Page 1
kanji
郎Meaning
Young man, Guy
Reading
onyomiろうrou
Parts
良Good ⻏Mound (阜)
Example Word
野郎: guy or jerk. The Japanese noun '野郎 (やろう)' has two distinct meanings depending on the context. The first meaning is a casual or informal way to refer to a 'guy' or 'dude', often used among friends or in a neutral tone. For example: That guy is my friend「あの野郎は友達だ」(あのやろうはともだちだ). The second meaning is more derogatory, referring to someone as a 'jerk' or 'idiot', often used when expressing frustration or anger. For example: That jerk ruined everything「あの野郎が全部台無しにした」(あのやろうがぜんぶだいなしにした). The tone and context are crucial in determining which meaning is intended, as the word can range from neutral to highly offensive.
Radical
邑
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
62
Handwriting
kanji
眼Meaning
Eyeball
Reading
kunyomiまなこmanako
onyomiげんgen
がんgan
Parts
目Eye 艮Stopping
Example Word
眼鏡: glasses. The Japanese noun '眼鏡 (めがね)' refers to 'glasses' or 'spectacles', which are worn to correct or protect vision. This term is commonly used in everyday conversation when referring to eyewear. For example: I need new glasses「新しい眼鏡が必要です」(あたらしいめがねがひつようです). He is wearing glasses「彼は眼鏡をかけています」(かれはめがねをかけています). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe someone's perspective or viewpoint, as in '彼は現実を眼鏡を通して見ている' (かれはげんじつをめがねをとおしてみている) - 'He sees reality through glasses', implying a filtered or biased view.
Radical
目
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N1Grade
5Frequency
112
Handwriting
kanji
僕Meaning
I, Me
Reading
onyomiぼくboku
Parts
亻Person (人)菐
Example Word
僕: I. The Japanese pronoun '僕 (ぼく)' is a first-person pronoun meaning 'I'. It is primarily used by males and carries a casual, humble, or boyish tone. It is often used in informal settings and can convey a sense of modesty or youthfulness. For example: I am a student「僕は学生です」(ぼくはがくせいです). I like this song「僕はこの歌が好きです」(ぼくはこのうたがすきです). While it is commonly used by younger males, some older men may also use it to maintain a casual or approachable tone. It is less formal than '私 (わたし)' and should be avoided in very formal or professional contexts.
Radical
人
Stroke Count
14JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
124
Handwriting
kanji
第Meaning
Ordinal number
Reading
onyomiだいdai
Parts
⺮Bamboo (竹)弟Younger brother
Example Word
第: ordinal. The Japanese prefix '第 (だい)' is used to indicate ordinal numbers, similar to '1st', '2nd', '3rd' in English. It is commonly attached to numbers to denote order, rank, or sequence. For example: first place「第一位」(だいいちい). Second chapter「第二章」(だいにしょう). Third time「第三回」(だいさんかい). This prefix is often used in formal or structured contexts, such as academic chapters, competition rankings, or event iterations. It is important to note that '第' is always followed by a number and does not stand alone as a word.
Radical
竹
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N1Grade
3Frequency
173
Handwriting
kanji
吉Meaning
Lucky, Good luck
Reading
kunyomiよしyoshi
onyomiきつkitsu
きちkichi
Parts
士Samurai 口Mouth
Example Word
吉: luck. The Japanese noun '吉 (きち)' primarily means 'luck' or 'good fortune'. It is often used in contexts related to auspiciousness or favorable outcomes. This term is commonly seen in traditional settings, such as in fortune-telling (omikuji) or in names of places and people to convey a sense of prosperity. For example: This is a lucky day「今日は吉の日だ」(きょうはきちのひだ). The fortune slip says good luck「おみくじは吉と言っている」(おみくじはきちといっている). Note that '吉' can also appear in compound words or names, where it retains its connotation of positivity and good fortune.
Radical
口
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
175
Handwriting
kanji
我Meaning
Self, Ego
Reading
kunyomiわwa
われware
onyomiがga
Parts
手Hand 戈
Example Word
我が国: our country. The Japanese noun '我が国 (わがくに)' means 'our country'. It is a formal and somewhat patriotic term used to refer to one's own nation, often in official or ceremonial contexts. The term carries a sense of pride and belonging. For example: We must protect our country「我が国を守らなければならない」(わがくにをまもらなければならない). Our country is beautiful「我が国は美しい」(わがくにはうつくしい). The term is often used in speeches, official documents, and news reports to emphasize national identity and unity.
