Page 2
kanji
約Meaning
Promise, Approximately
Reading
onyomiやくyaku
Parts
糸Thread
Example Word
予約: reservation. The Japanese verbal noun '予約 (よやく)' means 'reservation'. It is commonly used to refer to booking or reserving something in advance, such as a table at a restaurant, a hotel room, or tickets for an event. For example: I made a reservation for dinner「夕食の予約をしました」(ゆうしょくのよやくをしました). Do you have a reservation?「 予約はありますか?」(よやくはありますか?). This word is often used in formal and informal contexts alike, and it is essential for planning and organizing events or services in Japan.
Radical
糸
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
635
Handwriting
kanji
節Meaning
Season, Node
Reading
kunyomiふしfushi
onyomiせつsetsu
せちsechi
Parts
⺮Bamboo (竹)即Instant, Immediate
Example Word
季節: season. The Japanese noun '季節 (きせつ)' refers to 'season', specifically one of the four divisions of the year (spring, summer, autumn, winter). It is used to describe the natural changes and characteristics associated with each period. For example: I love the autumn season「秋の季節が大好きです」(あきのきせつがだいすきです). The cherry blossoms are a symbol of the spring season「桜は春の季節の象徴です」(さくらははるのきせつのしょうちょうです). This word is commonly used in everyday conversation, poetry, and literature to evoke the beauty and atmosphere of each season.
Radical
竹
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N1Grade
4Frequency
648
Handwriting
kanji
験Meaning
Test
Reading
kunyomiためtame
onyomiけんken
げんgen
Parts
馬Horse 㑒
Example Word
受験: exam or application. The Japanese verbal noun '受験 (じゅけん)' primarily refers to taking an entrance examination or applying for admission to a school or institution. It is commonly used in the context of academic or professional testing. For example: I will take the university entrance exam「大学の受験をする」(だいがくのじゅけんをする). She is applying for the job「彼女はその仕事に受験している」(かのじょはそのしごと にじゅけんしている). Note that while 'exam' is the most common meaning, 'application' can also be a valid interpretation depending on the context.
Radical
馬
Stroke Count
18JLPT
N4Grade
4Frequency
650
Handwriting
kanji
給Meaning
Supply, Salary
Reading
onyomiきゅうkyuu
Parts
糸Thread 合Fit, Match
Example Word
給与: salary. The Japanese noun '給与 (きゅうよ)' refers to 'salary' or 'wages'. It is commonly used in professional or formal contexts to describe the payment an employee receives for their work. This term is often used in business settings, contracts, or official documents. For example: The company pays a high salary「その会社は高い給与を支払う」(そのかいしゃはたかいきゅうよをしはらう). My salary increased this year「今年、給与が上がった」(ことし、きゅうよがあがった). Note that '給与' is a formal term and is typically used in written or official contexts, while '給料 (きゅうりょう)' is a more casual term for salary.
Radical
糸
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
659
Handwriting
kanji
毒Meaning
Poison
Reading
onyomiどく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
kunyomiやya
onyomiしょうshou
Parts
火Fire 尭
Example Word
日焼け: sunburn. The Japanese verbal noun '日焼け (ひやけ)' refers to the condition of the skin becoming red or darkened due to exposure to the sun. It is commonly used to describe the result of spending time under strong sunlight, such as at the beach or during outdoor activities. For example: I got a sunburn at the beach「海で日焼けした」(うみでひやけした). Her face is red from sunburn「彼女の顔は日焼けで赤い」(かのじょのかおはひやけであかい). The term can also imply a tan, depending on the context, but it primarily emphasizes the effect of sun exposure on the skin.
Radical
火
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
688
Handwriting
kanji
養Meaning
Foster
Reading
kunyomiやしなyashina
onyomiようyou
Example Word
養子: adopted child. The Japanese noun '養子 (ようし)' means 'adopted child'. It refers to a child who is legally adopted into a family, becoming part of that family through legal processes. This word is often used in contexts related to family law, inheritance, or social discussions about adoption. Example: They adopted a child 「彼らは養子をもらった」 (かれらはようしをもらった). The adopted child inherited the property 「養子が財産を相続した」 (ようしがざいさんをそうぞくした). Note that '養子' can refer to either an adopted son or daughter, depending on the context.
