Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Frequency of Use
Frequency Group 14
kanji
僅Meaning
A wee bit
Reading
wazu
onyomiきんkin
ごんgon
Parts
亻Person (人)堇
Example Word
僅か: slightly or barely. The Japanese adverb '僅か (わずか)' is used to indicate a small amount or degree. It can mean 'slightly' or 'barely', depending on the context. This word is often used to emphasize how little or minimal something is. For example: The difference is slight「その違いは僅かだ」(そのちがいはわずかだ). He barely passed the exam「彼は僅かに試験に合格した」(かれはわずかにしけんにごうかくした). Note that '僅か' can also be used as a noun, as in '僅かな時間 (わずかなじかん) (a little time)'.
Radical
人
Stroke Count
12JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
1301
Handwriting
kanji
嘆Meaning
Sigh
Reading
nage
onyomiたんtan
Parts
口Mouth
Example Word
嘆く: lament. The Japanese verb '嘆く (なげく)' means 'to lament' or 'to grieve'. It is used to express deep sorrow, regret, or disappointment about a situation or event. This verb often conveys a sense of emotional distress or mourning. For example: he lamented the loss of his friend「彼は友人の死を嘆いた」(かれはゆうじんのしをなげいた). She lamented her mistakes「彼女は自分の過ちを嘆いた」(かのじょはじぶんのあやまちをなげいた). The verb can also be used in a broader sense to express dissatisfaction or concern about societal issues, such as: they lamented the state of the world「彼らは世界の状況を嘆いた」(かれらはせかいのじょうきょうをなげいた).
Radical
口
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
1302
Handwriting
kanji
凄Meaning
Nifty
Reading
sugo
onyomiせいsei
Parts
冫Ice (水)妻Wife
Example Word
凄い: amazing. The Japanese adjective '凄い (すごい)' primarily means 'amazing' or 'incredible'. It is used to express awe, admiration, or surprise at something extraordinary, whether positive or negative. For example: That movie was amazing「あの映画は凄かった」(あのえいがはすごかった). He is incredibly fast「彼は凄く速い」(かれはすごくはやい). The word can also be used colloquially to mean 'very' or 'really', as in '凄く暑い (すごくあつい) (really hot)'. It is a versatile word often used in casual conversation to emphasize intensity or impressiveness.
Radical
冫
Stroke Count
10JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
1303
Handwriting
kanji
熟Meaning
Ripe, Mature
Reading
u
onyomiじゅくjuku
Parts
火Fire 孰
Example Word
熟す: master or digest. The Japanese verb '熟す (こなす)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'to master' or 'to become proficient in something'. This usage often refers to skills, tasks, or knowledge. For example: He mastered the art of cooking「彼は料理を熟した」(かれはりょうりをこなした). The second meaning is 'to digest', referring to the process of breaking down food in the body. For example: My stomach can't digest this food「私の胃はこの食べ物を熟せない」(わたしのいはこのたべものをこなせない). The verb is versatile and its meaning depends heavily on context. It is often used in both casual and formal settings, and its nuance can shift based on the subject and object of the sentence.
Radical
火
Stroke Count
15JLPT
N1Grade
6Frequency
1304
Handwriting
kanji
系Meaning
Lineage
Reading
kei
Parts
糸Thread
Example Word
系列: series or affiliation. The Japanese noun '系列 (けいれつ)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'series', referring to a sequence or succession of related things. For example: This is the latest in the series「これは系列の最新作です」(これはけいれつのさいしんさくです). The second meaning is 'affiliation', referring to a group or organization that is connected or associated with another. For example: The company is part of a larger affiliation「その会社は大きな系列に属しています」(そのかいしゃはおおきなけいれつにぞくしています). The word is often used in business contexts to describe subsidiaries or related companies within a corporate group.
Radical
糸
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N1Grade
6Frequency
1305
Handwriting
kanji
肌Meaning
Skin
Reading
hada
onyomiきki
Parts
肉Meat 几
Example Word
肌色: skin color. The Japanese noun '肌色 (はだいろ)' refers to the color of human skin, often described as a light beige or flesh tone. It is commonly used in art, fashion, and design to describe colors that resemble natural skin tones. For example: This shirt is skin-colored「このシャツは肌色です」(このシャツははだいろです). The artist used skin color for the portrait「画家は肖像画に肌色を使いました」(がかはしょうぞうがにはだいろをつかいました). Note that '肌色' can sometimes carry cultural or historical connotations, as it traditionally represents a specific skin tone that may not encompass all human skin colors.
