Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Frequency of Use
Frequency Group 21
kanji
疫Meaning
Epidemic
Reading
eki
やくyaku
Parts
疒Sick 殳Pike
Example Word
免疫: immunity. The Japanese noun '免疫 (めんえき)' means 'immunity'. It refers to the biological defense mechanism of an organism against diseases or infections. This term is commonly used in medical and health-related contexts. For example: he has strong immunity「彼は免疫が強い」(かれはめんえきがつよい). Vaccines help build immunity「ワクチンは免疫を作るのに役立つ」(ワクチンはめんえきをつくるのにやくだつ). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe resistance to non-biological influences, such as stress or criticism, though this usage is less common.
Radical
疒
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
2001
Handwriting
kanji
憩Meaning
Rest
Reading
iko
onyomiけいkei
Parts
心Heart 舌Tongue 自Self
Example Word
休憩: break. The Japanese verbal noun '休憩 (きゅうけい)' means 'break'. It refers to a short period of rest or pause, often taken during work, study, or other activities. This word is commonly used in contexts like taking a break at work or during a long journey. For example: Let's take a break「休憩しましょう」(きゅうけいしましょう). We took a break after two hours of work「2時間働いた後、休憩しました」(にじかんはたらいたあと、きゅうけいしました). It's important to note that '休憩' is often used in formal or semi-formal settings, and it implies a temporary pause with the intention to resume the activity afterward.
Radical
心
Stroke Count
16JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
2002
Handwriting
kanji
圏Meaning
Sphere, Range
Reading
ken
Parts
囗Box 巻Scroll
Example Word
圏: sphere or region. The Japanese suffix '圏 (けん)' is used to denote a sphere, region, or area, often in a geographical, cultural, or conceptual sense. It is commonly attached to nouns to specify a particular area or domain. For example: the economic sphere「経済圏」(けいざいけん). The metropolitan area「首都圏」(しゅとけん). The influence sphere「影響圏」(えいきょうけん). This suffix is versatile and can be used in various contexts to describe boundaries or areas of influence.
Radical
囗
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
2004
Handwriting
kanji
薦Meaning
Recommend, Mat
Reading
susu
onyomiせんsen
Parts
艹Grass 廌
Example Word
推薦: recommendation. The Japanese verbal noun '推薦 (すいせん)' means 'recommendation'. It is used to describe the act of recommending someone or something, often in formal contexts such as job applications, school admissions, or endorsements. For example: I received a recommendation from my teacher「先生から推薦をもらいました」(せんせいからすいせんをもらいました). The company gave him a strong recommendation「会社は彼に強い推薦をしました」(かいしゃはかれにつよいすいせんをしました). This term is commonly used in professional or academic settings where formal endorsements are required.
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
16JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
2005
Handwriting
kanji
舗Meaning
Shop, Pave
Reading
ho
Parts
舎House, Quarters 甫
Example Word
店舗: shop or store. The Japanese noun '店舗 (てんぽ)' refers to a physical retail establishment, such as a store or shop. It is commonly used to describe a place where goods or services are sold to customers. This term is often used in business contexts, such as when discussing the number of stores a company operates or the location of a shop. For example: The store is located in the city center「その店舗は街の中心にあります」(そのてんぽはまちのちゅうしんにあります). They are planning to open a new shop「新しい店舗を開く予定です」(あたらしいてんぽをひらくよていです). Note that '店舗' is a more formal term compared to '店 (みせ)', which is a more general and casual term for a shop.
Radical
人
Stroke Count
15JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
2007
Handwriting
kanji
培Meaning
Cultivate
Reading
tsuchika
onyomiばいbai
Parts
土Soil 咅Spit
Example Word
栽培: cultivation. The Japanese verbal noun '栽培 (さいばい)' means 'cultivation'. It refers to the process of growing and nurturing plants, crops, or other agricultural products. This term is commonly used in contexts related to farming, gardening, or horticulture. For example: The cultivation of rice is important in Japan「米の栽培は日本で重要です」(こめのさいばいはにほんでじゅうようです). They are cultivating vegetables in the garden「彼らは庭で野菜を栽培しています」(かれらはにわでやさいをさいばいしています). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe the nurturing or development of skills, ideas, or relationships, though this usage is less common.
