Meaning

Primary

Warm

Word Type

い adjective

Explanation

This is a single kanji with an on the end, meaning you know it's probably an adjective. What's the adjective form of warm? It's warm.

Reading

あたたかい
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

Since this word consists of a kanji with hiragana attached, you can bet that it will use the kun'yomi reading. You didn't learn that reading with this kanji, so here's a mnemonic to help you:

Touch something that's warm... too warm! You pull your hand back and go "AH ta ta! (あたた). People make this noise when they touch something that's hot, I hear. It's almost like saying "hot hot hot" while dropping the "h" sound.

Context

Patterns of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 体が温かい

    warm-bodied

    心が温かい

    warm-hearted

    手足が温かい

    warm hands and feet

Context Sentences

何か温かいものが飲みたいなぁ。

I want to drink something warm.

初心者なので、どうか温かい目で見まもってください。

I'm a beginner, so please go easy on me.

「デザートに温かいアイスクリームはいかがですか?」 「いいえ、もう結構です。」

"Would you like some warm ice cream for dessert?" "No, we’re all set."

Kanji Composition