Radical
戈
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N1Grade
6Frequency
182
Handwriting
kanji
結Meaning
Tie, Bind
Reading
kunyomiゆyu
むすmusu
onyomiけつketsu
Parts
糸Thread 吉Lucky, Good luck
Example Word
結果: result. The Japanese noun '結果 (けっか)' means 'result'. It refers to the outcome or consequence of an action, event, or process. This word is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe the end product of something. For example: the result of the experiment was surprising「実験の結果は驚くべきものだった」(じっけんのけっかはおどろくべきものだった). What was the result of the meeting?「会議の結果はどうでしたか?」(かいぎのけっかはどうでしたか?). It can also be used in phrases like '良い結果 (よいけっか)' (good result) or '悪い結果 (わるいけっか)' (bad result).
Radical
糸
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N1Grade
4Frequency
186
Handwriting
kanji
士Meaning
Samurai
Reading
onyomiしshi
Example Word
同士: companion. The Japanese noun '同士 (どうし)' refers to people who share the same status, situation, or characteristics. It is often used to indicate a sense of camaraderie or mutual understanding among individuals. For example: fellow students「学生同士」(がくせいどうし). They are fellow travelers「彼らは旅人同士だ」(かれらはたびびとどうしだ). This term can also be used to describe a relationship where both parties are in the same position or have similar experiences, such as '戦友同士 (せんゆうどうし)' meaning 'comrades-in-arms'.
Radical
士
Stroke Count
3JLPT
N1Grade
4Frequency
189
Handwriting
kanji
義Meaning
Righteousness
Reading
onyomiぎgi
Parts
羊Sheep 我Self, Ego
Example Word
意義: significance. The Japanese noun '意義 (いぎ)' means 'significance' or 'meaning'. It is used to describe the importance, value, or purpose of something. This word is often used in formal or philosophical contexts to discuss the deeper meaning or relevance of actions, events, or concepts. For example: The significance of this event is profound「このイベントの意義は深い」(このイベントのいぎはふかい). We must understand the meaning of life「人生の意義を理解しなければならない」(じんせいのいぎをりかいしなければ ならない). It can also be used to emphasize the importance of a decision or action, as in 'This decision has great significance'「この決定には大きな意義がある」(このけっていにはおおきないぎがある).
Radical
羊
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N1Grade
5Frequency
205
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
氏Meaning
Family name
Reading
kunyomiうじuji
onyomiしshi
Example Word
氏: surname. The Japanese noun '氏 (し)' refers to a person's surname or family name. It is often used in formal or written contexts, such as in official documents, news articles, or academic papers. For example: Mr. Tanaka's opinion「田中氏の意見」(たなかしのいけん). The term can also be used to refer to someone in a respectful manner, particularly when discussing their work or contributions. For instance: Dr. Suzuki's research「鈴木氏の研究」(すずきしのけんきゅう). Note that '氏' is typically used in third-person references and is not used when directly addressing someone.
Radical
氏
Stroke Count
4JLPT
N1Grade
4Frequency
231
Handwriting
kanji
又Meaning
Again
Reading
kunyomiまたmata
onyomiまたmata
Example Word
又: again or also. The Japanese adverb '又 (また)' has two primary meanings: 'again' and 'also'. When used to mean 'again', it indicates repetition or recurrence of an action or event. For example: I will visit Japan again「また日本を訪れます」(またにほんをおとずれます). When used to mean 'also', it adds information or indicates an additional item or action. For example: He is also a teacher「彼はまた先生です」(かれはまたせんせいです). The nuance of 'また' can vary depending on context, but it generally conveys a sense of addition or repetition. It is commonly used in both casual and formal settings.
Radical
又
Stroke Count
2JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
247
Handwriting
kanji
張Meaning
Spread, Stretch
Reading
kunyomiはha
onyomiちょうchou
Parts
弓Bow 長Long, Leader
Example Word
矢張り: still or as expected. The Japanese adverb '矢張り (やはり)' can mean 'still' or 'as expected'. It is often used to express that something remains unchanged or that a situation has turned out as one anticipated. This word can convey a sense of inevitability or confirmation of one's expectations. For example: I thought it would rain, and sure enough, it did「雨が降ると思ったら、やはり降った」(あめがふるとおもったら、やはりふった). Even after all these years, he is still the same「何年たっても、彼はやはり変わらない」(なんねんたっても、かれはやはりかわらない). '矢張り' is commonly used in both casual and formal contexts to emphasize that something is consistent with what was previously thought or known.