Radical
土
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
2011
Handwriting
kanji
剰Meaning
Surplus
Reading
ama
あまつさえamatsusae
onyomiじょうjou
Parts
乗Ride 刂Sword (刀)
Example Word
過剰: excess. The Japanese noun '過剰 (かじょう)' means 'excess'. It refers to an amount or degree that is more than necessary, appropriate, or desirable. This word is often used in contexts related to overproduction, overconsumption, or excessive behavior. For example: The factory produced an excess of goods「工場は過剰な商品を生産した」(こうじょうはかじょうなしょうひんをせいさんした). His excessive worry is causing stress「彼の過剰な心配がストレスを引き起こしている」(かれのかじょうなしんぱいがすとれすをひきおこしている). The term can also be used in medical or scientific contexts to describe an overabundance of something, such as hormones or nutrients.
Radical
刀
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
2012
Handwriting
kanji
閥Meaning
Clan, Clique
Reading
batsu
Parts
門Gate 伐Fell, Cut down
Example Word
派閥: faction. The Japanese noun '派閥 (はばつ)' refers to a 'faction' or a group within a larger organization, often political or corporate, that has its own distinct interests or agenda. This term is commonly used in contexts where there is internal division or competition within a group. For example: There is a strong faction within the party「党内に強い派閥がある」(とうないにつよいはばつがある). The company is divided into several factions「その会社はいくつかの派閥に分かれている」(そのかいしゃはいくつかのはばつにわかれている). The term can carry a slightly negative connotation, implying internal strife or power struggles.
Radical
門
Stroke Count
14JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
2018
Handwriting
kanji
酢Meaning
Vinegar
Reading
su
onyomiさくsaku
Parts
酉Bird of the zodiac 乍
Example Word
酢: vinegar. The Japanese noun '酢 (す)' means 'vinegar'. It refers to the sour liquid made through fermentation, commonly used in cooking, seasoning, or preserving food. In Japanese cuisine, vinegar is a key ingredient in dishes like sushi rice, salads, and pickles. Example sentences: I added vinegar to the salad「サラダに酢を入れました」(サラダにすをいれました). This vinegar is very sour「この酢はとても酸っぱいです」(このすはとてもすっぱいです). Vinegar is also used in traditional Japanese remedies and cleaning due to its antibacterial properties.
Radical
酉
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
2025
Handwriting
kanji
妊Meaning
Pregnant, Swollen
Reading
nin
Parts
女Woman 壬
Example Word
妊娠: pregnancy. The Japanese verbal noun '妊娠 (にんしん)' refers to the state of being pregnant. It is used to describe the condition of a woman carrying a developing embryo or fetus within her body. This term is commonly used in medical, personal, and formal contexts. For example: She is happy about her pregnancy「彼女は妊娠を喜んでいる」(かのじょはにんしんをよろこんでいる). The doctor confirmed the pregnancy「医者が妊娠を確認した」(いしゃがにんしんをかくにんした). It is important to note that '妊娠' is a noun and is often used with verbs like 'する' to indicate the act of becoming pregnant, as in '妊娠する (にんしんする)' (to become pregnant).
Radical
女
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
2027
Handwriting
kanji
販Meaning
Sell
Reading
han
Parts
貝Shellfish 反Anti
Example Word
市販: retail. The Japanese noun '市販 (しはん)' refers to products or goods that are sold commercially, typically in retail stores or through general distribution channels. It is often used to describe items that are widely available to the public, as opposed to custom-made or specialized products. For example: This medicine is available over-the-counter「この薬は市販されています」(このくすりはしはんされています). I bought a retail version of the software「市販のソフトウェアを買いました」(しはんのソフトウェアをかいました). The term can also imply that something is mass-produced and accessible to the general consumer market.
Radical
貝
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N2Grade
7Frequency
2028
Handwriting
kanji
逮Meaning
Catch up with, Apprehend
Reading
tai
Parts
⻌Walk 隶
Example Word
逮捕: arrest. The Japanese verbal noun '逮捕 (たいほ)' means 'arrest'. It refers to the act of taking someone into custody by legal authority, typically in the context of law enforcement. This term is commonly used in legal, news, and everyday contexts when discussing criminal activities or police actions. For example: The police made an arrest「警察が逮捕した」(けいさつがたいほした). He was arrested for theft「彼は窃盗で逮捕された」(かれはせっとうでたいほされた). Note that '逮捕' is often used in formal or serious contexts and is not typically used in casual conversation.
Radical
辵
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
2029
Handwriting
kanji
肪Meaning
Fat, Obese
Reading
bou
Parts
⺼ 方Direction
Example Word
脂肪: fat. The Japanese noun '脂肪 (しぼう)' refers to 'fat', specifically the biological substance found in the bodies of humans and animals, or the fatty component in food. It is commonly used in both medical and everyday contexts. For example: This food contains a lot of fat「この食べ物は脂肪が多い」(このたべものはしぼうがおおい). Exercise helps burn fat「運動は脂肪を燃やす」(うんどうはしぼうをもやす). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe excess or unnecessary elements, though this usage is less common.
