Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Frequency of Use
Frequency Group 15
kanji
網Meaning
Net, Netting
Reading
ami
onyomiもうmou
Parts
糸Thread 罔
Example Word
網: net. The Japanese noun '網 (あみ)' refers to a 'net', typically used for catching fish, insects, or other purposes like sports (e.g., a volleyball net). It can also metaphorically describe a network or web-like structure. For example: I caught a fish with a net「網で魚を捕まえた」(あみでさかなをつかまえた). The spider spun a web「蜘蛛が網を張った」(くもがあみをはった). In some contexts, it can also refer to a network, such as a communication network「通信網」(つう しんもう).
Radical
糸
Stroke Count
14JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
1403
Handwriting
kanji
湧Meaning
Well, Boil
Reading
wa
onyomiゆうyuu
ようyou
ゆyu
Parts
氵Water (水)勇Brave
Example Word
湧く: arise or gush. The Japanese verb '湧く (わく)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'to gush' or 'to well up', often used to describe liquids like water or oil emerging from the ground. For example: hot water gushes from the spring「温泉からお湯が湧く」(おんせんからおゆがわく). The second meaning is 'to arise' or 'to emerge', used to describe emotions, thoughts, or situations coming into existence. For example: doubts arose in my mind「疑問が心に湧く」(ぎもんがこころにわく). This verb is versatile and can be used in both literal and figurative contexts.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N1Grade
10Frequency
1405
Handwriting
kanji
醜Meaning
Ugly
Reading
miniku
しこshiko
onyomiしゅうshuu
Parts
酉Bird of the zodiac 鬼Demon, Ogre
Example Word
醜い: ugly. The Japanese adjective '醜い (みにくい)' means 'ugly'. It is used to describe something or someone that is unattractive in appearance or behavior. This word can also be used metaphorically to describe actions or situations that are morally reprehensible or disgraceful. For example: That painting is ugly「その絵は醜い」(そのえはみにくい). His actions were ugly「彼の行動は醜かった」(かれのこうどうはみにくかった). It's important to note that this adjective can carry a strong negative connotation, so it should be used with caution.
Radical
酉
Stroke Count
17JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
1406
Handwriting
kanji
彩Meaning
Coloring, Beautiful coloring
Reading
irodo
onyomiさいsai
Parts
采Grab 彡Fur
Example Word
色彩: color. The Japanese noun '色彩 (しきさい)' refers to 'color' or 'coloration'. It is used to describe the hues, shades, or overall color scheme of something, often in an artistic or aesthetic context. This word can be applied to physical objects, paintings, or even abstract concepts like emotions or atmospheres. For example: The painting has vivid colors「その絵は色彩が鮮やかだ」(そのえはしきさいがあざやかだ). The colors of autumn are beautiful「秋の色彩は美しい」(あきのしきさいはうつくしい). The word can also imply a sense of richness or depth in color, making it suitable for describing vibrant or nuanced scenes.
Radical
彡
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
1408
Handwriting
kanji
衰Meaning
Decline, Wane
Reading
otoro
onyomiすいsui
Parts
衣Clothes
Example Word
衰える: weaken. The Japanese verb '衰える (おとろえる)' means 'to weaken' or 'to decline'. It is used to describe a decrease in strength, power, or intensity. This verb can be applied to physical strength, health, energy, or even abstract concepts like enthusiasm or influence. For example: his health is weakening「彼の健康は衰えている」(かれのけんこうはおとろえている). The company's influence is declining「その会社の影響力は衰えている」(そのかいしゃのえいきょうりょくはおとろえている). It is important to note that '衰える' often implies a gradual or continuous decline rather than a sudden loss.
Radical
衣
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
1409
Handwriting
kanji
磨Meaning
Polish
Reading
miga
onyomiまma
Parts
麻Hemp, Numb 石Stone
Example Word
歯磨き: toothpaste or tooth brushing. The Japanese noun '歯磨き (はみがき)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'toothbrushing', referring to the act of cleaning one's teeth. The second is 'toothpaste', the substance used during toothbrushing. This word is commonly used in daily life and can refer to either the action or the product, depending on the context. For example: I do toothbrushing every morning「毎朝歯磨きをします」(まいあさはみがきをします). This toothpaste is mint-flavored「この歯磨きはミント味です」(このはみがきはみ んとあじです). Note that the meaning is usually clear from the context, but it can sometimes be ambiguous without additional clarification.
