Jōyō KanjiOrganized by JLPT Level
JLPT Unknown
kanji
唾Meaning
Sputum, Saliva
Reading
tsuba
つばきtsubaki
onyomiたta
だda
Parts
口Mouth 垂Hang down
Example Word
唾: saliva. The Japanese noun ' 唾 (つば)' refers to 'saliva'. It is used to describe the liquid produced in the mouth, often in contexts related to health, hygiene, or disgust. For example: He spat out his saliva「彼は唾を吐いた」(かれはつばをはいた). The thought made her mouth fill with saliva「その考えで彼女の口に唾がたまった」(そのかんがえでかのじょのくちにつばがたまった). The word can also be used metaphorically to express disgust or disdain, as in '唾を吐く (つばをはく)', which means 'to spit (in disgust)'.
Radical
口
Stroke Count
11JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
1801
Handwriting
kanji
侶Meaning
Follower, Companion
Reading
tomo
onyomiりょryo
ろro
Parts
亻Person (人)呂Bath
Example Word
僧侶: monk. The Japanese noun '僧侶 (そうりょ)' refers to a Buddhist monk or priest. This term is used to describe individuals who have dedicated their lives to religious practice within Buddhism, often living in temples and following a strict set of spiritual and ethical guidelines. For example: The monk is meditating「僧侶は瞑想しています」(そうりょはめいそうしています). The temple is home to many monks「その寺には多くの僧侶がいます」(そのてらにはおおくのそうりょがいます). It's important to note that '僧侶' specifically refers to Buddhist clergy and does not apply to religious figures in other traditions.
Radical
人
Stroke Count
9JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
1815
Handwriting
kanji
戚Meaning
Grieve, Relatives
Reading
ita
うれure
みうちmiuchi
onyomiそくsoku
せきseki
Parts
戊 尗
Example Word
親戚: relative. The Japanese noun '親戚 (しんせき)' refers to a 'relative' or 'family member'. It is used to describe someone who is related by blood or marriage, such as aunts, uncles, cousins, or in-laws. This term is broader than '家族 (かぞく)', which specifically refers to immediate family members like parents, siblings, or children. For example: I visited my relatives「親戚を訪ねた」(しんせきをたずねた). She has many relatives「彼女は親戚が多い」(かのじょはしんせきがおおい). The word can also be used in formal or casual contexts, depending on the situation.
Radical
戈
Stroke Count
11JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
1827
Handwriting
kanji
玩Meaning
Toy
Reading
moteaso
もちあそmochiaso
onyomiがんgan
Parts
⺩ 元Origin
Example Word
玩具: toy. The Japanese noun '玩具 (おもちゃ)' means 'toy'. This word refers to objects designed for children to play with, such as dolls, cars, or puzzles. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something treated as a trivial or unimportant matter. For example: The child is playing with a toy「子供が玩具で遊んでいる」(こどもがおもちゃであそんでいる). Don't treat me like a toy「私を玩具のように扱わないで」(わたしをおもちゃのようにあつかわないで). The word is commonly used in everyday conversation and is neutral in tone.
Radical
玉
Stroke Count
8JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
1838
Handwriting
kanji
溺Meaning
Drown, Indulge
Reading
obo
いばりibari
onyomiじょうjou
にょうnyou
できdeki
Parts
氵Water (水)弱Weak
Example Word
溺れる: drown. The Japanese verb '溺れる (おぼれる)' primarily means 'to drown'. It refers to the act of being submerged in water and unable to breathe, often leading to suffocation. However, it can also be used metaphorically to describe being overwhelmed by emotions or circumstances. For example: He drowned in the river「彼は川で溺れた」(かれはかわでおぼれた). She is drowning in work「彼女は仕事に溺れている」(かのじょはしごとにおぼれている). The verb can be used in both literal and figurative contexts, making it versatile in expressing situations of being overwhelmed or consumed.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
13JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
1853
Handwriting
kanji
捻Meaning
Wrenching
Reading
ne
ねじneji
ひねhine
onyomiじょうjou
ねんnen
Parts
扌Hand (手)念Thought
Example Word
捻る: twist. The Japanese verb '捻る (ひねる)' primarily means 'to twist'. It is used to describe the physical action of twisting something, such as turning a knob or wringing out a towel. It can also be used metaphorically to describe thinking hard or coming up with a clever idea. For example: He twisted the cap off the bottle「彼はボトルのキャップをひねった」(かれはボトルのキャップをひねった). She twisted her ankle while running「彼女は走っている間に足首をひねった」(かのじょははしっているあいだにあしくびをひねった). The writer twisted the plot to make it more interesting「作家はプロットをひねって面白くした」(さっかはプロットをひねっておもしろくした).
