新

JLPT N4

New

Readings

On’yomi: シン (shin)

Kun’yomi: あたら(しい) (atara(shii))

あたら・しい (atarashii) – new あら・た (arata) – renewed, fresh にい (nii) – used in names (e.g. 新井, にい, “Nii”)

Structure

Radical: Purchase the course for full access of this content.

Composition: Purchase the course for full access of this content.

Detailed Explanation

Purchase the course for full access of this content.

Mnemonic

Purchase the course for full access of this content.

Etymology

Purchase the course for full access of this content.

Visual Tip

Purchase the course for full access of this content.

Vocabulary

新しい

あたらしい

new

新聞

しんぶん

newspaper

新年

しんねん

new year

新入生

しんにゅうせい

new student

Example Sentences

新しい本を買いました。

あたらしいほんをかいました。

I bought a new book.

新聞を読みます。

しんぶんをよみます。

I read the newspaper.

Cultural Note

🌸 In Japan, 新 is associated not only with things being new, but also with fresh beginnings — very important in Japanese culture.
For example:
• 新生活（しんせいかつ） – “new life” (used when starting a new school, job, or moving)
• 新年度（しんねんど） – “new fiscal or school year,” starting every April in Japan.
In Shinto traditions, “newness” is sacred — purity and renewal are deeply respected, so words with 新 often carry a sense of hope and optimism.