火 – Fire (Hi / Ka Kanji)
Learn the meaning, Onyomi and Kunyomi readings, stroke order, common vocabulary, and example sentences for the Japanese Kanji 火.
Kanji 火 Readings – Onyomi & Kunyomi
火 has both an Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading and Kunyomi (native Japanese) readings, each used in different word contexts.
Used in compound words such as 火曜日 (kayoubi – Tuesday) and 火山 (kazan – volcano).
Used as a standalone word meaning fire, such as 花火 (hanabi – fireworks) and 火事 (kaji – fire/blaze, note this uses onyomi in the compound).
火 Stroke Order – How to Write 火
火 is written with 4 strokes. Follow the numbered order below to write it correctly.
💡 Tip: Write the top dot, then the left diagonal, then the vertical-hook stroke, finishing with the right diagonal.
Common Words Using 火 (Vocabulary List)
Here are 10 essential words that use the kanji 火, worth memorizing first.
Example Sentences with 火
See 火 used in real, natural Japanese sentences with Kanji, Kana, Romaji and English meaning.
火曜日に病院へ行きます。
かようびに びょういんへ いきます。
Kayoubi ni byouin e ikimasu.
I will go to the hospital on Tuesday.
夏に花火大会があります。
なつに はなびたいかいが あります。
Natsu ni hanabi taikai ga arimasu.
There is a fireworks festival in summer.
昨夜、近くで火事がありました。
さくや、ちかくで かじが ありました。
Sakuya, chikaku de kaji ga arimashita.
There was a fire nearby last night.
寝る前に火を消してください。
ねるまえに ひを けしてください。
Neru mae ni hi o keshite kudasai.
Please put out the fire before you sleep.
キャンプで焚き火を楽しみました。
きゃんぷで たきびを たのしみました。
Kyanpu de takibi o tanoshimimashita.
I enjoyed a campfire while camping.
Frequently Asked Questions About 火
What does the Kanji 火 mean?
火 means fire. It is one of the most common JLPT N5 kanji and appears in many everyday words such as 火曜日 (kayoubi, Tuesday) and 花火 (hanabi, fireworks).
What is the Onyomi reading of 火?
The Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading of 火 is カ (ka), as in 火曜日 (kayoubi, Tuesday) and 火山 (kazan, volcano).
What is the Kunyomi reading of 火?
The Kunyomi (native Japanese) reading of 火 is ひ (hi), meaning "fire," as in 花火 (hanabi, fireworks) and 火を消す (hi o kesu, to put out a fire).
How many strokes does 火 have?
火 is written with 4 strokes.
Is 火 a JLPT N5 kanji?
Yes, 火 is part of the official JLPT N5 kanji list and is essential for the days of the week, since it forms 火曜日 (Tuesday).
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