Tell similar kanji apart: 日 and 目
Compare 日 and 目 using stroke counts, meanings and common example words.
Look inside the shape
日 has four dictionary strokes and one internal horizontal line. 目 has five dictionary strokes and two internal horizontal lines. Replay each character to compare how the outline and inside lines are written.
Connect the shape to vocabulary
日 is used for day and sun, including 毎日 (まいにち, every day). 目 means eye and appears in 目的 (もくてき, purpose). A compound's meaning is not always a literal combination of the English glosses of its characters.
Practise in context
毎日、日本語を勉強します。 — I study Japanese every day. Reading: まいにち、にほんごをべんきょうします。 Compare the written 日 with 目, then read 毎日 as a complete word.
Explore the words
Dictionary readings and meanings can be checked in the linked entries. Writing models use AnimCJK; individual writing conventions can vary. Source notices.