Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Frequency of Use
Frequency Group 22
kanji
酵Meaning
Ferment, Fermentation
Reading
kou
Parts
酉Bird of the zodiac 孝Filial piety
Example Word
酵素: enzyme. The Japanese noun '酵素 (こうそ)' refers to 'enzyme', which is a protein that acts as a catalyst in biochemical reactions. Enzymes are essential for various biological processes, such as digestion and metabolism. For example: enzymes help break down food「酵素は食べ物を分解するのを助けます」(こうそはたべものをぶんかいするのをたすけます). This product contains digestive enzymes「この製品には消化酵素が含まれています」(このせいひんにはしょうかこうそがふくまれています). The term is commonly used in scientific, medical, and everyday contexts related to health and biology.
Radical
酉
Stroke Count
14JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
2102
Handwriting
kanji
箋Meaning
Stationery
Reading
fuda
onyomiせんsen
Example Word
便箋: stationery. The Japanese noun '便箋 (びんせん)' refers to 'stationery' or specifically 'letter paper'. It is used to describe high-quality paper designed for writing letters or formal correspondence. This term is often associated with traditional Japanese aesthetics and is commonly used in formal or personal letter-writing contexts. For example: I bought some beautiful stationery「きれいな便箋を買いました」(きれいなびんせんをかいました). She wrote a letter on elegant stationery「彼女は上品な便箋に手紙を書いた」(かのじょはじょうひんなびんせんにてがみをかいた). Note that '便箋' is distinct from everyday paper and carries a sense of refinement.
Radical
竹
Stroke Count
14JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
2106
Handwriting
kanji
賠Meaning
Compensate, Compensation
Reading
bai
Parts
貝Shellfish 咅Spit
Example Word
賠償: compensation. The Japanese noun '賠償 (ばいしょう)' refers to 'compensation', particularly in the context of legal or financial reparation for damages, losses, or injuries. It is commonly used in legal settings, such as lawsuits or insurance claims, where one party is required to compensate another for harm caused. For example: The company paid compensation for the damages「会社は損害の賠償を支払った」(かいしゃはそんがいのばいしょうをしはらった). He demanded compensation for the accident「彼は事故の賠償を要求した」(かれはじこのばいしょうをようきゅうした). This term is often associated with formal or serious situations where restitution is necessary.
Radical
貝
Stroke Count
15JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
2119
Handwriting