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)
あったかい
  • 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.

People often pronounce this as あったかい, especially in casual, spoken Japanese. The "correct" reading is still あたたかい though, so keep that in mind when you're trying to type the kanji or taking an important test!

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