Page 1
kanji
形Meaning
Shape
Reading
kunyomiかたkata
かたちkatachi
onyomiけいkei
ぎょうgyou
Parts
彡Fur 开Open
Example Word
形成: formation. The Japanese verbal noun '形成 (けいせい)' refers to the act of forming, shaping, or creating something. It is often used in contexts related to the development or establishment of structures, systems, or ideas. For example: the formation of a new government「新しい政府の形成」(あたらしいせいふのけいせい). The shaping of public opinion「世論の形成」(よろんのけいせい). This term is commonly used in both abstract and concrete contexts, such as in discussions about social, cultural, or physical formations.
Radical
彡
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N3Grade
2Frequency
201
Handwriting
kanji
他Meaning
Other
Radical Form Of
亻
Reading
kunyomiほかhoka
onyomiたta
Parts
亻Person (人)也To be
Example Word
他者: others. The Japanese noun '他者 (たしゃ)' means 'others' or 'other people'. It refers to individuals who are distinct from oneself, often emphasizing their separateness or different perspectives. This term is commonly used in philosophical, psychological, and social contexts to discuss relationships, empathy, or the distinction between self and others. For example: understanding others is important「他者を理解することは大切です」(たしゃをりかいすることはたいせつです). Respecting others' opinions is essential「他者の意見を尊重することが必要です」(たしゃのいけんをそんちょうすることがひつようです). The word carries a nuanced sense of recognizing the individuality and autonomy of others.
Radical
人
Stroke Count
5JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
202
Handwriting
kanji
命Meaning
Command, Life
Reading
kunyomiいのちinochi
onyomiめいmei
みょうmyou
Parts
令Orders 口Mouth
Example Word
使命: mission. The Japanese noun '使命 (しめい)' means 'mission'. This word is used to describe a task or duty that one is assigned or feels compelled to complete, often with a sense of importance or destiny. It can be used in various contexts, such as professional, personal, or even spiritual missions. For example: He felt it was his mission to help others「彼は人を助けることが自分の使命だと思った」(かれはひとをたすけることがじぶんのしめいだとおもった). The company's mission is to innovate「その会社の使命は革新することだ」(そのかいしゃのしめいはかくしんすることだ). This word carries a strong sense of responsibility and purpose.
Radical
口
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
203
Handwriting
kanji
成Meaning
Become
Reading
kunyomiなna
onyomiじょうjou
せいsei
Parts
戊
Example Word
可成: quite. The Japanese adverb '可成 (かなり)' means 'quite' or 'fairly'. It is used to indicate a significant degree or extent of something, often implying that the degree is more than expected but not extreme. This word is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. For example: It's quite cold today「今日は可成寒い」(きょうはかなりさむい). She is quite skilled「彼女は可成上手だ」(かのじょはかなりじょうずだ). Note that '可成' is often written in hiragana as 'かなり' in modern usage, and it can modify adjectives, verbs, or nouns to express a moderate but noticeable level.
Radical
戈
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
204
Handwriting
kanji
義Meaning
Righteousness
Reading
onyomiぎgi
Parts
羊Sheep 我Self, Ego
Example Word
義理: duty or obligation. The Japanese noun '義理 (ぎり)' refers to a sense of social obligation or duty, often tied to relationships or societal expectations. It is a deeply rooted concept in Japanese culture, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling one's responsibilities to maintain harmony. For example: I feel a sense of duty to help my friend「友達を助ける義理を感じる」(ともだちをたすけるぎりをかんじる). He attended the wedding out of obligation「彼は義理で結婚式に出席した」(かれはぎりでけっこんしきにしゅっせきした). This word is often used in contexts involving social expectations, such as gift-giving or attending events.
Radical
羊
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N1Grade
5Frequency
205
Handwriting
kanji
想Meaning
Concept
Reading
kunyomiおもomo
onyomiそうsou
Parts
心Heart 相Mutual
Example Word
発想: idea. The Japanese noun '発想 (はっそう)' refers to an 'idea' or 'concept', particularly one that is creative or innovative. It is often used in contexts where original thinking or a fresh perspective is involved. For example: His idea was brilliant「彼の発想は素晴らしかった」(かれのはっそうはすばらしかった). We need a new idea for this project「このプロジェクトには新しい発想が必要だ」(このプロジェクトにはあたらしいはっそうがひつようだ). The word can also imply the process of coming up with ideas, as in '発想力 (はっそうりょく)', which means 'creative thinking ability'.
