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読む
yomu
to read
新聞を読む。
I read the newspaper.
neutral
to read (written or printed material)
本を読むのが好きです。
I like to read books.
この漢字はどう読みますか？
How do you read this kanji?
Used for reading text, signs, or symbols. Can also imply understanding or interpreting (e.g., reading a situation).
figurative
to read (a person's thoughts or emotions)
彼の気持ちを読むのは難しい。
It's hard to read his feelings.
Often used in emotional or psychological contexts.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Reading vs. Pronouncing
読む (yomu) means 'to read' in the sense of comprehending text, not just pronouncing words. For example, この漢字を読んでください (Please read this kanji) implies understanding, not just saying the sounds.
Gold Rule
Object Requirement
Always use 読む with a direct object (e.g., 本を読む 'read a book'). Without an object, it sounds unnatural in most contexts.
Word Origin
From Old Japanese *yomu*, cognate with Middle Chinese 讀 (MC djuwk, 'to read'). The kanji 読 was borrowed from Chinese during the Heian period.
Usage Notes
The verb is transitive and always takes a direct object (e.g., 本を読む). For intransitive use (e.g., 'to be readable'), the passive form 読まれる is used (e.g., この字は読まれにくい 'This character is hard to read').
Word Breakdown
読
to read
rootむ
verb suffix
suffix和英辞典