Radical
石
Stroke Count
16JLPT
N2Grade
9Frequency
1410
Handwriting
kanji
盤Meaning
Tray, Disk
Reading
ban
Parts
般Sort, Carrier 皿Plate
Example Word
基盤: foundation. The Japanese noun '基盤 (きばん)' refers to a 'foundation' or 'base' upon which something is built or established. It is often used in both literal and figurative contexts, such as the foundation of a building or the foundational principles of a system. For example: The foundation of this building is strong「この建物の基盤は強い」(このたてもののきばんはつよい). The company's success is built on a solid foundation「その会社の成功はしっかりした基盤の上に築かれている」(そのかいしゃのせいこうはしっかりしたきばんのうえにきずかれている). This word is commonly used in discussions about infrastructure, technology, or organizational structures.
Radical
皿
Stroke Count
15JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
1411
Handwriting
kanji
喉Meaning
Throat
Reading
nodo
onyomiこうkou
Parts
口Mouth 侯Marquis, Feudal lord
Example Word
喉: throat. The Japanese noun '喉 (のど)' refers to the 'throat'. It is commonly used to describe the anatomical part of the body that connects the mouth and nasal passages to the esophagus and larynx. This word is often used in contexts related to health, such as when someone has a sore throat or is experiencing dryness. For example: My throat is dry「喉が渇いた」(のどがかわいた). I have a sore throat「喉が痛い」(のどがいたい). Additionally, '喉' can be used metaphorically to describe something that is essential or vital, as in '喉から手が出るほど欲しい (のどからてがでるほどほしい)', which means 'to want something so badly that one's hand reaches out from their throat'.
Radical
口
Stroke Count
12JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
1413
Handwriting
kanji
寿Meaning
Longevity, Congratulations
Reading
kotobuki
onyomiすsu
じゅju
Parts
三Three 丿Katakana no 寸Measurement
Example Word
寿命: lifespan. The Japanese noun '寿命 (じゅみょう)' refers to the length of time that a living being, object, or system is expected to live or function. It is commonly used in contexts discussing the natural life expectancy of humans, animals, or even the durability of machines and technology. For example: The lifespan of a cat is about 15 years「猫の寿命は約15年です」(ねこのじゅみょうはやく15ねんです). This smartphone has a short lifespan「このスマートフォンは寿命が短い」(このスマートフォンはじゅみょうがみじかい). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe the 'life' of non-living things, such as the lifespan of a product or trend.
Radical
寸
Stroke Count
7JLPT
UnknownGrade
8Frequency
1414
Handwriting
kanji
銃Meaning
Gun
Reading
juu
Parts
釒Gold (金)充Fill, Allocate
Example Word
銃: gun. The Japanese noun '銃 (じゅう)' means 'gun'. It refers to a weapon designed to discharge projectiles, typically bullets, using explosive force. This word is commonly used in contexts related to firearms, such as in law enforcement, military, or hunting. For example: He owns a gun「彼は銃を持っている」(かれはじゅうをもっている). The police confiscated the gun「警察は銃を没収した」(けいさつはじゅうをぼっしゅうした). Note that '銃' is a general term and can refer to various types of guns, including pistols, rifles, and shotguns.
Radical
金
Stroke Count
14JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
1415
Handwriting
kanji
環Meaning
Ring, Surround
Reading
kan
Parts
王King 睘
Example Word
環境: environment. The Japanese noun '環境 (かんきょう)' primarily means 'environment'. It refers to the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates. This term is widely used in discussions about nature, ecology, and living conditions. For example: We need to protect the environment「環境を守る必要がある」(かんきょうをまもるひつようがある). The work environment is very important「仕事の環境はとても重要だ」(しごとのかんきょうはとてもじゅうようだ). It can also refer to the setting or context in which something exists or operates, such as a social or technological environment.
Radical
玉
Stroke Count
17JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
1416
Handwriting
kanji
預Meaning
Deposit
Reading
azu
onyomiよyo
Parts
予Beforehand 頁Page
Example Word
預ける: entrust. The Japanese verb '預ける (あずける)' means 'to entrust' or 'to leave something in someone's care'. It is commonly used when you want to leave an object, responsibility, or even a person in the care of someone else. For example: I entrusted my bag to the hotel「ホテルに荷物を預けた」(ほてるににもつをあずけた). She left her child with her friend「彼女は友達に子供を預けた」(かのじょはともだちにこどもをあずけた). This verb implies a sense of trust and reliance on the person being entrusted. It can also be used in financial contexts, such as depositing money in a bank.