Radical
心
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
206
Handwriting
kanji
早Meaning
Early, Fast
Reading
kunyomiはやhaya
onyomiそうsou
さsa
Parts
日Day, Sun 十Ten
Example Word
早速: promptly. The Japanese adverb '早速 (さっそく)' means 'promptly' or 'without delay'. It is used to indicate that something is done immediately or right after a suggestion, request, or opportunity arises. This word conveys a sense of eagerness or readiness to act. For example: I promptly tried the new recipe「早速新しいレシピを試しました」(さっそくあたらしいレシピをためしました). He promptly started working on the project「彼は早速プロジェクトに取り掛かりました」(かれはさっそくぷろじぇくとにとりかかりました). The adverb is often used in both casual and formal contexts to express quick action or response.
Radical
日
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N4Grade
1Frequency
207
Handwriting
kanji
古Meaning
Old
Reading
kunyomiふるfuru
onyomiこko
Parts
十Ten 口Mouth
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
口
Stroke Count
5JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
208
Handwriting
kanji
愛Meaning
Love
Reading
kunyomiまなmana
いとito
onyomiあいai
Parts
心Heart 爪Claw 冖Crown 夂Late
Example Word
愛人: lover or mistress. The Japanese noun '愛人 (あいじん)' refers to a person with whom one is romantically or sexually involved outside of marriage. It can mean 'lover' in a general sense, but it often carries the connotation of an extramarital affair, particularly when referring to a 'mistress'. The term is neutral in tone but can imply secrecy or taboo depending on the context. For example: he has a lover「彼には愛人がいる」(かれにはあいじんがいる). She is his mistress「彼女は彼の愛人だ」(かのじょはかれのあいじんだ). Note that this word is not typically used to describe a spouse or a partner in a committed, non-secretive relationship.
Radical
心
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
209
Handwriting
kanji
朝Meaning
Morning
Reading
kunyomiあさasa
onyomiちょ うchou
Parts
月Moon, Month 龺Eminent (卓)
Example Word
毎朝: every morning. The Japanese noun '毎朝 (まいあさ)' means 'every morning'. It is used to describe something that happens or is done each morning without exception. This word is often used in daily conversations to talk about routines or habits. For example: I drink coffee every morning「毎朝コーヒーを飲みます」(まいあさコーヒーをのみます). She goes jogging every morning「彼女は毎朝ジョギングをします」(かのじょはまいあさジョギングをします). The word '毎朝' is a combination of '毎' (every) and '朝' (morning), and it is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.
Radical
月
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
210
Handwriting
kanji
町Meaning
Town
Reading
kunyomiまちmachi
onyomiちょうchou
Parts
田Rice field 丁Street
Example Word
下町: downtown. The Japanese noun '下町 (したまち)' refers to the traditional downtown or lower-lying areas of a city, often associated with older neighborhoods, working-class communities, and a sense of local culture and history. These areas are typically contrasted with more modern or upscale districts. For example: I live in the downtown area「私は下町に住んでいます」(わたしはしたまちにすんでいます). The downtown has a nostalgic atmosphere「下町は懐かしい雰囲気があります」(したまちはなつかしいふんいきがあります). The term often evokes images of narrow streets, small shops, and a close-knit community.
Radical
田
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N4Grade
1Frequency
211
Handwriting
kanji
処Meaning
Deal with
Reading
onyomiしょsho
Parts
夂Late 几
Example Word
処置: measure. The Japanese noun '処置 (しょち)' means 'measure' or 'action taken to deal with a situation'. It is often used in contexts where a problem or issue needs to be addressed, such as in medical, technical, or administrative settings. For example: The doctor took immediate measures「医師はすぐに処置をした」(いしはすぐにしょちをした). We need to take measures to prevent accidents「事故を防ぐための処置が必要だ」(じこをふせぐためのしょちがひつようだ). This word can also imply a sense of urgency or necessity in addressing the situation at hand.
