noun
native Japanese reading of a Chinese character; kun'yomi
Refers to the Japanese reading assigned to a kanji, as opposed to the Chinese-derived on'yomi. Common in discussions of Japanese writing and language learning.
この漢字の訓は「やま」です。
The kun'yomi of this kanji is 'yama'.
訓と音の違いを説明してください。
Please explain the difference between kun'yomi and on'yomi.
noun, suffix
Used for moral or practical teachings, often in compound words like 処世訓 (lessons for living) or 家訓 (family precepts). As a standalone noun it is somewhat formal or literary.
See also: 処世訓 (しょせいくん)
祖父の訓を今でも大切にしている。
I still cherish my grandfather's teachings.
この本には人生の訓がたくさん書かれている。
This book contains many lessons for life.
Kana spelling is common in everyday writing, especially when the intended meaning is clear from context.
The kanji 訓 originally means 'to teach' or 'to instruct'. In Japanese, it came to denote the native reading of a Chinese character, contrasting with the borrowed Chinese reading (音). The extended sense of 'precept' or 'lesson' derives from the original meaning of instruction.