Radical
頁
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N2Grade
5Frequency
1417
Handwriting
kanji
裾Meaning
Hem
Reading
suso
onyomiこko
きょkyo
Parts
衤 居Reside, Be
Example Word
裾: hem. The Japanese noun '裾 (すそ)' refers to the hem or edge of a piece of clothing, such as the bottom of a skirt, pants, or kimono. It can also metaphorically refer to the lower edge or base of something, like the foot of a mountain. For example: The hem of her dress is dirty「彼女のドレスの裾が汚れている」(かのじょのドレスのすそがよごれている). The foot of the mountain is covered in mist「山の裾が霧に包まれている」(やまのすそがきりにつつまれている). This word is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts to describe the lower edge of an object or area.
Radical
衣
Stroke Count
13JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
1419
Handwriting
kanji
補Meaning
Supplement
Reading
ogina
onyomiほho
Parts
衤 甫
Example Word
補償: compensation. The Japanese noun '補償 (ほしょう)' means 'compensation'. It refers to something given to make up for a loss, damage, or inconvenience. This term is often used in legal, financial, or workplace contexts. For example: The company provided compensation for the damages「会社は損害の補償をした」(かいしゃはそんがいのほしょうをした). Compensation for the accident was paid「事故の補償が支払われた」(じこのほしょうがしはらわれた). The word can also imply reparation or restitution in broader contexts.
Radical
衣
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N2Grade
6Frequency
1420
Handwriting
kanji
戒Meaning
Admonish, Commandment
Reading
imashi
onyomiかいkai
Parts
廾Twenty 戈
Example Word
警戒: caution. The Japanese verbal noun '警戒 (けいかい)' means 'caution' or 'vigilance'. It refers to the act of being watchful or alert to potential danger or trouble. This word is often used in contexts where one needs to be careful or on guard, such as in security, safety, or even interpersonal relationships. For example: The police are on high alert「警察は警戒を強めている」(けいさつはけいかいをつよめている). We must be cautious of natural disasters「自然災害に警戒しなければならない」(しぜんさいがいにけいかいしなければならない). The word can also be used in phrases like '警戒心 (けいかいしん)', which means 'sense of caution' or 'wariness'.
Radical
戈
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
1421
Handwriting
kanji
陥Meaning
Fall in, Collapse
Reading
ochii
おとしいotoshii
onyomiかんkan
Parts
⻖ ⺈Wrap 旧Old, Past
Example Word
陥る: fall or sink. The Japanese verb '陥る (おちいる)' primarily means 'to fall into' or 'to sink into'. It is often used to describe falling into a state, condition, or situation, typically one that is negative or undesirable. For example: he fell into despair「彼は絶望に陥った」(かれはぜつぼうにおちいった). The company fell into financial trouble「その会社は財政難に陥った」(そのかいしゃはざいせいなんにおちいった). This verb can also imply a gradual or unintentional decline into a state, such as sinking into confusion or falling into a trap. It is commonly used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.
Radical
阜
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
1422
Handwriting
kanji
港Meaning
Harbor, Port
Reading
minato
onyomiこうkou
Parts
氵Water (水)共Together 己Oneself
Example Word
空港: airport. The Japanese noun '空港 (くうこう)' means 'airport'. It refers to a facility where aircraft take off, land, and are maintained, and where passengers board and disembark. This word is commonly used in travel-related contexts. For example: The airport is far from here「空港はここから遠いです」(くうこうはここからとおいです). I will meet you at the airport「空港で会いましょう」(くうこうであいましょう). The term is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
1423
Handwriting
kanji
委Meaning
Committee
Reading
yuda
onyomiいi
Parts
禾Cereal 女Woman
Example Word
委員: committee. The Japanese noun '委員 (いいん)' refers to a 'committee' or a 'committee member'. It is used to describe a group of people appointed for a specific function or task, or an individual who is part of such a group. This term is commonly used in organizational, academic, and governmental contexts. For example: He is a member of the planning committee「彼は計画委員です」(かれはけいかくいいんです). The committee decided to postpone the event「委員はイベントを延期することに決めました」(いいんはイベントをえんきすることにきめました).
Radical
女
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N2Grade
3Frequency
1424
Handwriting
kanji
催Meaning
Hold an event, Sponsor
Reading
moyoo
onyomiさいsai
Parts
亻Person (人)崔
Example Word
開催: holding. The Japanese verbal noun '開催 (かいさい)' means 'holding' or 'holding an event'. It is commonly used to describe the act of organizing or conducting events, such as meetings, conferences, festivals, or competitions. For example: The festival will be held next week「来週、祭りが開催されます」(らいしゅう、まつりがかいさいされます). The conference was held in Tokyo「会議は東京で開催されました」(かいぎはとうきょうでかいさいされました). This term is often used in formal or official contexts to announce or describe events.
Radical
人
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
1426
Handwriting
kanji
廃Meaning
Waste, Abolish
Reading
suta
onyomiはいhai
Parts
广Dotted cliff 発Departure
Example Word