Radical
几
Stroke Count
5JLPT
N3Grade
6Frequency
212
Handwriting
kanji
解Meaning
Solve, Untie
Reading
kunyomiとto
onyomiげge
かいkai
Parts
角Corner, Angle 刀Sword 牛Cow
Example Word
解消: resolution. The Japanese noun '解消 (かいしょう)' refers to the act of resolving, eliminating, or dissolving something, such as a problem, tension, or a condition. It is often used in contexts where an issue or situation is being cleared or settled. For example: The tension was resolved「緊張が解消された」(きんちょうがかいしょうされた). We need to resolve this problem「この問題を解消する必要がある」(このもんだいをかいしょうするひつようがある). The term can also be used in contexts like stress relief or dissolving a contract, emphasizing the idea of something being cleared or removed.
Radical
角
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N3Grade
5Frequency
213
Handwriting
kanji
常Meaning
Usual, Normal
Reading
kunyomiとこtoko
つねtsune
onyomiじょうjou
Parts
尚Still, Esteem 巾Towel
Example Word
常に: always. The Japanese adverb '常に (つねに)' means 'always'. It is used to indicate that something happens all the time, without exception, or is continuously true. This adverb is often used in formal or written contexts, but can also appear in spoken language. For example: He is always busy「彼は常に忙しい」(かれはつねにいそがしい). We must always strive for improvement「私たちは常に向上を目指さなければならない」(わたしたちはつねにこうじょうをめざさなければならない). Note that '常に' emphasizes a continuous state or action, and is more formal than other similar adverbs like 'いつも'.
Radical
巾
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N3Grade
5Frequency
214
Handwriting
kanji
関Meaning
Barrier, Related
Reading
kunyomiせきseki
onyomiかんkan
Parts
門Gate 关Close
Example Word
玄関: entrance. The Japanese noun '玄関 (げんかん)' refers to the entrance area of a house or building, typically where shoes are removed before entering. It is a culturally significant space in Japanese homes, often designed with a genkan step to separate the outside from the inside. For example: Please take off your shoes at the entrance「玄関で靴を脱いでください」(げんかんでくつをぬいでください). The entrance is very clean「玄関はとてもきれいです」(げんかんはとてもきれいです). This word is essential in daily life and reflects Japanese customs regarding cleanliness and respect for indoor spaces.
Radical
門
Stroke Count
14JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
215
Handwriting
kanji
土Meaning
Soil
Reading
kunyomiつちtsuchi
onyomiとto
どdo
Parts
一One 十Ten
Example Word
土曜日: Saturday. The Japanese noun '土曜日 (どようび)' means 'Saturday'. It is one of the days of the week in the Japanese calendar. The word is composed of the kanji '土' meaning 'earth' or 'soil', and '曜日' meaning 'day of the week'. In Japan, Saturday is often considered part of the weekend, and many people have the day off from work or school. Example sentences: I will go shopping on Saturday「土曜日に買い物に行きます」(どようびにかいものにいきます). Saturday is my favorite day「土曜日は私の一番好きな日です」(どようびはわたしのいちばんすきなひです).
Radical
土
Stroke Count
3JLPT
N5Grade
1Frequency
216
Handwriting
kanji
如Meaning
As, Likeness
Reading
kunyomiごとgoto
onyomiじょjo
にょnyo
Parts
女Woman 口Mouth
Example Word
如何なる: any. The Japanese determiner '如何なる (いかなる)' is a formal or literary term meaning 'any' or 'what kind of'. It is used to refer to something in a general or unspecified way, often in questions or negative sentences. It carries a nuance of formality and is commonly found in written language or formal speech. For example: I do not know any details「如何なる詳細も知りません」(いかなるしょうさいもしりません). What kind of person is he?「如何なる人物ですか?」(いかなるじんぶつですか?). Note that this word is less common in casual conversation and is typically replaced by more straightforward terms like 'どんな' or 'どのような'.
Radical
女
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
217
Handwriting
kanji
兵Meaning
Soldier
Reading
onyomiへいhei
ひょうhyou
Parts
丘Hill 八Eight
Example Word
兵: soldier. The Japanese noun '兵 (へい)' primarily means 'soldier'. It refers to a person who serves in an army or military force. This term is often used in formal or historical contexts. For example: The soldier fought bravely「兵は勇敢に戦った」(へいはゆうかんにたたかった). Many soldiers were injured「多くの兵が負傷した」(おおくのへいがふしょうした). The word can also appear in compound nouns, such as '兵士 (へいし)' which also means 'soldier', but '兵' alone is more concise and often used in literary or formal settings.