Radical
肉
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
2030
Handwriting
kanji
訟Meaning
Sue, Litigate
Reading
shou
Parts
訁Say (言)公Public
Example Word
訴訟: lawsuit. The Japanese noun '訴訟 (そしょう)' refers to a 'lawsuit' or 'legal action'. It is used in the context of legal disputes where one party takes another to court to resolve a conflict. This term is commonly used in legal, business, and personal contexts. For example: He filed a lawsuit「彼は訴訟を起こした」(かれはそしょうをおこした). The company is involved in a lawsuit「その会社は訴訟に関わっている」(そのかいしゃはそしょうにかかわっている). The word can also appear in compound terms like '民事訴訟 (みんじそしょう)' (civil lawsuit) or '刑事訴訟 (けいじそしょう)' (criminal lawsuit).
Radical
言
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
2035
Handwriting
kanji
墳Meaning
Mound, Tomb
Reading
fun
Parts
土Soil 賁
Example Word
古墳: tumulus. The Japanese noun '古墳 (こふん)' refers to an ancient burial mound or tumulus, typically built during the Kofun period (250–538 AD) in Japan. These mounds were constructed as tombs for powerful leaders and are often keyhole-shaped, surrounded by moats. The term is used in historical and archaeological contexts. For example: The tumulus is a historical site「その古墳は歴史的な場所です」(そのこふんはれきしてきなばしょです). We visited a large tumulus「大きな古墳を訪れました」(おおきなこふんをおとずれました).
Radical
土
Stroke Count
15JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
2039
Handwriting
kanji
娠Meaning
Pregnant, Pregnancy
Reading
shin
Parts
女Woman 辰Sign of the dragon
Example Word
妊娠: pregnancy. The Japanese verbal noun '妊娠 (にんしん)' refers to the state of being pregnant. It is used to describe the condition of a woman carrying a developing embryo or fetus within her body. This term is commonly used in medical, personal, and formal contexts. For example: She is happy about her pregnancy「彼女は妊娠を喜んでいる」(かのじょはにんしんをよろこんでいる). The doctor confirmed the pregnancy「医者が妊娠を確認した」(いしゃがにんしんをかくにんした). It is important to note that '妊娠' is a noun and is often used with verbs like 'する' to indicate the act of becoming pregnant, as in '妊娠する (にんしんする)' (to become pregnant).
Radical
女
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
2047
Handwriting
kanji
蛍Meaning
Firefly
Reading
hotaru
onyomiけいkei
Parts
⺍Small 冖Crown 虫Insect
Example Word
蛍光灯: lamp or fluorescent. The Japanese noun '蛍光灯 (けいこうとう)' refers to a 'fluorescent lamp'. This term is commonly used to describe the type of lighting that uses fluorescence to produce visible light. It is often found in offices, schools, and homes due to its energy efficiency. For example: The fluorescent lamp is bright「蛍光灯が明るい」(けいこうとうがあかるい). I replaced the fluorescent lamp「蛍光灯を交換した」(けいこうとうをこうかんした). Note that while '蛍光灯' specifically refers to fluorescent lamps, it can sometimes be shortened to just '蛍光灯' in casual conversation, but the full term is more precise.
Radical
虫
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
2048
Handwriting
kanji
緯Meaning
Horizontal, Latitude
Reading
nuki
よこいとyokoito
onyomiいi
Parts
糸Thread 韋
Example Word
経緯: circumstances or details. The Japanese noun '経緯 (けいい)' refers to the sequence of events, details, or circumstances surrounding a situation. It is often used to explain the background or context of how something happened. For example: I want to know the details of the incident「その事件の経緯を知りたい」(そのじけんのけいいをしりたい). The circumstances leading to the decision were complicated「その決定に至った経緯は複雑だった」(そのけっていにいたったけいはふくざつだった). This word is commonly used in formal or explanatory contexts to provide a clear understanding of the progression of events.
Radical
糸
Stroke Count
16JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
2050
Handwriting
kanji
票Meaning
Vote, Ballot
Reading
hyou
Parts
覀 示Show, Indicate
Example Word
投票: voting. The Japanese verbal noun '投票 (とうひょう)' means 'voting'. It refers to the act of casting a vote, typically in an election or decision-making process. This word is commonly used in contexts related to elections, referendums, or any situation where a formal decision is made through votes. For example: I will participate in the voting「私は投票に参加します」(わたしはとうひょうにさんかします). The voting results were announced「投票結果が発表された」(とうひょうけっかがはっぴょうされた). It is important to note that '投票' is often used in formal or official contexts and is a key term in discussions about democracy and governance.
