円 – Meaning, Reading & Usage

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円

円 means ‘circle’ and is also the kanji for the Japanese currency, the yen (¥). Its shape suggests a rounded, enclosed form.

Reading

On’yomi:

エン (EN)

Kun’yomi:

まる-い (maru-i)

Basic Information

Kanji 円
Meaning yen, circle, round
Stroke Count 4
JLPT Level N5

How to Understand This Kanji

While 円 primarily appears in money contexts (1000円), its original meaning is ‘circle’ or ’round.’ Both meanings appear in daily life — prices use 円 and the shape 円形 also uses it.

Common Words

  • 円
    （えん）
    — yen (Japanese currency)

  • 百円
    （ひゃくえん）
    — 100 yen

  • 千円
    （せんえん）
    — 1,000 yen

  • 一万円
    （いちまんえん）
    — 10,000 yen

  • 円形
    （えんけい）
    — circular shape

  • 半円
    （はんえん）
    — semicircle

Example Sentences

  • これは三百円です。

    これはさんびゃくえんです。

    This costs 300 yen.

  • 百円ショップで買いました。

    ひゃくえんショップでかいました。

    I bought it at a 100-yen shop.

  • 財布に千円しかありません。

    さいふにせんえんしかありません。

    I only have 1,000 yen in my wallet.

Related Kanji

  • 金

    — お金 (money) is the most common money word — 金 and 円 appear together constantly

  • 百

    — 百円 (100 yen) is the most frequent price expression for beginners

  • 万

    — 一万円 (10,000 yen) is the largest commonly used bill — 万 is essential for prices

When Learners Usually See This Kanji

円 is one of the most immediately practical kanji for anyone in Japan, as it appears on every price tag. The on’yomi エン is used for both ‘circle’ and ‘yen.’ Memorize 百円、千円、一万円 as a set.

Summary

円 means ‘circle’ and is the kanji for the Japanese yen, making it essential for shopping and everyday life in Japan.

Kanji 円
Meaning yen, circle, round
On’yomi エン (EN)
Kun’yomi まる-い (maru-i)
Strokes 4
JLPT N5