Radical
肉
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N2Grade
9Frequency
1306
Handwriting
kanji
淡Meaning
Thin, Light
Reading
awa
onyomiたんtan
Parts
氵Water (水)火Fire
Example Word
冷淡: indifferent. The Japanese adjectival noun '冷淡 (れいたん)' means 'indifferent' or 'cold-hearted'. It describes a lack of interest, concern, or emotional warmth toward someone or something. This word is often used to describe a person's attitude or behavior, particularly in situations where empathy or care is expected. For example: His attitude was indifferent「彼の態度は冷淡だった」(かれのたいどはれいたんだった). She gave me a cold-hearted response「彼女は冷淡な返事をした」(かのじょはれいたんなへんじをした). The word can also describe a situation or atmosphere that feels emotionally distant or unfeeling.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
1308
Handwriting
kanji
捜Meaning
Search
Reading
saga
onyomiそうsou
Parts
扌Hand (手)田Rice field 又Again
Example Word
捜査: investigation. The Japanese verbal noun '捜査 (そうさ)' refers to the act of investigating, particularly in a legal or criminal context. It is commonly used to describe police investigations or official inquiries into crimes or incidents. For example: The police are conducting an investigation「警察が捜査をしている」(けいさつがそうさをしている). The investigation into the case is ongoing「その事件の捜査は続いている」(そのじけんのそうさはつづいている). This term is often used in formal or official settings, and it emphasizes the systematic and thorough nature of the investigation.
Radical
手
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N2Grade
9Frequency
1309
Handwriting
kanji
請Meaning
Request
Reading
u
こko
onyomiしんshin
しょうshou
せいsei
Parts
訁Say (言)青Blue
Example Word
要請: request. The Japanese verbal noun '要請 (ようせい)' means 'request' or 'appeal'. It is used to describe a formal or earnest request, often made in a serious or urgent context. This word is commonly used in situations where someone is asking for help, support, or action from another party, such as in business, politics, or emergencies. For example: The government made a request for cooperation「政府は協力を要請した」(せいふはきょうりょくをようせいした). The company requested additional funding「会社は追加資金を要請した」(かいしゃはついかしきんをようせいした). Note that '要請' carries a tone of formality and urgency, distinguishing it from more casual requests like '頼む (たのむ)'.
Radical
言
Stroke Count
15JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
1311
Handwriting
kanji
徹Meaning
Penetrate, Go through
Reading
tetsu
Parts
彳Stop 育Raise, Grow 攵Strike
Example Word
徹底: thoroughness. The Japanese noun '徹底 (てってい)' means 'thoroughness' or 'completeness'. It refers to the quality of being thorough, meticulous, or exhaustive in carrying out a task or understanding a concept. This word is often used in contexts where attention to detail and leaving no stone unturned are emphasized. For example: The company emphasizes thoroughness in its training「その会社は徹底を訓練に重視する」(そのかいしゃはてっていをくんれんにじゅうしする). His research is known for its thoroughness「彼の研究は徹底で知られている」(かれのけんきゅうはてっていでしられている). The word can also imply a sense of rigor or intensity in approach.
Radical
彳
Stroke Count
15JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
1312
Handwriting
kanji
慰Meaning
Console, Consolation
Reading
nagusa
onyomiいi
Parts
尉Company officer, Military officer 心Heart
Example Word
慰める: comfort. The Japanese verb '慰める (なぐさめる)' means 'to comfort' or 'to console'. It is used when someone provides emotional support or solace to another person who is feeling sad, distressed, or troubled. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as comforting a friend, consoling someone after a loss, or soothing someone's feelings. For example: I comforted my friend「友達を慰めた」(ともだちをなぐさめた). She tried to console her crying child「彼女は泣いている子供を慰めようとした」(かのじょはないているこどもをなぐさめようとした). The verb often implies a sense of empathy and care, and it is commonly used in situations where emotional support is needed.