Radical
食
Stroke Count
15JLPT
N1Grade
4Frequency
693
Handwriting
kanji
照Meaning
Shine, Illuminate
Reading
kunyomiて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
onyomiたいtai
Parts
⻖ 㒸
Example Word
兵隊: soldier. The Japanese noun '兵隊 (へいたい)' refers to a 'soldier'. It is commonly used to describe a member of the military, particularly in the context of ground forces. The term can be used in both historical and modern contexts, but it often carries a slightly informal or colloquial tone compared to more formal terms like '軍人 (ぐんじん)'. Example sentences: The soldiers marched through the town「兵隊が町を行進した」(へいたいがまちをこうしんした). He became a soldier「彼は兵隊になった」(かれはへいたいになった).
Radical
阜
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N1Grade
4Frequency
707
Handwriting
kanji
囲Meaning
Surround
Reading
kunyomiかこkako
onyomiいi
Parts
井Well 口Mouth
Example Word
周囲: surroundings. The Japanese noun '周囲 (しゅうい)' refers to the area or environment around something or someone. It can describe physical surroundings, such as the area around a building, or the social environment, such as the people around a person. For example: The surroundings are quiet「周囲は静かです」(しゅういはしずかです). He is aware of his surroundings「彼は周囲に気を配っている」(かれはしゅういにはきをくばっている). This word is often used in contexts where the focus is on the environment or the people around a subject.
Radical
囗
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
711
Handwriting
kanji
飯Meaning
Cooked rice, Food
Reading
kunyomiめしmeshi
onyomiはんhan
Parts
飠Eat (食)反Anti
Example Word
御飯: rice or meal. The Japanese noun '御飯 (ごはん)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'rice', referring specifically to cooked rice, which is a staple food in Japanese cuisine. The second meaning is 'meal', as rice is often the central component of a traditional Japanese meal. For example: I ate rice「御飯を食べた」(ごはんをたべた). Let's have a meal「御飯を食べましょう」(ごはんをたべましょう). The word can also be used in compound words like '朝御飯 (あさごはん)' meaning 'breakfast' and '晩御飯 (ばんごはん)' meaning 'dinner'. It's important to note that while '御飯' can mean both 'rice' and 'meal', the context usually makes it clear which meaning is intended.
Radical
食
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N4Grade
4Frequency
723
Handwriting
kanji
積Meaning
Accumulate
Reading
kunyomiつtsu
onyomiせきseki
Parts
禾Cereal 責Blame, Liability
Example Word
積極: proactiveness. The Japanese noun '積極 (せっきょく)' refers to a proactive or positive attitude towards taking action or engaging in activities. It is often used to describe someone who is enthusiastic, forward-thinking, or eager to take initiative. For example: His proactiveness is admirable「彼の積極は素晴らしい」(かれのせっきょくはすばらしい). We need more proactiveness in this project「このプロジェクトにはもっと積極が必要だ」(このプロジェクトにはもっとせっきょくがひつようだ). The term is commonly used in both personal and professional contexts to encourage or praise someone's willingness to act.
Radical
禾
Stroke Count
16JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
725
Handwriting
kanji
束Meaning
Bundle, Bind
Reading
kunyomiたばtaba
onyomiそくsoku
Parts
木Tree, Wood 口Mouth
Example Word
束: bundle. The Japanese noun '束 (たば)' refers to a 'bundle' or a collection of items tied together. It is commonly used to describe things like a bundle of sticks, flowers, or papers. For example: a bundle of flowers「花の束」(はなたば). He gave me a bundle of letters「彼は私に手紙の束をくれた」(かれはわたしにてがみのたばをくれた). The word can also imply a sense of grouping or clustering, often tied or bound in some way.
Radical
木
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
729
Handwriting
kanji
周Meaning
Circumference
Reading
kunyomiまわmawa
onyomiしゅうshuu
Parts
口Mouth 冂Enclosure
Example Word
周囲: surroundings. The Japanese noun '周囲 (しゅうい)' refers to the area or environment around something or someone. It can describe physical surroundings, such as the area around a building, or the social environment, such as the people around a person. For example: The surroundings are quiet「周囲は静かです」(しゅういはしずかです). He is aware of his surroundings「彼は周囲に気を配っている」(かれはしゅういにはきをくばっている). This word is often used in contexts where the focus is on the environment or the people around a subject.
