1. Kanji Breakdown: 岩
This kanji represents a fundamental and solid natural formation.
Meaning: Rock, boulder, crag.
Reading:
Onyomi (Sino-Japanese reading): ガン (gan)
Kunyomi (Native Japanese reading): いわ (iwa)
The kanji is a compound ideograph (会意文字). It consists of two parts:
Top (山): This means "mountain."
Bottom (石): This means "stone."
The meaning is very direct and literal: "a mountain stone" or "a stone so large it is like a mountain." This perfectly captures the image of a massive, solid rock or boulder.
2. Stroke Order and Writing
Learning the correct stroke order is crucial for balanced and beautiful kanji. "岩" has 8 strokes.
Here is the stroke order diagram and explanation:
Total Strokes: 8
Start with the top part "山" (mountain):
Then, write the bottom part "石" (stone):
Key Writing Tips:
Write from top to bottom.
The top "山" should be centered and slightly wider.
The bottom "石" provides a stable base. Pay attention to the final horizontal stroke, which is the longest and anchors the character.
The overall character should feel solid and grounded, just like a rock.
3. Vocabulary and Example Sentences
Here are some common words using "岩" and how to use them in sentences.
Vocabulary
岩 (いわ, iwa)
Meaning: Rock, boulder.
Example: 海岸には大きな岩がたくさんある。
Romaji: Kaigan ni wa ōkina iwa ga takusan aru.
English: There are many large rocks on the shore.
岩石 (がんせき, ganseki)
Meaning: Rock (in a geological context).
Example: この岩石は火山岩だ。
Romaji: Kono ganseki wa kazangan da.
English: This rock is volcanic rock.
岩壁 (がんぺき, ganpeki)
Meaning: Rock wall, cliff face.
Example: 彼らは岩壁を登った。
Romaji: Karera wa ganpeki o nobotta.
English: They climbed the rock wall.
岩礁 (がんしょう, ganshou)
Meaning: Reef, rocky shoal.
例文: 船が岩礁に衝突した。
Romaji: Fune ga ganshou ni shōtotsu shita.
English: The ship hit a reef.
岩穴 (いわあな, iwaana)
Meaning: Rock cave, crevice.
Example: 岩穴の中に小動物が住んでいる。
Romaji: Iwaana no naka ni shōdōbutsu ga sunde iru.
English: Small animals live inside the rock crevice.
岩盤 (がんばん, ganban)
Meaning: Bedrock.
Example: この地域は岩盤が硬い。
Romaji: Kono chiiki wa ganban ga katai.
English: The bedrock in this area is hard.
Summary
Kanji: 岩
Core Meaning: Rock, Boulder.
Readings: On'yomi ガン (gan), Kun'yomi いわ (iwa)
Stroke Order: 8 strokes. Remember it's composed of 山 (mountain) and 石 (stone). Practice writing it step-by-step to master its solid form.
This kanji is essential for describing landscapes, geology, and nature. By mastering its simple and logical stroke order and vocabulary, you will be able to correctly write and use this sturdy character.