Jōyō KanjiOrganized by School Grade
Fourth Grade
kanji
約Meaning
Promise, Approximately
Reading
yaku
Parts
糸Thread
Example Word
約: about. The Japanese prefix '約 (やく)' means 'about' or 'approximately'. It is commonly used to indicate an approximate quantity, time, or degree. This prefix is often attached to numbers or time expressions to convey that the value is not exact but close to it. For example: about 100 people「約100人」(やくひゃくにん). It will take about 2 hours「約2時間かかります」(やくにじかんかかります). Note that '約' is typically used in formal or written contexts, and in casual speech, alternatives like 'だいたい' or 'くらい' might be more common.
Radical
糸
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
635
Handwriting
kanji
節Meaning
Season, Node
Reading
fushi
onyomiせつsetsu
せちsechi
Parts
⺮Bamboo (竹)即Instant, Immediate
Example Word
節約: saving. The Japanese verbal noun '節約 (せつやく)' means 'saving' or 'economizing'. It refers to the act of reducing expenses, conserving resources, or using something sparingly to avoid waste. This word is commonly used in contexts related to money, energy, time, or resources. For example: We need to save electricity「電気を節約する必要がある」(でんきをせつやくするひつようがある). She is saving money for her trip「彼女は旅行のために節約している」(かのじょはりょこうのためにせつやくしている). The word can also imply a sense of frugality or careful management of resources.
Radical
竹
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N1Grade
4Frequency
648
Handwriting
kanji
験Meaning
Test
Reading
tame
onyomiけんken
げんgen
Parts
馬Horse 㑒
Example Word
試験: test or exam. The Japanese verbal noun '試験 (しけん)' primarily means 'exam' or 'test'. It refers to a formal assessment of knowledge, skills, or abilities, often conducted in educational or professional settings. This word is commonly used in contexts like school exams, job entrance tests, or experiments. For example: I have an exam tomorrow「明日は試験があります」(あしたはしけんがあります). He passed the entrance test「彼は入学試験に合格した」(かれはにゅうがくしけんにごうかくした). Note that '試験' can also refer to trials or experiments in scientific or technical contexts, such as '試験管 (しけんかん)' (test tube).
Radical
馬
Stroke Count
18JLPT
N4Grade
4Frequency
650
Handwriting
kanji
給Meaning
Supply, Salary
Reading
kyuu
Parts
糸Thread 合Fit, Match
Example Word
給料: salary. The Japanese noun '給料 (きゅうりょう)' refers to the regular payment that an employee receives for their work, typically on a monthly basis. It is commonly used in the context of employment and is a key term when discussing jobs, income, and financial matters. For example: I received my salary「給料をもらった」(きゅうりょうをもらった). His salary is high「彼の給料は高い」(かれのきゅうりょうはたかい). The word is often used in formal or professional settings and is distinct from other terms like '賃金 (ちんぎん)' which can refer to wages or hourly pay.
Radical
糸
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
659
Handwriting
kanji
毒Meaning
Poison
Reading
doku
Parts
龶Life (生)毋
Example Word
有毒: poisonous. The Japanese adjectival noun '有毒 (ゆうどく)' means 'poisonous' or 'toxic'. It is used to describe substances, plants, animals, or other entities that contain or produce poison. This term is often used in scientific, medical, or environmental contexts. For example: that mushroom is poisonous「そのキノコは有毒です」(そのきのこはゆうどくです). The chemical is toxic to humans「その化学物質は人間にとって有毒です」(そのかがくぶっしつはにんげんにとってゆうどくです). Note that '有毒' is often used in formal or technical contexts, and it can also imply danger or harm beyond just physical toxicity.
Radical
毋
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
675
Handwriting
kanji
焼Meaning
Burn, Bake
Reading
ya
onyomiしょうshou
Parts
火Fire 尭
Example Word
焼き: grilled. The Japanese suffix '焼き (やき)' means 'grilled' and is commonly used in the names of dishes to indicate that the food has been grilled or broiled. This suffix is often attached to the name of the main ingredient to describe the cooking method. For example: grilled chicken「焼き鳥」(やきとり), grilled fish「焼き魚」(やきざかな). It can also be used in other contexts to describe something that has been baked or roasted, such as in '焼き芋 (やきいも)' which means 'roasted sweet potato'. The suffix is versatile and widely used in Japanese cuisine to specify the cooking technique.
Radical
火
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
688
Handwriting
kanji
養Meaning
Foster
Reading
yashina
onyomiようyou
Example Word
休養: rest. The Japanese verbal noun '休養 (きゅうよう)' means 'rest' or 'recuperation'. It refers to taking a break or time off to recover physically or mentally, often from work, stress, or illness. This word is commonly used in contexts related to health, work-life balance, or recovery. For example: I need rest to recover「休養が必要です」(きゅうようがひつようです). After the trip, I took a week of rest「旅行の後、一週間休養しました」(りょこうのあと、いっしゅうかんきゅうようしました). It is often used in formal or medical contexts to emphasize the importance of taking time to recover.
Radical
食
Stroke Count
15JLPT
N1Grade
4Frequency
693
Handwriting
kanji
照Meaning
Shine, Illuminate
Reading
te
onyomiしょうshou
Parts
火Fire 昭Shining
Example Word
対照: contrast. The Japanese noun '対照 (たいしょう)' means 'contrast'. It refers to the state of being strikingly different from something else, typically in a way that highlights their differences. This word is often used in contexts where two or more things are compared to emphasize their dissimilarities. For example: the contrast between light and dark「光と闇の対照」(ひかりとやみのたいしょう). The contrast between the two cultures is striking「二つの文化の対照は際立っている」(ふたつのぶんかのたいしょうはきわだっている). It can also be used in more abstract contexts, such as contrasting ideas or theories.
Radical
火
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
703
Handwriting
kanji
隊Meaning
Squad
Reading
tai
Parts
⻖ 㒸
Example Word
自衛隊: Self Defense Forces. The Japanese noun '自衛隊 (じえいたい)' refers to the 'Self-Defense Forces' of Japan, which is the country's military organization. Established after World War II, the Self-Defense Forces are primarily responsible for national defense and disaster relief operations. The term is often used in discussions about Japan's defense policies, international military cooperation, and domestic emergency responses. Example sentences: The Self-Defense Forces conducted a rescue operation「自衛隊が救助活動を行った」(じえいたいがきゅうじょかつどうをおこなった). He joined the Self-Defense Forces「彼は自衛隊に入隊した」(かれはじえいたいににゅうたいした).
Radical
阜
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N1Grade
4Frequency
707
Handwriting