Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Frequency of Use
Frequency Group 2
kanji
次Meaning
Next
Reading
tsu
つぎtsugi
onyomiじji
しshi
Parts
冫Ice (水)欠Lack
Example Word
次回: next. The Japanese noun '次回 (じかい)' means 'next' in the context of an event, episode, or occurrence. It is commonly used to refer to the next instance of something that happens regularly, such as a TV show episode, a meeting, or a scheduled event. For example: see you next time「次回また会いましょう」(じかいまたあいましょう). The next episode will be more exciting「次回のエピソードはもっと面白いです」(じかいのエピソードはもっとおもしろいです). This word is often used in announcements or when discussing future plans.
Radical
欠
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
101
Handwriting
kanji
風Meaning
Wind, Style
Reading
kaza
かぜkaze
onyomiふfu
ふうfuu
Parts
虫Insect 凡Common
Example Word
風俗: customs or prostitution. The Japanese noun '風俗 (ふうぞく)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning refers to 'customs' or 'social practices', often used in a cultural or historical context. For example: The customs of this region are unique「この地域の風俗は独特です」(このちいきのふうぞくはどくとくです). The second meaning is a euphemism for 'prostitution' or the sex industry, often used in legal or societal discussions. For example: The government is cracking down on prostitution「政府は風俗を取り締まっています」(せいふはふうぞくをとりしまっています). It's important to understand the context in which this word is used, as the meaning can vary significantly.
Radical
風
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
102
Handwriting
kanji
向Meaning
Facing, Yonder
Reading
mu
むかいmukai
onyomiこうkou
Parts
丿Katakana no 冋Desert
Example Word
向上: improvement. The Japanese verbal noun '向上 (こうじょう)' means 'improvement' or 'advancement'. It refers to the act of making something better or enhancing its quality, often used in contexts related to skills, performance, or conditions. For example: improvement in skills「スキルの向上」(スキルのこうじょう). The company is aiming for improvement in productivity「会社は生産性の向上を目指している」(かいしゃはせいさんせいのこうじょうをめざしている). This term is commonly used in both personal and professional settings to describe progress or development.
Radical
口
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
103
Handwriting
kanji
相Meaning
Mutual
Reading
ai
onyomiそうsou
しょうshou
Parts
木Tree, Wood 目Eye
Example Word
相続: inheritance. The Japanese noun '相続 (そうぞく)' refers to the legal process of inheriting property, rights, or obligations after someone's death. It is commonly used in legal and familial contexts to describe the transfer of assets or responsibilities from a deceased person to their heirs. For example: He received the inheritance「彼は相続を受け取った」(かれはそうぞくをうけとった). The inheritance tax is high「相続税は高い」(そうぞくぜいはたかい). This term is often associated with legal procedures and can involve disputes among family members.
Radical
目
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
104
Handwriting
kanji
夜Meaning
Night
Reading
yo
よるyoru
onyomiやya
Parts
亠Lid 亻Person (人)夂Late 丶Dot
Example Word
徹夜: all nighter. The Japanese noun '徹夜 (てつや)' refers to staying up all night, often to complete work, study, or other tasks. It is commonly used in contexts where someone sacrifices sleep to meet a deadline or prepare for an event. For example: I pulled an all-nighter to finish the report「レポートを終わらせるために徹夜した」(レポートをおわらせるためにてつやした). He stayed up all night studying for the exam「彼は試験のために徹夜で勉強した」(かれはしけんのためにてつやでべんきょうした). The word can also imply exhaustion or a sense of urgency, depending on the context.
Radical
夕
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
105
Handwriting
kanji
動Meaning
Move
Reading
ugo
onyomiどうdou
Parts
重Heavy 力Power
Example Word
動産: movables. The Japanese noun '動産 (どうさん)' refers to 'movables' or 'personal property' in legal and financial contexts. This term is used to describe tangible assets that can be moved, such as furniture, vehicles, or equipment, as opposed to '不動産 (ふどうさん)' which refers to immovable property like land or buildings. For example: The company owns various movables「その会社は様々な動産を所有している」(そのかいしゃはさまざまなどうさんをしょゆうしている). Movables are often included in asset evaluations「動産は資産評価に含まれることが多い」(どうさんはしさんひょうかにふくまれることがおおい). This term is commonly used in legal documents, contracts, and financial discussions.
