました」(おてらのけいだいであるきました). This term is commonly used in the context of Japanese religious and cultural sites.
内陸: "Inland". The Japanese noun '内陸 (ないりく)' refers to the 'inland' or 'interior' regions of a country, away from the coast. It is commonly used to describe areas that are geographically distant from the sea or ocean. For example: The city is located inland「その都市は内陸にある」(そのとしはないりくにある). Inland areas often have different climates compared to coastal regions「内陸地域は海岸地域と気候が異なることが多い」(ないりくちいきはかいがんちいきときこうがことなることがおおい). This term is particularly useful in geography, travel, and weather discussions.
内緒: "Secret". The Japanese noun '内緒 (ないしょ)' means 'secret'. It refers to information that is deliberately kept hidden or not disclosed to others. This word is often used in casual conversations to indicate that something should not be shared. For example: This is a secret, so don't tell anyone「これは内緒だから、誰にも言わないで」(これはないしょだから、だれにもいわないで). I'll tell you a secret「内緒の話を教えるね」(ないしょのはなしをおしえるね). The term can also imply confidentiality in relationships or agreements, such as keeping a surprise party a secret from someone.
内心: "Innermost". The Japanese noun '内心 (ないしん)' refers to one's innermost thoughts, feelings, or true intentions that are not openly expressed. It is often used to describe what someone is truly thinking or feeling beneath their outward appearance or behavior. For example: He smiled, but his innermost feelings were different「彼は笑ったが、内心は違った」(かれはわらったが、ないしんはちがった). She was nervous, but her innermost thoughts were calm「彼女は緊張していたが、内心は落ち着いていた」(かのじょはきんちょうしていたが、ないしんはおちついていた). This word is commonly used in contexts where there is a contrast between outward appearance and inner reality.
内外: "Inside outside" or "Domestic foreign". The Japanese noun '内外 (ないがい)' can mean both 'inside and outside' and 'domestic and foreign'. When referring to 'inside and outside', it is often used to describe the physical or conceptual boundaries of something, such as a building or an organization. For example: The company is known both inside and outside the industry「その会社は業界の内外で知られている」(そのかいしゃはぎょうかいのないがいでしられている). When referring to 'domestic and foreign', it is used to describe something that pertains to both within a country and outside of it. For example: The policy affects both domestic and foreign markets「その政策は内外の市場に影響を与える」(そのせいさくはないがいのしじょうにえいきょうをあたえる). The context in which '内外' is used will determine which meaning is intended.
To make really sure you learn this Kanji, I've prepared an interactive lesson for you. You are going to learn the readings and meanings of this kanji.
But first, you need to know a little bit about Hiragana and Katakana.
Hiragana and katakana are japanese syllabaries, this means that each character represents a syllable.
This are the characters you need to know for this lesson:
The hiragana "な" is read as "na". The hiragana "い" is read as "i". The hiragana "う" is read as "u". And The hiragana "ち" is read as "chi".
![[Secondhand] Attack No.1](https://www.cdjapan.co.jp/pictures/s/15/23/NEODAI-251141.jpg)
![[Secondhand] Attack No.1](https://www.cdjapan.co.jp/pictures/s/15/28/NEODAI-251138.jpg)