Radical
心
Stroke Count
15JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
1315
Handwriting
kanji
孤Meaning
Orphan, Solitary
Reading
ko
Parts
子Child 瓜
Example Word
孤独: loneliness. The Japanese adjectival noun '孤独 (こどく)' means 'loneliness'. It describes the state of being alone, isolated, or feeling disconnected from others. This word often carries an emotional weight, emphasizing the sadness or emptiness associated with being alone. For example: he felt deep loneliness「彼は深い孤独を感じた」(かれはふかいこどくをかんじた). Loneliness is a common theme in literature「孤独は文学のよくあるテーマだ」(こどくはぶんがくのよくあるテーマだ). It can also be used to describe a physical state of being alone, but it is more commonly associated with emotional isolation.
Radical
子
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
1318
Handwriting
kanji
測Meaning
Measure, Conjecture
Reading
haka
onyomiそくsoku
Parts
氵Water (水)則Rule
Example Word
測定: measurement. The Japanese verbal noun '測定 (そくてい)' means 'measurement'. It refers to the act of measuring or determining the size, amount, or degree of something. This term is commonly used in scientific, technical, and everyday contexts. For example: The measurement of temperature is important「温度の測定は重要です」(おんどのそくていはじゅうようです). We conducted a measurement of the room's dimensions「部屋の寸法の測定を行いました」(へやのすんぽうのそくていをおこないました). The word can also be used in compound terms like '測定器 (そくていき)' (measuring instrument).
Radical
水
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N2Grade
5Frequency
1322
Handwriting
kanji
壊Meaning
Demolition, Break down
Reading
kowa
onyomiかいkai
Parts
土Soil 十Ten 罒Net 衣Clothes
Example Word
破壊: destruction. The Japanese verbal noun '破壊 (はかい)' means 'destruction'. It refers to the act of destroying or causing severe damage to something, whether physical objects, structures, or abstract concepts like relationships or systems. It is often used in contexts involving force, violence, or significant change. For example: The earthquake caused massive destruction「地震が大規模な破壊を引き起こした」(じしんがだいきぼなはかいをひきおこした). The company's reputation was destroyed「会社の評判は破壊された」(かいしゃのひょうばんははかいされた). Note that '破壊' can also be used metaphorically, such as in '破壊的なアイデア (はかいてきなアイデア)' (destructive idea), where it implies challenging or dismantling existing norms.
Radical
土
Stroke Count
16JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
1323
Handwriting
kanji
奏Meaning
Play music
Reading
kana
onyomiそうsou
Parts
禾Cereal
Example Word
演奏: performance. The Japanese verbal noun '演奏 (えんそう)' refers to the act of performing music, typically on an instrument or as part of an ensemble. It is commonly used in contexts involving concerts, recitals, or any musical presentation. For example: The piano performance was beautiful「ピアノの演奏は美しかった」(ぴあののえんそうはうつくしかった). I will attend a violin performance tomorrow「明日、バイオリンの演奏を聴きに行きます」(あした、ばいおりんのえんそうをききにいきます). This word is often associated with formal or artistic settings and emphasizes the act of playing music rather than just listening to it.
Radical
大
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N1Grade
6Frequency
1324
Handwriting
kanji
虎Meaning
Tiger
Reading
tora
onyomiこko
Parts
虍 儿Legs
Example Word
虎: tiger. The Japanese noun '虎 (とら)' refers to a 'tiger', the large carnivorous feline animal. This word is used to describe the animal itself, often in contexts related to wildlife, zoos, or symbolic representations. Tigers are also culturally significant in Japan, often symbolizing strength and courage. Example sentences: The tiger is strong「虎は強い」(とらはつよい). I saw a tiger at the zoo「動物園で虎を見た」(どうぶつえんでとらをみた). In Japanese folklore and art, tigers are frequently depicted as powerful and majestic creatures.
Radical
虍
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N1Grade
10Frequency
1325
Handwriting
kanji
匹Meaning
Equal, Counter for animals
Reading
hiki
onyomiひつhitsu
Parts
匚 儿Legs
Example Word
匹: counter. The Japanese suffix '匹 (ひき)' is a counter used for small animals, such as cats, dogs, fish, and insects. It is one of the most common counters in Japanese and is essential for counting animals. The reading 'ひき' changes depending on the number it follows due to rendaku (voicing) and phonetic rules. For example: one cat「猫一匹」(ねこいっぴき), two dogs「犬二匹」(いぬにひき), three fish「魚三匹」(さかなさんびき). Note that the counter does not change based on the size of the animal, but rather the category (small animals). This suffix is widely used in everyday conversation and is a fundamental part of Japanese counting systems.