Radical
口
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
732
Handwriting
kanji
街Meaning
Street, Boulevard
Reading
kunyomiまちmachi
onyomiがいgai
かいkai
Parts
行Go 圭
Example Word
街: town. The Japanese noun '街 (まち)' refers to a town or a city, often implying a lively or bustling area with shops, streets, and people. It is commonly used to describe urban areas or specific districts within a city. For example: Let's go to the town「街に行こう」(まちにいこう). This town is very lively「この街はとてもにぎやかだ」(このまちはとてもにぎやかだ). The word can also carry a sense of community or a specific atmosphere, such as a shopping street or a cultural district. It is distinct from '村 (むら)' (village) or '都市 (とし)' (metropolis), as it often conveys a smaller, more intimate urban space.
Radical
行
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N1Grade
4Frequency
735
Handwriting
kanji
印Meaning
Mark, Seal
Reading
kunyomiしるしshirushi
onyomiいんin
Parts
卩Seal
Example Word
目印: mark or sign. The Japanese noun '目印 (めじるし)' refers to a mark or sign used to identify or indicate something. It is commonly used to describe a physical marker, such as a landmark or a symbol, that helps someone recognize a location or object. For example: use that tree as a mark「あの木を目印にしてください」(あのきをめじるしにしてください). The red flag is the sign for the meeting point「赤い旗が目印です」(あかいはたがめじるしです). This word can also be used metaphorically to describe something that serves as an indicator or clue.
Radical
卩
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
738
Handwriting
kanji
低Meaning
Low
Reading
kunyomiひくhiku
onyomiていtei
Parts
亻Person (人)氐
Example Word
低い: low. The Japanese adjective '低い (ひくい)' means 'low'. It is used to describe something that has a relatively small height, level, or position. This can refer to physical objects, such as buildings or mountains, as well as abstract concepts like volume, temperature, or status. For example: the table is low「テーブルが低い」(てーぶるがひくい). His voice is low「彼の声は低い」(かれのこえはひくい). The temperature is low today「今日は気温が低い」(きょうはきおんがひくい). This adjective is often used in comparisons, such as 'lower than' (より低い).
Radical
人
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
739
Handwriting
kanji
帯Meaning
Belt, Wear
Reading
kunyomiおo
おびobi
onyomiたいtai
Parts
丗Thirty 冖Crown 巾Towel
Example Word
温帯: temperate. The Japanese noun '温帯 (おんたい)' refers to the 'temperate zone' or 'temperate region'. It is a geographical term used to describe the climate zone located between the tropics and the polar regions, characterized by moderate temperatures and distinct seasons. For example: Japan is located in the temperate zone「日本は温帯に位置している」(にほんはおんたいにいちしている). The temperate zone has four seasons「温帯には四季がある」(おんたいにはしきがある). This term is often used in discussions about climate, geography, and ecology.
Radical
巾
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
743
Handwriting
kanji
児Meaning
Child
Reading
onyomiにni
じji
Parts
儿Legs 旧Old, Past
Example Word
育児: childcare. The Japanese noun '育児 (いくじ)' refers to the act of raising or caring for children. It encompasses all activities related to the upbringing of a child, including feeding, education, and emotional support. This term is often used in contexts discussing parenting, family life, and social services. For example: She is busy with childcare「彼女は育児で忙しい」(かのじょはいくじでいそがしい). Childcare is challenging but rewarding「育児は大変だがやりがいがある」(いくじはたいへんだがやりがいがある).
Radical
儿
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
750
Handwriting
kanji
灯Meaning
Light, Lamp
Reading
kunyomiひhi
onyomiとうtou
Parts
火Fire 丁Street
Example Word
灯油: kerosene. The Japanese noun '灯油 (とうゆ)' refers to 'kerosene', a type of fuel oil commonly used for heating, lighting, and cooking in Japan. It is widely used in portable stoves, heaters, and lamps, especially in rural areas or during power outages. Example sentences: Please buy some kerosene「灯油を買ってきてください」(とうゆをかってきてください). The kerosene heater is very warm「灯油ストーブはとても暖かいです」(とうゆストーブはとてもあたたかいです). Note that '灯油' is specifically used for kerosene and not for other types of fuel like gasoline or diesel.
