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What is the Kanji for 'Thought'? | 念

If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for 'Thought', you've come to the right place!

The Japanese Kanji for 'Thought' is 念.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Thought

    Reading

    onyomiねん

    nen

    Parts

    Now Heart

    Example Word

    理念: philosophy. The Japanese noun '理念 (りねん)' refers to a fundamental principle, ideal, or philosophy that serves as the guiding belief or concept behind something. It is often used in formal or academic contexts to describe the core values or theoretical foundation of an organization, system, or ideology. For example: The company's philosophy is based on sustainability「その会社の理念は持続可能性に基づいている」(そのかいしゃのりねんはじぞくかのうせいにもとづいている). The educational philosophy emphasizes creativity「その教育理念は創造性を重視している」(そのきょういくりねんはそうぞうせいをじゅうししている). This word is commonly used in discussions about ethics, governance, or long-term visions.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    8

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    4

    Frequency

    282

    Handwriting

Parts of the Kanji

If you visually break down this kanji, you can see it is made up of 2 parts:

    kanji

    Meaning

    Now

    kanji

    Meaning

    Heart

As Part Of Other Kanji

This kanji appears as part of one other kanji:

    kanji

    Meaning

    Wrenching

Words Using

This kanji is used in 9 words:

    word

    概念

    Meaning

    Concept

    word

    記念日

    Meaning

    Anniversary

    word

    残念

    Meaning

    Regrettable

    word

    観念

    Meaning

    Idea, Notion

    word

    Meaning

    Thought

    word

    理念

    Meaning

    Philosophy

    word

    記念

    Meaning

    Commemoration

    word

    信念

    Meaning

    Belief

    word

    念仏

    Meaning

    Prayer

Kanji Related to Through the Part

These 4 kanji contain the part 今 as well.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Contain, Include

    kanji

    Meaning

    Recite, Recital

    kanji

    Meaning

    Koto, Harp

    kanji

    Meaning

    Indulge in, Covet

Kanji Related to Through the Part

These 43 kanji contain the part 心 as well.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Think

    kanji

    Meaning

    Evil

    kanji

    Meaning

    Forget

    kanji

    Meaning

    Urgent

    kanji

    Meaning

    Window

    kanji

    Meaning

    Idea

    kanji

    Meaning

    Concept

    kanji

    Meaning

    Anger, Angry

    kanji

    Meaning

    Sad

    kanji

    Meaning

    Inevitable, Certain

    kanji

    Meaning

    Appearance, Condition

    kanji

    Meaning

    Feeling, Sensation

    kanji

    Meaning

    Listen

    kanji

    Meaning

    Suspend

    kanji

    Meaning

    Virtue

    kanji

    Meaning

    Intention

    kanji

    Meaning

    Fear

    kanji

    Meaning

    Loyalty

    kanji

    Meaning

    Grace, Kindness

    kanji

    Meaning

    Constitution

    kanji

    Meaning

    Breath

    kanji

    Meaning

    Answer, Respond

    kanji

    Meaning

    Love

    kanji

    Meaning

    Love, Romance

    kanji

    Meaning

    Beguile, Bewildered

    kanji

    Meaning

    Favor, Bestow a favor

    kanji

    Meaning

    Ashamed, Shame

    kanji

    Meaning

    Ill, Afflicted

    kanji

    Meaning

    Rest

    kanji

    Meaning

    Endure, Stealth

    kanji

    Meaning

    Lazy, Neglect

    kanji

    Meaning

    Foolish

    kanji

    Meaning

    Affection, Mercy

    kanji

    Meaning

    Abhor, Mourning

    kanji

    Meaning

    Distress, Melancholy

    kanji

    Meaning

    Remote, Leisurely

    kanji

    Meaning

    Console, Consolation

    kanji

    Meaning

    Chastise, Learn by mistakes

    kanji

    Meaning

    Cordial, Courteous

    kanji

    Meaning

    Congratulate, Congratulations

    kanji

    Meaning

    Wick

    kanji

    Meaning

    Selfish, Arbitrary

    kanji

    Meaning

    Grudge

Learn the Kanji

Let's make sure you fully understand this kanji.

What does 念 mean?

念 means 'Thought'.

Japanese school students learn this kanji in Fourth Grade, while non-native learners often study it for the JLPT N3 exam.

To help you master this kanji, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.