Radical
八
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
218
Handwriting
kanji
海Meaning
Sea
Reading
kunyomiうみumi
onyomiかいkai
Parts
氵Water (水)毎Every
Example Word
海峡: strait. The Japanese noun '海峡 (かいきょう)' refers to a 'strait', which is a narrow passage of water connecting two larger bodies of water. This term is often used in geographical contexts to describe natural waterways. For example: The strait is very narrow「その海峡はとても狭い」(そのかいきょうはとてもせまい). Ships pass through the strait「船が海峡を通る」(ふねがかいきょうをとおる). The word is commonly used in discussions about geography, navigation, and marine environments.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
219
Handwriting
kanji
要Meaning
Important, Need
Reading
kunyomiいi
かなめkaname
onyomiようyou
Parts
覀 女Woman
Example Word
要件: requirement. The Japanese noun '要件 (ようけん)' primarily means 'requirement'. It is used to refer to necessary conditions, specifications, or criteria that must be met for a particular purpose. This term is commonly used in formal or technical contexts, such as business, legal matters, or software development. For example: the requirements for the job「仕事の要件」(しごとのようけん). The system meets all the requirements「システムはすべての要件を満たしています」(システムはすべてのようけんをみたしています). In some cases, it can also imply essential matters or key points, but this usage is less common and context-dependent.
Radical
西
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
220
Handwriting
kanji
申Meaning
Report
Reading
kunyomiもうmou
onyomiしんshin
Parts
日Day, Sun 丨Stick
Example Word
申し訳ない: apologetic. The Japanese adjective '申し訳ない (もうしわけない)' means 'apologetic' or 'feeling deeply sorry'. It is used to express sincere regret or apology, often in formal or serious situations. This phrase conveys a strong sense of responsibility and remorse. For example: I am deeply sorry for the inconvenience「ご迷惑をおかけして申し訳ありません」(ごめいわくをおかけしてもうしわけありません). I feel terrible for being late「遅れてしまって申し訳ない」(おくれてしまってもうしわけない). The phrase is often used in polite or formal contexts, and it can be intensified by adding 'ございません' (e.g., '申し訳ございません') to make it even more respectful.
Radical
田
Stroke Count
5JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
221
Handwriting
kanji
誰Meaning
Who
Reading
kunyomiだれdare
Parts
言Say 隹Bird
Example Word
誰か: someone. The Japanese noun '誰か (だれか)' means 'someone'. It is used to refer to an unspecified person, often when the speaker does not know or does not specify who the person is. It can be used in questions or statements. For example: Is someone there?「誰かいますか?」(だれかいますか?). I need someone to help me「誰か助けてくれる人が必要です」(だれかたすけてくれるひとがひつようです). Note that '誰か' is often used in contexts where the speaker is seeking assistance or trying to identify an unknown person.
Radical
言
Stroke Count
15JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
222
Handwriting
kanji
過Meaning
Exceed, Error
Reading
kunyomiすsu
あやまayama
onyomiかka
Parts
⻌Walk 咼
Example Word
経過: progress or passage. The Japanese verbal noun '経過 (けいか)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'passage', referring to the passing of time or the progression of events. For example: the passage of time「時間の経過」(じかんのけいか). The second meaning is 'progress', referring to the development or advancement of a situation or process. For example: the progress of the project「プロジェクトの経過」(ぷろじぇくとのけいか). This word is often used in formal or technical contexts to describe the unfolding of events or the status of a process. Another example: the progress of the disease「病気の経過」(びょうきのけいか).
Radical
辵
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
5Frequency
223
Handwriting
kanji
百Meaning
Hundred
Reading
kunyomiももmomo
onyomiひゃくhyaku
Parts
一One 白White
Example Word
四百: four hundred. The Japanese noun '四百 (よんひゃく)' means 'four hundred'. This is a specific number used in counting or quantifying objects, amounts, or other numerical contexts. It is a combination of '四 (よん)' meaning 'four' and '百 (ひゃく)' meaning 'hundred'. Example sentences: There are four hundred books in the library「図書館には四百冊の本があります」(としょかんにはよんひゃくさつのほんがあります). The event had four hundred participants「そのイベントには四百人の参加者がいました」(そのイベントにはよんひゃくにんのさんかしゃがいました).
