山
MOUNTAIN
Mnemonic
This kanji is a simple picture: three tall peaks lined up side by side. Imagine a mountain range rising into the sky. That’s why MOUNTAIN is written as 山.
Notice the middle peak is tallest. Think “the highest peak in the middle” to remember the shape.
Example Vocabulary
-
大山（おおやま） – large mountain
Click to recall: 大 = -
山水（さんすい） – mountain-and-water scenery
Click to recall: 水 = -
山月（さんげつ） – mountain moon (the moon as seen
over mountains) Click to recall: 月 = -
山人（さんじん） – mountain dweller; hermit
Click to recall: 人 = -
小山（こやま） – small hill
Click to recall: 小 =
Mountains everywhere
山 shows up in all kinds of words. Pair it with 水 for 山水 — mountains and water, a classic scenery. Pair it with 月 for 山月 — the moon rising over mountains. And in everyday talk, you might even hear things like “a mountain of work.”
For now, just picture those three peaks — the rest will come naturally.