Should I learn On-yomi or Kun-yomi, or both? I'm confused!!

[peachrules]

I got some white rabbit Press Kanji flash cards and I started off with ichi (which is one). The On reading was the one that I was familiar with and said ichi. The Kun reading was hito. I've never heard of this before. I know that the On readings are for Chinese, but that's the part that confuses me. How do I know how to pronounce a kanji? Do I use On-yomi or Kun-yomi?

I think it confuses me because I've only been taught the on-yomi (ichi) and have only used it. What is the other for?

[Psy]

Context is key. In words such as 一人, 一目, 一つ (hitori, hitome, hitotsu), you'll use that reading, but there are a ton of Japanese words that use irregular pronunciation, so just because you know the common readings for a character, doesn't mean you can pronounce a word at-sight-- this is one of the principle difficulties of reading Japanese. While in general words of Japanese etymology use the kun readings and Chinese ones the on, the language is littered with exceptions.

As a rule, knowing the on readings is very helpful in reading news headlines and formal articles, whereas the kun readings are more helpful in reading dialogue in such mediums as books, magazines, and comics. While as you gain experience you will develop a good sense for how to pronounce a new word, in many cases it is impossible to be absolutely certain before you have looked it up.

It's a challenge everyone has to deal with, so I think we can all relate. Good luck!

[JonB]

Both - or you will be even more confused!