Same name different kanji

[Dr Fox]

A little enlightenment please. Its in respect of self help in attempting to read kanji.

It has become apparent to me that, having a kanji example and the books to help decipher the kanji, is not the answer. Recently I have the kanji for the name 'Yoshi' but finding the answer was not easy, because even I found at least 20 examples of kanji for the name yoshi. each with a variation.

So I am not going for the major clue, does the second half of the name, alter the reading of the first half?.

Regards Denis.

[ROKUJURO]

.....because even I found at least 20 examples of kanji for the name yoshi.....does the second half of the name alter the reading of the first half?......

Denis,

 

I have waited a while to let the more knowledgeable members raise their voices but maybe the question is too simple. I will give it a try:

 

The answer is no, as different characters have different meanings. KANJI were 'imported' from China, where the language is more differentiated in the pronunciation. The Chinese can hear the differences while the Japanese language does not allow this which sometimes leads to problems even in a dialogue between two Japanese. As far as I know there are 32 different versions of the KANJI 'Sho' and almost 20 for 'SHI' (I may be wrong in the numbers) which is a good base for problems.

 

The German language may be good for some comparisons here: the writing of family names like Mayer, Maier, Meier, Meyer, Mayr or Major might be different, but the pronunciation is (almost) the same. For a foreigner this may seem strange, as in Germany you have to ask how to spell these names. The same applies to YOSHI in Japan. You have to ask: Which YOSHI, please?

 

Hope this helps and is not too far from the truth.

[Dr Fox]

Jean, I thank you for your considered reply.

And yes its well put, my non understanding, is due to my emphasis on the reading of the word, and not on the pronunciation, something to bear in mind for future reference. great help.

Regards Denis.