Radical
弓
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N1Grade
5Frequency
255
Handwriting
kanji
姿Meaning
Shape, Figure
Reading
kunyomiすがたsugata
onyomiしshi
Parts
女Woman 次Next
Example Word
姿勢: posture. The Japanese noun '姿勢 (しせい)' primarily means 'posture'. It refers to the way in which someone holds their body, especially when standing or sitting. This word can also be used metaphorically to describe someone's attitude or stance towards a particular issue. For example: good posture is important「良い姿勢は大切です」(よいしせいはたいせつです). His posture towards work is very serious「彼の仕事に対する姿勢はとても真剣です」(かれのしごとにたいするしせいはとてもしんけんです). In both literal and metaphorical contexts, '姿勢' emphasizes the physical or mental alignment of a person.
Radical
女
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N1Grade
6Frequency
263
Handwriting
kanji
松Meaning
Pine
Reading
kunyomiまつmatsu
onyomiしょうshou
Parts
木Tree, Wood 公Public
Example Word
松: pine. The Japanese noun '松 (まつ)' refers to a 'pine tree'. Pine trees are evergreen conifers and hold significant cultural and symbolic value in Japan, often associated with longevity and steadfastness. They are commonly found in Japanese gardens and are a popular motif in art and literature. Example sentences: The pine tree is tall「松の木は高い」(まつのきはたかい). We planted a pine tree in the garden「庭に松を植えた」(にわにまつをうえた).
Radical
木
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N1Grade
4Frequency
294
Handwriting
kanji
衛Meaning
Protect, Defense
Reading
onyomiえいei
Parts
行Go 韋
Example Word
防衛: defense. The Japanese verbal noun '防衛 (ぼうえい)' means 'defense'. It refers to the act of protecting or safeguarding something, often used in contexts like national defense, self-defense, or protecting against threats. For example: national defense is important「防衛は重要だ」(ぼうえいはじゅうようだ). They are strengthening their defense「彼らは防衛を強化している」(かれらはぼうえいをきょうかしている). This term is commonly used in military, legal, and personal safety contexts.
Radical
行
Stroke Count
16JLPT
N1Grade
5Frequency
312
Handwriting
kanji
井Meaning
Well
Reading
kunyomiいi
onyomiしょうshou
せいsei
Parts
二Two
Example Word
井戸: well. The Japanese noun '井戸 (いど)' refers to a 'well', specifically a water well dug into the ground to access groundwater. This term is commonly used in both rural and historical contexts, as wells were a primary source of water in traditional Japanese households. For example: There is a well in the garden「庭に井戸がある」(にわにいどがある). The water from the well is cold「井戸の水は冷たい」(いどのみずはつめたい). In modern times, wells are less common due to the prevalence of tap water, but the term remains relevant in discussions about traditional architecture or rural life.
Radical
二
Stroke Count
4JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
329
Handwriting
kanji
振Meaning
Shake, Swing
Reading
kunyomiふfu
onyomiしんshin
Parts
扌Hand (手)辰Sign of the dragon
Example Word
振り込む: transfer. The Japanese verb '振り込む (ふりこむ)' means 'to transfer money' or 'to deposit funds into an account'. It is commonly used in financial contexts, such as when sending money to someone's bank account or paying bills. For example: I transferred the money to his account「彼の口座に振り込みました」(かれのこうざにふりこみました). Please transfer the payment by tomorrow「明日までに支払いを振り込んでください」(あしたまでにしはらいをふりこんでください). This verb is often used in formal or business settings and is essential for financial transactions in Japan.
Radical
手
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
350
Handwriting
kanji
貴Meaning
Precious
Reading
kunyomiたっとtatto
とうとtouto
onyomiきki
Parts
貝Shellfish 中Center 一One
Example Word
貴重品: valuables. The Japanese noun '貴重品 (きちょうひん)' refers to items that are of high value, either monetarily or sentimentally. This term is commonly used in contexts such as travel, hotels, or public places where people are advised to keep their valuables safe. For example: Please keep your valuables with you at all times「貴重品は常に身につけておいてください」(きちょうひんはつねにみにつけておいてください). The hotel provides a safe for valuables「ホテルは貴重品用の金庫を提供しています」(ホテルはきちょうひんようのきんこをていきょうしています). It's important to note that '貴重品' often implies items like jewelry, cash, passports, or other personal items that are not easily replaceable.