Radical
火
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
755
Handwriting
kanji
英Meaning
England, Distinguished
Reading
onyomiえいei
Parts
央Center 艹Grass
Example Word
和英: Japanese and English. The Japanese noun '和英 (わえい)' refers to something that is related to both Japanese and English, such as a Japanese-English dictionary or translation. It is often used in contexts involving bilingual materials or language studies. For example: I bought a Japanese-English dictionary「和英辞典を買いました」(わえいじてんをかいました). This is a Japanese-English translation「これは和英翻訳です」(これはわえいほんやくです). The term is commonly used in educational or linguistic settings to denote resources or works that bridge the two languages.
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N4Grade
4Frequency
756
Handwriting
kanji
倉Meaning
Warehouse
Reading
kunyomiくらkura
onyomiそうsou
Parts
亻Person (人)口Mouth 尸Corpse
Example Word
倉庫: warehouse. The Japanese noun '倉庫 (そうこ)' refers to a 'warehouse', a large building used for storing goods. It is commonly used in contexts related to logistics, storage, and business. For example: The warehouse is full「倉庫がいっぱいです」(そうこがいっぱいです). They built a new warehouse「新しい倉庫を建てました」(あたらしいそうこをたてました). The term can also be used metaphorically to describe a place where something is stored in large quantities, such as a 'warehouse of knowledge'「知識の倉庫」(ちしきのそうこ).
Radical
人
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N1Grade
4Frequency
764
Handwriting
kanji
固Meaning
Hard
Reading
kunyomiかたkata
onyomiこko
Parts
囗Box 古Old
Example Word
固まり: lump. The Japanese noun '固まり (かたまり)' refers to a 'lump' or a 'mass' of something that is solid or cohesive. It can be used to describe physical objects like a lump of clay, a chunk of ice, or even a group of people or things that are tightly packed together. For example: a lump of sugar「砂糖の固まり」(さとうのかたまり). A group of people gathered in one place「人々の固まり」(ひとびとのかたまり). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe a concentrated form of an abstract concept, such as a 'block' of time or a 'cluster' of ideas.
Radical
囗
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
765
Handwriting
kanji
府Meaning
Government office, Urban prefecture
Reading
onyomiふfu
Parts
广Dotted cliff 付Attach
Example Word
府立: prefectural. The Japanese noun '府立 (ふりつ)' refers to something that is established or operated by a prefecture, specifically in the context of institutions like schools, hospitals, or other public facilities. It is often used in the names of such institutions to indicate their affiliation with a prefecture. For example: prefectural high school「府立高校」(ふりつこうこう). prefectural hospital「府立病院」(ふりつびょういん). The term is commonly used in the Kansai region, particularly in Kyoto and Osaka, where '府' refers to the prefectural-level administrative divisions.
Radical
广
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
772
Handwriting
kanji
席Meaning
Seat
Reading
onyomiせきseki
Parts
巾Towel 广Dotted cliff 廿Twenty
Example Word
出席: attendance. The Japanese verbal noun '出席 (しゅっせき)' means 'attendance'. It refers to the act of being present at a meeting, class, event, or other gathering. It is commonly used in formal or academic contexts. For example: attendance is mandatory「出席は必須です」(しゅっせきはひっすです). I will attend the meeting「会議に出席します」(かいぎにしゅっせきします). The word can also be used in phrases like '出席を取る (しゅっせきをとる)' (to take attendance) or '出席率 (しゅっせきりつ)' (attendance rate).
Radical
巾
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
777
Handwriting
kanji
令Meaning
Orders
Reading
onyomiれいrei
Parts
亼 卩Seal
Example Word
仮令: even. The Japanese adverb '仮令 (たとえ)' is used to express a hypothetical or extreme condition, often translated as 'even if' or 'even though'. It is commonly used in conjunction with words like 'ても' or 'でも' to emphasize that the following statement holds true regardless of the condition. For example: Even if it rains, I will go「仮令雨が降っても、行きます」(たとえあめがふっても、いきます). Even though it's difficult, I won't give up「仮令難しくても、諦めない」(たとえむずかしくても、あきらめない). This word is often used in formal or literary contexts and carries a sense of strong determination or inevitability.
Radical
人
Stroke Count
5JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
781
Handwriting