Radical
白
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N5Grade
1Frequency
224
Handwriting
kanji
九Meaning
Nine
Reading
kunyomiここのkokono
onyomiくku
きゅうkyuu
Parts
乙Second, Latter 丿Katakana no
Example Word
九: nine. The Japanese noun '九 (きゅう)' means 'nine'. It is used to represent the number nine in various contexts, such as counting, age, or quantities. For example: I have nine apples「りんごが九つあります」(りんごがきゅうつあります). She is nine years old「彼女は九歳です」(かのじょはきゅうさいです). This word is commonly used in everyday conversations and is essential for basic counting and numerical expressions in Japanese.
Radical
乛
Stroke Count
2JLPT
N5Grade
1Frequency
225
Handwriting
kanji
初Meaning
Beginning, First
Reading
kunyomiはじhaji
そso
はつhatsu
onyomiしょsho
Parts
衤 刀Sword
Example Word
初日: first day. The Japanese noun '初日 (しょにち)' refers to the 'first day' of an event, activity, or period. It is commonly used in contexts such as the first day of a festival, the opening day of a movie, or the first day of a new job. For example: The first day of the festival was crowded「祭りの初日は混雑していた」(まつりのしょにちはこんざつしていた). The movie's opening day is tomorrow「映画の初日は明日です」(えいがのしょにちはあしたです). This word emphasizes the beginning or commencement of something significant.
Radical
刀
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
226
Handwriting
kanji
頃Meaning
Approximate
Reading
kunyomiころkoro
ごろgoro
Parts
匕Spoon 頁Page
Example Word
頃: time or period. The Japanese noun '頃 (ころ)' refers to a specific time or period, often implying a general or approximate time frame rather than an exact moment. It is commonly used to describe a period in the past, present, or future, and can be associated with seasons, events, or life stages. For example: around this time last year「去年のこの頃」(きょねんのこのころ). When I was a child「子供の頃」(こどものころ). It can also be used to indicate a suitable or appropriate time for something, as in 'it's about time to leave'「そろそろ帰る頃だ」(そろそろかえるころだ). The word carries a nuance of vagueness, making it useful for expressing general time frames without precision.
Radical
頁
Stroke Count
11JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
227
Handwriting
kanji
半Meaning
Half
Reading
kunyomiなかnaka
onyomiはんhan
Parts
丷Divide 干Dry
Example Word
半分: half. The Japanese noun '半分 (はんぶん)' means 'half'. It is used to describe one of two equal parts of something. This word is commonly used in everyday conversations, such as dividing food, time, or objects. For example: I ate half of the cake「ケーキの半分を食べた」(ケーキのはんぶんをたべた). Let's split the work in half「仕事を半分に分けよう」(しごとをはんぶんにわけよう). The word can also be used metaphorically, as in 'half of my heart is broken'「私の心の半分は壊れている」(わたしのこころのはんぶんはこわれている).
Radical
十
Stroke Count
5JLPT
N5Grade
2Frequency
228
Handwriting
kanji
飛Meaning
Fly
Reading
kunyomiとto
onyomiひhi
Parts
升Sho, Measuring box
Example Word
飛ばす: fly or skip. The Japanese verb '飛ばす (とばす)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'to fly', as in making something fly or sending something through the air. For example: He flew the kite high「彼はたこを高く飛ばした」(かれはたこをたかくとばした). The second meaning is 'to skip', as in omitting or jumping over something. For example: I skipped a few pages「私は数ページ飛ばした」(わたしはすうページとばした). The verb can also imply speeding up or rushing, depending on the context. For example: The car sped down the road「車が道を飛ばした」(くるまがみちをとばした).