Radical
貝
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N1Grade
6Frequency
371
Handwriting
kanji
故Meaning
Reason, Deceased
Reading
kunyomiゆえyue
onyomiこko
Parts
古Old 攵Strike
Example Word
何故: why. The Japanese adverb '何故 (なぜ)' means 'why'. It is used to ask for the reason or cause of something. This word is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. For example: Why did you come?「何故来たの?」(なぜきたの?). Why is it so expensive?「何故そんなに高いの?」(なぜそんなにたかいの?). The word '何故' can also be written as 'なぜ' in hiragana, and it is often used interchangeably with other words that mean 'why', such as 'どうして' and 'なんで', though '何故' can sometimes carry a slightly more formal or literary tone.
Radical
攴
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N1Grade
5Frequency
374
Handwriting
kanji
江Meaning
Creek, Inlet
Reading
kunyomiえe
onyomiこうkou
Parts
氵Water (水)工Construction
Example Word
江: bay. The Japanese suffix '江 (こう)' means 'bay' and is often used in geographical names to denote a bay or inlet. It is commonly found in place names, such as 'Tokyo Bay (東京湾, とうきょうわん)' or 'Osaka Bay (大阪湾, おおさかわん)'. This suffix is typically used in formal or historical contexts and is not commonly used in everyday conversation. For example: Tokyo Bay is beautiful「東京湾は美しい」(とうきょうわんはうつくしい). The ships are anchored in Osaka Bay「船は 大阪湾に停泊している」(ふねはおおさかわんにていはくしている).
Radical
水
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
376
Handwriting
kanji
影Meaning
Shadow
Reading
kunyomiかげkage
onyomiえいei
Parts
景Scene 彡Fur
Example Word
撮影: filming. The Japanese verbal noun '撮影 (さつえい)' means 'filming' or 'photography'. It refers to the act of capturing images or video, often in a professional or artistic context. This term is commonly used in the film industry, photography, and media production. For example: The filming of the movie starts tomorrow「映画の撮影は明日から始まります」(えいがのさつえいはあしたからはじまります). We are doing a photoshoot in the park「公園で撮影をして います」(こうえんでさつえいをしています). The word can also be used in contexts like 'location shooting' (ロケ撮影, ろけさつえい) or 'studio filming' (スタジオ撮影, すたじおさつえい).
Radical
彡
Stroke Count
15JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
386
Handwriting
kanji
態Meaning
Appearance, Condition
Reading
kunyomiわざwaza
onyomiたいtai
Parts
心Heart 能Ability
Example Word
状態: condition. The Japanese noun '状態 (じょうたい)' refers to the state or condition of something. It is commonly used to describe the current state of an object, situation, or even a person's health. For example: The condition of the machine is bad「機械の状態が悪い」(きかいのじょうたいがわるい). The patient's condition is stable「患者の状態は安定している」(かんじゃのじょうたいはあんていしている). This word is versatile and can be applied to various contexts, such as physical states, emotional states, or the status of a project.
Radical
心
Stroke Count
14JLPT
N1Grade
5Frequency
393
Handwriting
kanji
敷Meaning
Spread, Lay
Reading
kunyomiしshi
しきshiki
onyomiふfu
Parts
旉 攵Strike
Example Word
敷地: grounds. The Japanese noun '敷地 (しきち)' refers to the land or grounds of a property, such as a house, building, or estate. It is commonly used to describe the area of land that a structure occupies or is intended to occupy. For example: The grounds of the mansion are vast「その大邸宅の敷地は広い」(そのだいていたくのしきちはひろい). The construction site covers a large area「その建設現場の敷地は広大だ」(そのけんせつげんばのしきちはこうだいだ). This word is often used in real estate or architectural contexts to describe the physical space of a property.
Radical
攴
Stroke Count
15JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
400
Handwriting
kanji
離Meaning
Detach, Separate
Reading
kunyomiはなhana
onyomiりri
Parts
离 隹Bird
Example Word
距離: distance. The Japanese noun '距離 (きょり)' refers to the physical or metaphorical distance between two points, objects, or concepts. It is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts. For example: the distance between Tokyo and Osaka is about 500 kilometers「東京と大阪の距離は約500キロです」(とうきょうとおおさかのきょりはやく500キロです). There is a distance between their opinions「彼らの意見には距離がある」(かれらのいけんにはきょりがある). The word can also imply emotional or relational distance, such as in '彼との距離を感じる (かれときょりをかんじる) (I feel a distance between us).'