Radical
力
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
106
Handwriting
kanji
内Meaning
Inside
Reading
uchi
onyomiないnai
Parts
冂Enclosure 人Person
Example Word
内外: inside outside or domestic foreign. The Japanese noun '内外 (ないがい)' can mean both 'inside and outside' and 'domestic and foreign'. When referring to 'inside and outside', it is often used to describe the physical or conceptual boundaries of something, such as a building or an organization. For example: The company is known both inside and outside the industry「その会社は業界の内外で知られている」(そのかいしゃはぎょうかいのないがいでしられている). When referring to 'domestic and foreign', it is used to describe something that pertains to both within a country and outside of it. For example: The policy affects both domestic and foreign markets「その政策は内外の市場に影響を与える」(そのせいさくはないがいのしじょうにえいきょうをあたえる). The context in which '内外' is used will determine which meaning is intended.
Radical
冂
Stroke Count
4JLPT
N3Grade
2Frequency
107
Handwriting
kanji
八Meaning
Eight
Reading
yo
やya
onyomiはちhachi
Parts
丿Katakana no 乀Stretch
Example Word
八日: eight days or eighth. The Japanese noun '八日 (ようか)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'eighth', referring to the eighth day of the month. For example: Today is the eighth「今日は八日です」(きょうはようかです). The second meaning is 'eight days', referring to a duration of eight days. For example: The festival lasts for eight days「祭りは八日続きます」(まつりはようかつづきます). It's important to note that the context will usually make it clear which meaning is intended, as the first is typically used in dates, while the second is used to describe a period of time.
Radical
八
Stroke Count
2JLPT
N5Grade
1Frequency
108
Handwriting
kanji
水Meaning
Water
Reading
mizu
onyomiすいsui
Parts
亅Barb くHiragana ku フKatakana fu
Example Word
水洗: flushing. The Japanese verbal noun '水洗 (すいせん)' refers to the act of flushing or washing with water. It is commonly used in contexts related to sanitation, such as flushing toilets or cleaning with water. For example: This toilet uses water flushing「このトイレは水洗です」(このトイレはすいせんです). The floor was cleaned by water flushing「床は水洗で掃除されました」(ゆかはすいせんではいじょされました). The term is often associated with modern plumbing and hygiene practices.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
4JLPT
N5Grade
1Frequency
109
Radical Forms
氵, 氺, 冫
Handwriting
kanji
声Meaning
Voice
Reading
kowa
こえkoe
Parts
士Samurai 尸Corpse 丨Stick
Example Word
話し声: voice. The Japanese noun '話し声 (はなしごえ)' refers to the sound of someone's voice when they are speaking. It specifically emphasizes the auditory aspect of speech rather than the content. This word is often used to describe the tone, volume, or quality of someone's voice during conversation. For example: I heard a soft voice「優しい話し声が聞こえた」(やさしいはなしごえがきこえた). The loud voices of the children could be heard from outside「子供たちの大きな話し声が外から聞こえた」(こどもたちのおおきなはなしごえがそとからきこえた). Note that '話し声' is distinct from '声 (こえ)', which is a more general term for 'voice' and does not necessarily imply speech.
Radical
士
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N3Grade
2Frequency
110
Handwriting
kanji
平Meaning
Flat
Reading
hira
たいtai
onyomiへいhei
びょうbyou
Parts
干Dry 丷Divide
Example Word
平凡: ordinary. The Japanese adjectival noun '平凡 (へいぼん)' means 'ordinary' or 'commonplace'. It is used to describe something that is not special, unique, or extraordinary, but rather typical or average. This word often carries a neutral or slightly negative connotation, implying a lack of distinction or excitement. For example: His life is ordinary「彼の人生は平凡だ」(かれのじんせいはへいぼんだ). This story is too commonplace「この物語は平凡すぎる」(このものがたりはへいぼんすぎる). Note that '平凡' is often used to describe situations, lifestyles, or characteristics that are unremarkable.
