One horizontal line — everything begins with one stroke.
(primitive)
On: イチ ・ Kun: ひと(つ)
Two horizontal lines — double the foundation, double the balance.
一 + 一
On: ニ ・ Kun: ふた(つ)
Three lines — like steps toward something greater.
一 + 一 + 一
On: サン ・ Kun: みっ(つ)
It looks like legs trapped inside a mouth — as if the number four is trying to run but can’t get out.
口 + 口
On: シ ・ Kun: よん、よっ
A hat on top, an upside down 2 below — like a person with five senses.
(primitive)
On: ゴ ・ Kun: いつ(つ)
A lid over legs — six is hiding or offering shelter.
⺆ + 儿
On: ロク ・ Kun: むっ(つ)
A cut — like a sword slashing downward and bending up again.
(primitive)
On: シチ ・ Kun: なな(つ)
A parting of the ways — like two legs walking in different directions.
(primitive)
On: ハチ ・ Kun: やっ(つ)
A bent line with a hook — almost ten, but not quite.
(primitive)
On: キュウ ・ Kun: ここの(つ)
A perfect cross — balance and completeness. All directions, all things.
一 + |
On: ジュウ ・ Kun: とお
A square mouth — open, ready to speak or eat.
(primitive)
On: コウ ・ Kun: くち
A radiant square — the sun’s shape sealed in ancient lines.
(primitive)
On: ニチ・ジツ ・ Kun: ひ / か
A crescent form — waxing, waning, always watching.
(primitive)
On: ゲツ・ガツ ・ Kun: つき
A window to the world — eye-shaped lines gazing outward.
(primitive)
On: モク ・ Kun: め / ま
Four plots enclosed — a rice field seen from above.
(primitive)
On: デン ・ Kun: た
