Translation guide
A word made of two or more kanji characters. In Japanese, these are called 熟語 (jukugo). This guide explains how to talk about kanji compounds in Japanese.
The learner wants to refer to a word made of multiple kanji.
The standard term for a compound word written in kanji. It usually implies two or more kanji.
Please look up the meaning of this kanji compound.
Explicitly says 'kanji compound'. Used when you need to distinguish from compounds written in kana.
There are many kanji compounds.
Another way to say 'kanji compound', literally 'compound of kanji'.
Memorizing kanji compounds is tough.
The learner wants to specify a compound made of exactly two kanji.
Specifically a two-character kanji compound. Very common in Japanese vocabulary.
Please give some examples of two-kanji compounds.
The learner wants to talk about four-character idiomatic compounds.
A four-character kanji compound, often a set phrase or idiom. Many come from classical Chinese.
Many four-kanji compounds are historical idioms.
The learner wants a more general linguistic term for compound words, not limited to kanji.
General linguistic term for any compound word, including those with kana or mixed scripts.
Japanese has many compound words.
In everyday conversation, 熟語 is the go-to word. If you need to be specific about the number of kanji, use 二字熟語 (two-kanji) or 四字熟語 (four-kanji).