Radical
示
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N1Grade
4Frequency
2054
Handwriting
kanji
綻Meaning
Come apart at the seams
Reading
hokoro
onyomiたんtan
Parts
糹 定Determine
Example Word
破綻: collapse or failure. The Japanese noun '破綻 (はたん)' refers to a collapse or failure, often in the context of systems, plans, or relationships. It implies a breakdown or disintegration of something that was previously functioning. For example: the plan ended in failure「その計画は破綻した」(そのけいかくははたんした). Their marriage fell apart「彼らの結婚は破綻した」(かれらのけっこんははたんした). This word is commonly used in formal or serious contexts to describe significant failures or collapses.
Radical
糸
Stroke Count
14JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
2055
Handwriting
kanji
栓Meaning
Plug, Stopper
Reading
sen
Parts
木Tree, Wood 全Whole, All
Example Word
栓抜き: bottle opener. The Japanese noun '栓抜き (せんぬき)' refers to a 'bottle opener', a tool used to remove caps or corks from bottles. It is commonly used in everyday situations, such as opening beer or soda bottles. For example: I need a bottle opener to open this beer「このビールを開けるために栓抜きが必要です」(このビールをあけるためにせんぬきがひつようです). He bought a new bottle opener「彼は新しい栓抜きを買いました」(かれはあたらしいせんぬきをかいました). The word is a combination of '栓 (せん)', meaning 'stopper' or 'cork', and '抜き (ぬき)', meaning 'removal'.
Radical
木
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
2058
Handwriting
kanji
遡Meaning
Retrace the past, Go upstream
Reading
sakanobo
onyomiさくsaku
そso
Parts
辶Walk 朔
Example Word
遡る: go back or trace back. The Japanese verb '遡る (さかのぼる)' primarily means 'to go back' or 'to trace back' in time or to a point of origin. It is often used to describe retracing steps, revisiting past events, or exploring the origins of something. For example: Let's trace back the history of this tradition「この伝統の歴史を 遡りましょう」(このでんとうのれきしをさかのぼりましょう). The river flows back to its source「その川は源まで遡る」(そのかわはみなもとまでさかのぼる). This verb can be used in both literal and figurative contexts, making it versatile in describing time, history, or even physical paths.
Radical
辵
Stroke Count
13JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
2060
Handwriting
kanji
循Meaning
Circulate, Sequential
Reading
jun
Parts
彳Stop 盾Shield
Example Word
循環: circulation. The Japanese noun '循環 (じゅんかん)' means 'circulation'. It refers to the movement or flow of something in a circular or recurring pattern. This word is commonly used in contexts such as blood circulation, environmental cycles, or the circulation of goods and money. For example: blood circulation is important for health「血液の循環は健康に重要です」(けつえきのじゅんかんはけんこうにじゅうようです). The circulation of money stimulates the economy「お金の循環が経済を活性化します」(おかねのじゅんかんがけいざいをかっせいかします). It can also be used metaphorically to describe the cyclical nature of events or ideas.
Radical
彳
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
2068
Handwriting
kanji
麺Meaning
Noodles, Wheat flour
Reading
mugiko
onyomiべんben
めんmen
Parts
麦Wheat 面Face, Surface
Example Word
麺: noodles. The Japanese noun '麺 (めん)' refers to 'noodles', a staple in Japanese cuisine. This term broadly encompasses various types of noodles, including soba, udon, and ramen. It is commonly used in contexts related to food and dining. For example: I ate noodles for lunch「昼ご飯に麺を食べた」(ひるごはんにめんをたべた). This restaurant serves delicious noodles「このレストランは美味しい麺を出す」(このレストランはおいしいめんをだす). The word '麺' is often seen in menus and food-related discussions, highlighting its importance in Japanese culinary culture.
Radical
麥
Stroke Count
16JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
2070
Handwriting
kanji
璧Meaning
Ball, Sphere
Reading
tama
onyomiへきheki
Parts
辟 玉Ball, Jewel
Example Word
完璧: perfection. The Japanese noun '完璧 (かんぺき)' means 'perfection'. It is used to describe something that is flawless, complete, or without any defects. This word is often used to emphasize the high quality or ideal state of something. For example: Her performance was perfect「彼女のパフォーマンスは完璧だった」(かのじょのパフォーマンスはかんぺきだった). This plan is flawless「このプランは完璧だ」(このプランはかんぺきだ). The word can also be used sarcastically or ironically to imply that something is too perfect or unrealistic. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.
