Kanji

Numbers 一–五

one

Readings: イチ / ひと(つ)

Parts

a single horizontal line

How to remember

One single stroke lying on the floor — the simplest kanji there is: one.

Words using it

いちone

two

Readings: ニ / ふた(つ)

Parts

horizontal line (stacked twice)

How to remember

Two futon mats stacked on the floor: two.

Words using it

two

three

Readings: サン / みっ(つ)

Parts

horizontal line (stacked three times)

How to remember

Three shelves on the wall, one above the other: three.

Words using it

さんthree

four

Readings: シ / よん・よっ(つ)・よ

Parts

enclosure / box· legs

How to remember

A box with a pair of legs trapped inside — four walls all around: four.

Words using it

よんfour

five

Readings: ゴ / いつ(つ)

Parts

a path crossing two floors

How to remember

A staircase zig-zagging between two floors — climb it in five steps.

Words using it

five