Radical
干
Stroke Count
5JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
111
Handwriting
kanji
眼Meaning
Eyeball
Reading
manako
onyomiげんgen
がんgan
Parts
目Eye 艮Stopping
Example Word
近眼: nearsightedness. The Japanese noun '近眼 (きんがん)' refers to the condition of being nearsighted, meaning one can see nearby objects clearly but distant objects appear blurry. It is commonly used in medical or everyday contexts to describe vision impairment. For example: I have nearsightedness「私は近眼です」(わたしはきんがんです). Nearsightedness makes it hard to see far away「近眼だと遠くが見えにくい」(きんがんだととおくがみえにくい). This term is often used in discussions about eye health or when describing someone's vision.
Radical
目
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N1Grade
5Frequency
112
Handwriting
kanji
金Meaning
Gold
Reading
kane
かなkana
onyomiきんkin
こんkon
Parts
全Whole, All 丷Divide
Example Word
資金: funds. The Japanese noun '資金 (しきん)' refers to 'funds' or 'capital'. It is commonly used in financial contexts to describe money that is available for a specific purpose, such as investment, business operations, or personal use. For example: We need funds to start the project「プロジェクトを始めるために資金が必要です」(ぷろじぇくとをはじめるためにしきんがひつようです). The company raised funds for expansion「会社は拡張のための資金を調達しました」(かいしゃはかくちょうのためのしきんをちょうたつしました). This word is often used in formal or business settings and can refer to both large and small amounts of money.
Radical
金
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N5Grade
1Frequency
113
Radical Form
釒
Handwriting
kanji
新Meaning
New
Reading
ara
あたらatara
onyomiしんshin
Parts
斤Axe, Catty 亲Parent (親)
Example Word
新: new. The Japanese prefix '新 (しん)' means 'new' and is commonly used to indicate something that is fresh, recent, or innovative. It is often attached to nouns to form compound words, emphasizing the novelty or updated nature of the subject. For example: new product「新製品」(しんせいひん). new employee「新入社員」(しんにゅうしゃいん). This prefix is widely used in various contexts, such as business, technology, and everyday life, to highlight something that is newly introduced or created.
Radical
斤
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
114
Handwriting
kanji
体Meaning
Body
Reading
karada
onyomiたいtai
ていtei
Parts
亻Person (人)本Book, Origin
Example Word
個体: individual or organism. The Japanese noun '個体 (こたい)' refers to an individual entity or organism, often used in contexts such as biology, sociology, or general descriptions of distinct units. It emphasizes the uniqueness or separateness of the entity. For example: Each individual has its own characteristics「個体にはそれぞれ特徴がある」(こたいにはそれぞれとくちょうがある). This organism is a rare species「この個体は珍しい種です」(このこたいはめずらしいしゅです). The word can also be used in abstract contexts, such as describing individual components within a system.
Radical
人
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
115
Handwriting
kanji
力Meaning
Power
Reading
chikara
onyomiりきriki
りょくryoku
Parts
勹Wrap 丿Katakana no
Example Word
体力: stamina. The Japanese noun '体力 (たいりょく)' refers to physical strength, stamina, or endurance. It is commonly used to describe one's physical ability to perform tasks or endure physical exertion. For example: I need to build up my stamina「体力をつけなければならない」(たいりょくをつけなければならない). He has a lot of stamina「彼は体力がある」(かれはたいりょくがある). This word is often used in contexts related to sports, work, or health, emphasizing the physical aspect of endurance.
Radical
力
Stroke Count
2JLPT
N4Grade
1Frequency
116
Handwriting
kanji
味Meaning
Flavor
Reading
aji
onyomiみmi
Parts
口Mouth 未Not yet
Example Word
無意味: meaningless. The Japanese adjectival noun '無意味 (むいみ)' means 'meaningless'. It is used to describe something that lacks purpose, significance, or value. This word is often used in contexts where actions, words, or events are perceived as futile or without any meaningful outcome. For example: His efforts were meaningless「彼の努力は無意味だった」(かれのどりょくはむいみだった). This conversation is meaningless「この会話は無意味だ」(このかいわはむいみだ). The word can also be used to describe abstract concepts, such as life or existence, when they are perceived as lacking purpose. Note that '無意味' is often used in a negative or critical tone, so it should be used carefully depending on the context.