Radical
玉
Stroke Count
18JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
2075
Handwriting
kanji
該Meaning
Correspond to
Reading
gai
Parts
訁Say (言)亥
Example Word
当該: relevant. The Japanese noun '当該 (とうがい)' means 'relevant' or 'the said'. It is used to refer to something previously mentioned or currently under discussion. This term is often used in formal or legal contexts to specify a particular matter or subject. For example: Please refer to the relevant section「当該のセクションを参照してください」(とうがいのセクションをさんしょうしてください). The said person is not available「当該の人は利用できません」(とうがいのひとはりようできません). It is important to note that '当該' is typically used in written or formal speech rather than casual conversation.
Radical
言
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
2076
Handwriting
kanji
痢Meaning
Diarrhea, Diarrhoea
Reading
ri
Parts
疒Sick 利Profit, Advantage
Example Word
下痢: diarrhea. The Japanese verbal noun '下痢 (げり)' refers to 'diarrhea', a condition characterized by frequent, loose, or watery bowel movements. It is commonly used in medical or everyday contexts to describe this specific health issue. For example: I have diarrhea「下痢をしています」(げりをしています). He got diarrhea from bad food「彼は悪い食べ物で下痢になった」(かれはわるいたべものでげりになった). This term is straightforward and typically used in both formal and informal settings to describe the condition.
Radical
疒
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
2082
Handwriting
kanji
芯Meaning
Wick
Reading
shin
Parts
艹Grass 心Heart
Example Word
芯: core. The Japanese noun '芯 (しん)' refers to the core or central part of something. It can be used literally, such as the core of a fruit or the wick of a candle, or metaphorically, to describe the central or essential part of an idea or concept. For example: the core of an apple「リンゴの芯」(りんごのしん). The wick of a candle「ろうそくの芯」(ろうそくのしん). In a metaphorical sense, it can describe the essence or heart of a matter, such as 'the core of the problem'「問題の芯」(もんだいのしん). This word is often used in both everyday and technical contexts.
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
7JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
2088
Handwriting
kanji
枢Meaning
Pivot, Hinge
Reading
karakuri
onyomiすうsuu
Parts
木Tree, Wood 区District
Example Word
中枢: center. The Japanese noun '中枢 (ちゅうすう)' refers to the central or core part of something, often implying a critical or pivotal role. It is commonly used in contexts such as organizations, systems, or physical structures to denote the main or controlling part. For example: the center of the nervous system「神経系の中枢」(しんけいけいのちゅうすう). The headquarters is the center of the company「本社は会社の中枢です」(ほんしゃはかいしゃのちゅうすうです). This word carries a nuance of importance and centrality, often suggesting a place or point from which control or influence is exerted.
Radical
木
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
2090
Handwriting
kanji
丼Meaning
Rice bowl
Reading
donburi
onyomiどんdon
Parts
井Well 丶Dot
Example Word
丼: bowl. The Japanese noun '丼 (どんぶり)' refers to a type of bowl, typically deep and used for serving rice dishes. It is commonly associated with dishes like '牛丼 (ぎゅうどん)' (beef bowl) or '親子丼 (おやこどん)' (chicken and egg bowl). The term can also refer to the dish itself served in such a bowl. For example: I ate a beef bowl「牛丼を食べた」(ぎゅうどんをたべた). This bowl is big「この丼は大きい」(このどんぶりはおおきい). The word is often used in the context of Japanese cuisine and dining.
Radical
丶
Stroke Count
5JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
2095
Handwriting
kanji
弧Meaning
Arc, Arch
Reading
ko
Parts
弓Bow 瓜
Example Word
括弧: parentheses. The Japanese verbal noun '括弧 (かっこ)' refers to 'parentheses' or 'brackets'. It is used to indicate a pair of punctuation marks that enclose additional information or asides within a sentence. In Japanese, there are different types of brackets, such as 丸括弧 (まるかっこ) for round brackets (), 角括弧 (かくかっこ) for square brackets [], and 波括弧 (なみかっこ) for curly brackets {}. Example sentences: Please put the word in parentheses「その言葉を括弧に入れてください」(そのことばをかっこにいれてください). The explanation is in brackets「説明は括弧内にあります」(せつめいはかっこないにあります).
Radical
弓
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
2096
Handwriting