Radical
飛
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
229
Handwriting
kanji
苦Meaning
Suffer
Reading
kunyomiくるkuru
にがniga
onyomiくku
Parts
艹Grass 古Old
Example Word
苦手: dislike or weakness. The Japanese adjectival noun '苦手 (にがて)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'weakness', referring to something one is not good at or struggles with. The second meaning is 'dislike', referring to something one does not enjoy or prefers to avoid. For example: I am weak at math「数学が苦手で す」(すうがくがにがてです). I dislike spicy food「辛い食べ物が苦手です」(からいたべものがにがてです). This word is often used to express personal challenges or preferences in a polite or indirect manner.
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
230
Handwriting
kanji
氏Meaning
Family name
Reading
kunyomiうじuji
onyomiしshi
Example Word
彼氏: boyfriend. The Japanese noun '彼氏 (かれし)' means 'boyfriend'. It is a commonly used term to refer to a male romantic partner. This word is casual and is often used in everyday conversation. For example: My boyfriend is kind「私の彼氏は優しい」(わたしのかれしはやさしい). I went to the movies with my boyfriend「彼氏と映画に行った」(かれしとえいがにいった). It is important to note that '彼氏' is specifically used for romantic relationships and not for male friends in general. The term '彼 (かれ)' can also mean 'he' or 'boyfriend', but '彼氏' is more commonly used to clearly indicate a romantic relationship.
Radical
氏
Stroke Count
4JLPT
N1Grade
4Frequency
231
Handwriting
kanji
火Meaning
Fire
Reading
kunyomiひhi
ほho
onyomiかka
Parts
人Person 丷Divide
Example Word
消火器: fire extinguisher. The Japanese noun '消火器 (しょうかき)' refers to a 'fire extinguisher', a device used to put out fires. It is commonly found in buildings, vehicles, and public spaces for safety purposes. Example sentences: Please use the fire extinguisher in case of emergency「緊急時には消火器を使ってください」(きんきゅうじにはしょうかきをつかってください). The fire extinguisher is located near the exit「消火器は出口の近くにあります」(しょうかきはでぐちのちかくにあります).
Radical
火
Stroke Count
4JLPT
N5Grade
1Frequency
232
Radical Form
灬
Handwriting
kanji
東Meaning
East
Reading
kunyomiひがしhigashi
onyomiとうtou
Parts
木Tree, Wood 日Day, Sun
Example Word
東洋: Orient. The Japanese noun '東洋 (とうよう)' refers to the 'Orient' or 'East Asia', encompassing countries such as Japan, China, and Korea. This term is often used in contrast to '西洋 (せいよう)', which means 'the West' or 'Western countries'. It is commonly used in historical, cultural, and geographical contexts. For example: The culture of the Orient is fascinating「東洋の文化は魅力的だ」(とうようのぶんかはみりょくてきだ). He studies Oriental history「彼は東洋の歴史を研究している」(かれはとうようのれきしをけんきゅうしている). Note that while '東洋' is a neutral term, its usage can sometimes carry historical or cultural connotations depending on the context.
Radical
木
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N5Grade
2Frequency
233
Handwriting
kanji
安Meaning
Cheap, Relax
Reading
kunyomiやすyasu
onyomiあんan
Parts
宀Roof 女Woman
Example Word
安保: security. The Japanese noun '安保 (あんぽ)' is an abbreviation of '安全保障 (あんぜんほしょう)', which means 'security' or 'safety'. It is commonly used in contexts related to national security, international relations, or defense policies. For example: The government is discussing security issues「政府は安保問題を話し合っている」(せいふはあんぽもんだいをはなしあっている). The treaty focuses on regional security「その条約は地域の安保に焦点を当てている」(そのじょうやくはちいきのあんぽにしょうてんをあてている). This term is often used in formal or political discussions.
Radical
宀
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
234
Handwriting
kanji
数Meaning
Number
Reading
kunyomiかずkazu
かぞkazo
onyomiすうsuu
Parts
攵Strike 米Rice 女Woman
Example Word
数百: hundreds. The Japanese noun '数百 (すうひゃく)' means 'hundreds'. It is used to indicate an approximate quantity in the hundreds, often when the exact number is not specified or is not important. This term is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. For example: hundreds of people attended the event「数百人がイベントに参加した」(すうひゃくにんがイベントにさんかした). There are hundreds of books in the library「図書館には数百冊の本がある」(としょかんにはすうひゃくさつのほんがある). Note that '数百' is often followed by a counter or a noun to specify what is being counted, such as '数百人 (すうひゃくにん)' (hundreds of people) or '数百冊 (すうひゃくさつ)' (hundreds of books).