Radical
匸
Stroke Count
4JLPT
N2Grade
7Frequency
1326
Handwriting
kanji
忙Meaning
Busy
Reading
isoga
onyomiぼうbou
Parts
忄 亡Death, Deceased
Example Word
忙しい: busy. The Japanese adjective '忙しい (いそがしい)' means 'busy'. It is used to describe a state of being occupied with tasks or activities, often implying a lack of free time. This adjective can be applied to people, schedules, or periods of time. For example: I am busy today「今日は忙しい」(きょうはいそがしい). The office is busy「オフィスは忙しい」(オフィスはいそがしい). It can also convey a sense of being overwhelmed or hectic, as in '忙しい一日 (いそがしいいちにち) (a busy day)'. The nuance often includes a feeling of being pressed for time or having a lot to do.
Radical
心
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N3Grade
7Frequency
1327
Handwriting
kanji
麦Meaning
Wheat
Reading
mugi
onyomiばくbaku
Parts
夂Late 生Life
Example Word
麦: wheat. The Japanese noun '麦 (むぎ)' refers to 'wheat', a cereal grain widely cultivated for its seed. It is a staple food used in various forms such as flour, bread, and noodles. In Japan, wheat is also used to make products like udon noodles and beer. Example sentences: I eat bread made from wheat「小麦で作ったパンを食べます」(こむぎでつくったパンをたべます). The field is full of wheat「畑は麦でいっぱいです」(はたけはむぎでいっぱいです). Note that '麦' can sometimes refer to barley in certain contexts, but its primary meaning is wheat.
Radical
麥
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N2Grade
2Frequency
1329
Handwriting
kanji
隙Meaning
Crevice
Reading
suki
onyomiげきgeki
Parts
⻖
Example Word
隙: opportunity or gap. The Japanese noun '隙 (すき)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'gap', referring to a physical or metaphorical space between things. For example: there is a gap in the wall「壁に隙がある」(かべにすきがある). The second meaning is 'opportunity', often implying a chance or opening that can be taken advantage of. For example: he found an opportunity to speak「彼は話す隙を見つけた」(かれははなすすきをみつけた). The word can also imply a moment of vulnerability or weakness, as in '隙をつく (すきをつく)', which means to exploit someone's weakness or inattention. This dual meaning makes '隙' a versatile word in Japanese, used in both literal and figurative contexts.
Radical
阜
Stroke Count
13JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
1330
Handwriting
kanji
胆Meaning
Gallbladder, Guts
Reading
kimo
onyomiたんtan
Parts
肉Meat 旦Dawn
Example Word
大胆: daring or bold. The Japanese adjectival noun '大胆 (だいたん)' primarily means 'bold' or 'daring'. It is used to describe actions, plans, or personalities that are fearless, adventurous, or unconventional. This term often carries a positive connotation, suggesting courage and a willingness to take risks. For example: His bold plan succeeded「彼の大胆な計画は成功した」(かれのだいたんなけいかくはせいこうした). She is known for her daring fashion sense「彼女は大胆なファッションセンスで知られている」(かの じょはだいたんなファッションセンスでしられている). Note that '大胆' can also imply a certain level of audacity or recklessness, depending on the context.
Radical
肉
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
1331
Handwriting
kanji
腐Meaning
Rot
Reading
kusa
onyomiふfu
Parts
府Government office, Urban prefecture 肉Meat
Example Word
豆腐: tofu. The Japanese noun '豆腐 (とうふ)' refers to 'tofu', a food made from soybeans. It is a staple in Japanese cuisine and is known for its versatility and high protein content. Tofu can be prepared in various ways, such as fried, boiled, or eaten cold. For example: I ate tofu for dinner「夕食に豆腐を食べた」(ゆうしょくにとうふをたべた). This miso soup has tofu in it「この味噌汁には豆腐が入っている」(このみそしるにはとうふがはいっている). Tofu is often used in vegetarian and vegan diets as a meat substitute due to its texture and nutritional value.
Radical
肉
Stroke Count
14JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
1332
Handwriting