Radical
隹
Stroke Count
19JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
401
Handwriting
kanji
驚Meaning
Surprise, Surprised
Reading
kunyomiおどろodoro
おどろかodoroka
onyomiきょうkyou
Parts
馬Horse 敬Respect
Example Word
驚かす: surprise. The Japanese verb '驚かす (おどろかす)' means 'to surprise' or 'to astonish'. It is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object. This verb is used when someone causes another person to feel surprised or shocked, often intentionally. For example: He surprised his friend with a gift「彼は友達をプレゼントで驚かした」(かれはともだちをぷれぜんとでおどろかした). The loud noise surprised everyone「大きな音がみんなを驚かした」(おおきなおとがみんなをおどろかした). The verb can also imply a sense of startling someone, as in: She startled me by suddenly appearing「彼女が突然現れて私を驚かした」(かのじょがとつぜんあらわれてわたしをおどろかした). Note that the verb '驚く (おどろく)' is the intransitive form, meaning 'to be surprised'.
Radical
馬
Stroke Count
22JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
410
Handwriting
kanji
素Meaning
Element
Reading
onyomiすsu
そso
Parts
糸Thread 龶Life (生)
Example Word
素直: honest. The Japanese adjective '素直 (すなお)' primarily means 'honest' or 'obedient'. It describes someone who is straightforward, sincere, and free from deceit or pretense. This word is often used to praise someone's character, especially when they are willing to accept advice or criticism without resistance. For example: She is an honest child「彼女は素直な子供です」(かのじょはすなおなこどもです). He honestly admitted his mistake「彼は素直に自分の過ちを認めた」(かれはすなおにじぶんのあやまちをみとめた). The term can also imply a sense of purity or simplicity in one's nature, making it a positive trait in Japanese culture.
Radical
糸
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N1Grade
5Frequency
413
Handwriting
kanji
那Meaning
What
Reading
kunyomiなにnani
いかんikan
なんぞnanzo
onyomiだda
なna
Parts
⻏Mound (阜)
Example Word
支那: China. The Japanese proper noun '支那 (しな)' is an archaic term for China. It was commonly used in Japan before World War II, but its usage has declined significantly due to its historical connotations and potential to cause offense. In modern contexts, '中国 (ちゅうごく)' is the standard and neutral term for China. Example sentences: He studied the history of China「彼は支那の歴史を勉強した」(かれはしなのれきしをべんきょうした). The word '支那' is rarely used today「支那という言葉は今日ではほとんど使われない」(しなということばはきょうではほとんどつかわれない).
Radical
邑
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N1Grade
10Frequency
425
Handwriting
kanji
為Meaning
Do, Sake
Reading
kunyomiなna
すsu
ためtame
onyomiいi
Example Word
為: sake or benefit. The Japanese noun '為 (ため)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'benefit', referring to something that is advantageous or good for someone or something. For example: for the benefit of the children「子供の為に」(こどものために). The second meaning is 'sake', indicating the purpose or reason behind an action. For example: for the sake of peace「平和の為に」(へいわのために). This word is often used in contexts where the focus is on the purpose or advantage of an action, and it can be paired with particles like 'に' to indicate direction or purpose. It's important to note that '為' can also be written in hiragana as 'ため', and the meaning remains the same.
Radical
火
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
436
Handwriting
kanji
妙Meaning
Exquisite, Marvelous
Reading
kunyomiたえtae
onyomiみょうmyou
Parts
女Woman 少Few
Example Word
奇妙: strange or curious. The Japanese adjectival noun '奇妙 (きみょう)' means 'strange' or 'curious'. It is used to describe something that is unusual, peculiar, or intriguing in a way that stands out from the ordinary. This word often carries a neutral or slightly positive nuance, depending on the context. For example: That story is strange「その話は奇妙だ」(そのはなしはきみょうだ). The machine has a curious mechanism「その機械は奇妙な仕組みを持っている」(そのきかいときみょうなしくみをもっている). Note that '奇妙' is often used to describe situations, objects, or phenomena that evoke a sense of wonder or mystery.
