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

  • 手足が温かい

    warm hands and feet

    心が温かい

    warm-hearted

    体が温かい

    warm-bodied

Context Sentences

母の手はいつも温かい。

My mother's hands are always warm.

温かいお茶が飲みたいなぁ。

I want to drink warm tea.

初心者なので、どうか温かい目で見守ってください。

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

Kanji Composition