Radical
口
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
117
Handwriting
kanji
木Meaning
Tree, Wood
Reading
ki
こko
onyomiぼくboku
もくmoku
Parts
十Ten 人Person
Example Word
木枯らし: winter wind. The Japanese noun '木枯らし (こがらし)' refers to a cold, dry wind that blows in late autumn or early winter, signaling the arrival of winter. It is often associated with the withering of leaves and the transition to colder weather. This word carries a poetic nuance and is frequently used in literature and seasonal descriptions. Example sentences: The winter wind blows through the trees「木枯らしが木々を通り抜ける」(こがらしがききをとおりぬける). I felt the chill of the winter wind「木枯らしの冷たさを感じた」(こがらしのつめたさをかんじた).
Radical
木
Stroke Count
4JLPT
N5Grade
1Frequency
118
Handwriting
kanji
多Meaning
Many
Reading
oo
onyomiたta
Parts
夕Evening
Example Word
多: many. The Japanese prefix '多 (た)' means 'many' or 'much'. It is commonly used to form compound words that indicate a large quantity or variety. For example: multicultural「多文化」(たぶんか), many-sided「多面的」(ためんてき). This prefix is often used in formal or technical contexts to describe abundance or diversity. For example: This country has many cultures「この国は多文化です」(このくにはたぶんかです). The problem has many aspects「その問題は多面的です」(そのもんだいはためんてきです).
Radical
夕
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
119
Handwriting
kanji
死Meaning
Death
Reading
shi
onyomiしshi
Parts
匕Spoon 歹Bad
Example Word
死体: corpse. The Japanese noun '死体 (したい)' refers to a 'corpse' or 'dead body'. It is used to describe the physical remains of a deceased person or animal. This word is neutral in tone but is often associated with serious or somber contexts, such as crime scenes, forensic investigations, or funerals. For example: The police found a corpse in the forest「警察は森で死体を見つけた」(けいさつはもりでしたいをみつけた). The corpse was taken to the morgue「死体は死体安置所に運ばれた」(したいはしたいあんちじょにはこばれた). Note that this word is not used in casual conversation and may carry a heavy or unsettling connotation.
Radical
歹
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
120
Handwriting
kanji
足Meaning
Foot, Sufficient
Reading
ashi
たta
onyomiそくsoku
Parts
龰Stop (止)口Mouth
Example Word
不足: lack or shortage. The Japanese verbal noun '不足 (ふそく)' primarily means 'shortage' or 'lack'. It is used to describe a situation where there is not enough of something, whether it be physical items, resources, or abstract concepts like time or effort. For example: There is a shortage of water「水が不足している」(みずがふそくしている). I lack sleep「睡眠が不足している」(すいみんがふそくしている). It can also be used in a more abstract sense, such as a lack of effort「努力が不足している」(どりょくがふそくしている). The word is often used in both formal and informal contexts to indicate insufficiency.
Radical
足
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N4Grade
1Frequency
121
Radical Form
⻊
Handwriting
kanji
近Meaning
Near
Reading
chika
onyomiきんkin
Parts
斤Axe, Catty ⻌Walk
Example Word
最近: recently. The Japanese noun '最近 (さいきん)' means 'recently' or 'lately'. It is used to refer to events, situations, or actions that have occurred in the near past. This word is commonly used in both casual and formal contexts. For example: I recently moved to Tokyo「最近東京に引っ越しました」(さいきんとうきょうにひっこしました). Have you seen her recently?「最近彼女を見ましたか?」(さいきんかのじょをみましたか?). It can also be used to describe trends or changes that have happened recently, such as '最近の技術 (さいきんのぎじゅつ)' meaning 'recent technology'.
Radical
辵
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
122
Handwriting
kanji
切Meaning
Cut
Reading
ki
onyomiさいsai
せつsetsu
Parts
刀Sword 七Seven
Example Word
思い切る: decide. The Japanese verb '思い切る (おもいきる)' means 'to decide' or 'to make up one's mind'. It conveys the idea of making a firm decision, often after some hesitation or deliberation. This verb is commonly used when someone resolves to take action or make a choice, especially in situations that require courage or a significant change. For example: I decided to quit my job「仕事を辞めることを思い切った」(しごとをやめることをおもいきった). She finally decided to confess her feelings「彼女はついに気持ちを打ち明けることを思い切った」(かのじょはついにきもちをうちあけることをおもいきった). Note that '思い切る' often implies a sense of determination or resolve, making it suitable for situations where a decisive action is taken.
Radical
刀
Stroke Count
4JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
123
Handwriting