Radical
女
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
445
Handwriting
kanji
奴Meaning
Servant, Dude
Reading
kunyomiやつyatsu
onyomiどdo
Parts
女Woman 又Again
Example Word
奴隷: slave. The Japanese noun '奴隷 (どれい)' refers to a 'slave', someone who is owned by another person and forced to work without personal freedom. Historically, it was used to describe individuals in servitude, often in contexts of forced labor or subjugation. In modern usage, it can also metaphorically describe someone who is excessively controlled or dominated by another, such as in a relationship or by societal pressures. Example sentences: He was treated like a slave「彼は奴隷のように扱われた」(かれはどれいのようにあつかわれた). Many people were enslaved during that era「その時代には多くの人々が奴隷にされた」(そのじだいにはおおくのひとびとがどれいにされた).
Radical
女
Stroke Count
5JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
450
Handwriting
kanji
異Meaning
Rare, Different
Reading
kunyomiことkoto
onyomiいi
Parts
田Rice field 井Well
Example Word
異様: strange. The Japanese adjectival noun '異様 (いよう)' means 'strange' or 'unusual'. It is used to describe something that is out of the ordinary, peculiar, or abnormal. This word often carries a nuance of something being unsettling or eerie. For example: The atmosphere was strange「その雰囲気は異様だった」(そのふんいきはいようだった). His behavior was unusual「彼の行動は異様だった」(かれのこうどうはいようだった). '異様' is typically used in situations where something deviates significantly from what is considered normal or expected, and it can be applied to a wide range of contexts, including environments, behaviors, or appearances.
Radical
田
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N1Grade
6Frequency
453
Handwriting
kanji
泣Meaning
Weep, Cry
Reading
kunyomiなna
onyomiきゅうkyuu
Parts
氵Water (水)立Stand
Example Word
泣き声: crying. The Japanese noun '泣 き声 (なきごえ)' refers to the sound of crying, typically made by a person or an animal. It is used to describe the vocal expression of sadness, pain, or distress. For example: I heard a baby's crying「赤ちゃんの泣き声が聞こえた」(あかちゃんのなきごえがきこえた). The cat's crying was loud「猫の泣き声が大きかった」(ねこのなきごえがおおきかった). This word is often used in contexts involving emotional distress or discomfort.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N1Grade
4Frequency
454
Handwriting
kanji
怪Meaning
Weird, Suspicious
Reading
kunyomiあやaya
onyomiけke
かいkai
Parts
忄 圣Holy
Example Word
怪しむ: suspect. The Japanese verb '怪しむ (あやしむ)' means 'to suspect' or 'to doubt'. It is used when someone has a feeling of distrust or suspicion towards something or someone. This verb often implies a sense of unease or skepticism. For example: I suspect his intentions「彼の意図を怪しむ」(かれのいとをあやしむ). She doubted the truth of his story「彼女は彼の話の真実を怪しんだ」(かのじょはかれのはなしのしんじつをあやしんだ). The verb can also be used in more abstract contexts, such as suspecting something is wrong or out of place.
Radical
心
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
455
Handwriting
kanji
従Meaning
Follow, Obey
Reading
kunyomiしたがshitaga
onyomiじゅうjuu
しょうshou
じゅju
Parts
彳Stop 䒑Herbs 龰Stop (止)
Example Word
従業員: employee. The Japanese noun '従業員 (じゅうぎょういん)' refers to an 'employee', someone who works for a company or organization. This term is commonly used in business and workplace contexts to describe individuals who are employed by a company, regardless of their specific role or position. For example: The company has many employees「その会社には多くの従業員がいます」(そのかいしゃにはおおくのじゅうぎょういんがいます). She is a new employee「彼女は新しい従業員です」(かのじょはあたらしいじゅうぎょういんです). The term is neutral and can refer to both full-time and part-time workers.
Radical
彳
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N1Grade
6Frequency
466
Handwriting
kanji
至Meaning
Arrive, Climax
Reading
kunyomiいたita
onyomiしshi
Parts
一One 厶Private 土Soil
Example Word
至る: reach. The Japanese verb '至る (いたる)' means 'to reach' or 'to arrive at'. It is often used to describe reaching a destination, conclusion, or state. This verb can be used in both literal and figurative contexts. For example: The train reached the station「電車が駅に至った」(でんしゃがえきにいたった). After much discussion, we reached a conclusion「多くの議論の末、結論に至った」(おおくのぎろんのすえ、けつろんにいたった). Note that '至る' can also imply a process leading up to the final point, emphasizing the journey or progression.
Radical
至
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N1Grade
6Frequency
480
Handwriting