Radical
攴
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N3Grade
2Frequency
235
Handwriting
kanji
化Meaning
Change
Reading
kunyomiばba
onyomiけke
かka
Parts
亻Person (人)匕Spoon
Example Word
化する: transform. The Japanese verb '化する (かする)' means 'to transform' or 'to change into'. It is often used to describe a process where something undergoes a significant change in form, nature, or state. This verb is commonly used in both literal and metaphorical contexts. For example: The caterpillar transformed into a butterfly「毛虫が蝶に化した」(けむしがちょうにかした). The situation has turned into a crisis「状況が危機に化した」(じょうきょうがききにかした). Note that '化する' is often used in formal or written contexts and can be combined with nouns to form compound verbs, such as '変化する (へんかする)' (to change) or '悪化する (あっかする)' (to worsen).
Radical
匕
Stroke Count
4JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
236
Handwriting
kanji
定Meaning
Determine
Reading
kunyomiさだsada
onyomiじょうjou
ていtei
Parts
宀Roof 正Correct
Example Word
断定: conclusion. The Japanese verbal noun '断定 (だんてい)' means 'conclusion' or 'definite decision'. It is used to express a firm or definitive judgment about something. This word often appears in formal or logical contexts, such as in discussions, debates, or written analyses. For example: He reached a conclusion「彼は断定した」(かれはだんていした). The evidence led to a definite conclusion「その証拠は断定を導いた」(そのしょうこはだんていをみちびいた). Note that '断定' is often used with verbs like 'する' to form the phrase '断定する', meaning 'to conclude' or 'to assert definitively'.
Radical
宀
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
237
Handwriting
kanji
青Meaning
Blue
Reading
kunyomiあおao
onyomiしょうshou
せいsei
Parts
月Moon, Month 龶Life (生)
Example Word
青年: youth. The Japanese noun '青年 (せいねん)' refers to a 'youth' or 'young man', typically in the age range of late teens to early thirties. It is often used to describe someone in the prime of their youth, emphasizing their energy, potential, and the transitional phase of life. This term carries a slightly formal tone and is commonly used in literature, news, or formal discussions. For example: The youth is full of dreams「青年は夢でいっぱいだ」(せいねんはゆめでいっぱいだ). He is a promising young man「彼は有望な青年だ」(かれはゆうぼうなせいねんだ). Note that '青年' is gender-neutral in meaning but is often associated with males in practice.
Radical
青
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N4Grade
1Frequency
238
Handwriting
kanji
供Meaning
Accompany, Offer
Reading
kunyomiともtomo
そなsona
onyomiくku
きょうkyou
Parts
亻Person (人)共Together
Example Word
供える: offer. The Japanese verb '供える (そなえる)' means 'to offer' or 'to present'. It is commonly used in the context of offering something, often in a religious or ceremonial setting, such as offering food, flowers, or other items to deities, spirits, or ancestors. For example: They offered flowers to the altar「彼らは祭壇に花を供えた」(かれらはさいだんにはなをそなえた). We offered rice to the gods「私たちは神々に米を供えた」(わたしたちはかみがみにこめをそなえた). The verb carries a respectful and formal tone, often implying a sense of reverence or ritual.
Radical
人
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N3Grade
6Frequency
239
Handwriting
kanji
社Meaning
Company
Reading
kunyomiやしろyashiro
onyomiしゃsha
Parts
土Soil 礻Cult (示)
Example Word
社債: corporate bonds. The Japanese noun '社債 (しゃさい)' refers to 'corporate bonds', which are debt securities issued by corporations to raise capital. Investors who purchase these bonds lend money to the company in exchange for periodic interest payments and the return of the principal amount at maturity. This term is commonly used in financial and business contexts. For example: The company issued corporate bonds「その会社は社債を発行した」(そのかいしゃはしゃさいをはっこうした). Investing in corporate bonds can be profitable「社債への投資は利益をもたらすことがある」(しゃさいへのとうしはりえきをもたらすことがある).
Radical