Kanji Radicals: Why They Aren’t the Building Blocks of Kanji
Published on: 26/01/2023
Kanji radicals are for dictionary indexing—not the building blocks of kanji. Learn how functional components reveal a kanji’s sound, meaning, and form.
Explaining the Directions 東西南北, part 1: 東西
Published on: 10/05/2021
Explore the origins of 東 and 西 in this Japanese-focused guide, with kanji readings, ancient character forms, and explanations of sound loans.
Dictionary Update! 500+ new entries!
Published on: 15/08/2020
Outlier’s kanji dictionary update adds over 500 Essentials entries, bringing the total above 2,250, with download instructions for Kickstarter backers using Pleco.
What is Etymology and Is it Useful for Learning Kanji? (Part 2)
Published on: 09/11/2018
Explore how original meanings, pictorial origins, and historical evolution can help you understand and remember kanji, with examples from the Outlier Kanji Dictionary.
