山
Meaning: Mountain
Readings
Onyomi: サン
Kunyomi: やま
Simple Explanation
This kanji represents a mountain. Its shape looks like three peaks of a mountain, which makes it easier to remember.
Visual Mnemonic:
It is rare to see a singular mountain, so follow your initial instinct of how you would draw a mountain from memory, and keep the tallest one in the middle.
Example Word
山川 [やまかわ] Mountains and rivers
山地 [さんちょう] Summit
Reflection
Mountains are often used as symbols of strength and stability. In the Bible, faith is described as something that can move mountains (Matthew 17:20), reminding us that even something as immovable as a mountain can be changed through belief.