Radical
手
Stroke Count
11JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
1886
Handwriting
kanji
遜Meaning
Humble
Reading
shitaga
onyomiそんson
Parts
辶Walk 孫Grandchildren
Example Word
謙遜: modesty. The Japanese verbal noun '謙遜 (けんそん)' refers to the act of being modest or humble, often in the context of downplaying one's own abilities, achievements, or status. It is a valued trait in Japanese culture and is frequently used in social interactions to show politeness and respect. For example: He responded with modesty「彼は謙遜して答えた」(かれはけんそんしてこたえた). She always speaks with modesty「彼女はいつも謙遜して話す」(かのじょはいつもけんそんしてはなす). This term is often used in formal or professional settings to avoid appearing boastful.
Radical
辵
Stroke Count
13JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
1923
Handwriting
kanji
韓Meaning
Korea
Reading
kan
Parts
龺Eminent (卓)韋
Example Word
韓国: Korea. The Japanese proper noun '韓国 (かんこく)' refers to 'Korea', specifically South Korea. It is used to denote the country, its culture, people, or anything related to it. For example: I want to visit Korea「韓国に行きたい」(かんこくにいきたい). Korean food is delicious「韓国料理は美味しい」(かんこくりょうりはおいしい). The term is commonly used in everyday conversation and media when discussing South Korea. Note that '韓国' specifically refers to South Korea, while North Korea is referred to as '北朝鮮 (きたちょうせん)'.
Radical
韋
Stroke Count
18JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
1951
Handwriting
kanji
肘Meaning
Arm, Elbow
Reading
hiji
onyomiちゅうchuu
Parts
月Moon, Month 寸Measurement
Example Word
肘: elbow. The Japanese noun '肘 (ひじ)' refers to the 'elbow', the joint connecting the upper and lower parts of the arm. This word is commonly used in everyday conversation and medical contexts. For example: my elbow hurts「私の肘が痛い」(わたしのひじがいたい). He leaned on his elbow「彼は肘をついた」(かれはひじをついた). The word can also appear in idiomatic expressions or proverbs, such as '肘を張る (ひじをはる)', which means to act stubbornly or assertively.
Radical
肉
Stroke Count
7JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
1961
Handwriting
kanji
曖Meaning
Dark, Not clear
Reading
kura
onyomiあいai
Parts
日Day, Sun 愛Love
Example Word
曖昧: vague. The Japanese adjective '曖昧 (あいまい)' means 'vague' or 'ambiguous'. It is used to describe something that is unclear, not well-defined, or open to interpretation. This word can be applied to statements, ideas, situations, or even feelings. For example: His explanation was vague「彼の説明は曖昧だった」(かれのせつめいはあいまいだった). The meaning of this sentence is ambiguous「この文の意味は曖昧だ」(このぶんのいみはあいまいだ). '曖昧' often carries a slightly negative connotation, implying a lack of clarity or precision. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.
Radical
日
Stroke Count
17JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
1972
Handwriting
kanji
綻Meaning
Come apart at the seams
Reading
hokoro
onyomiたんtan
Parts
糹 定Determine
Example Word
破綻: collapse or failure. The Japanese noun '破綻 (はたん)' refers to a collapse or failure, often in the context of systems, plans, or relationships. It implies a breakdown or disintegration of something that was previously functioning. For example: the plan ended in failure「その計画は破綻した」(そのけいかくははたんした). Their marriage fell apart「彼らの結婚は破綻した」(かれらのけっこんははたんした). This word is commonly used in formal or serious contexts to describe significant failures or collapses.
Radical
糸
Stroke Count
14JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
2055
Handwriting
kanji
遡Meaning
Retrace the past, Go upstream
Reading
sakanobo
onyomiさくsaku
そso
Parts
辶Walk 朔
Example Word
遡る: go back or trace back. The Japanese verb '遡る (さかのぼる)' primarily means 'to go back' or 'to trace back' in time or to a point of origin. It is often used to describe retracing steps, revisiting past events, or exploring the origins of something. For example: Let's trace back the history of this tradition「この伝統の歴史を遡りましょう」(このでんとうのれきしをさかのぼりましょう). The river flows back to its source「その川は源まで遡る」(そのかわはみなもとまでさかのぼる). This verb can be used in both literal and figurative contexts, making it versatile in describing time, history, or even physical paths.
Radical
辵
Stroke Count
13JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
2060
Handwriting
kanji
麺Meaning
Noodles, Wheat flour
Reading
mugiko
onyomiべんben
めんmen
Parts
麦Wheat 面Face, Surface
Example Word
麺: noodles. The Japanese noun '麺 (めん)' refers to 'noodles', a staple in Japanese cuisine. This term broadly encompasses various types of noodles, including soba, udon, and ramen. It is commonly used in contexts related to food and dining. For example: I ate noodles for lunch「昼ご飯に麺を食べた」(ひるごはんにめんをたべた). This restaurant serves delicious noodles「このレストランは美味しい麺を出す」(このレストランは おいしいめんをだす). The word '麺' is often seen in menus and food-related discussions, highlighting its importance in Japanese culinary culture.
Radical
麥
Stroke Count
16JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
2070
Handwriting
kanji
璧Meaning
Ball, Sphere
Reading
tama
onyomiへきheki
Parts
辟 玉Ball, Jewel
Example Word
完璧: perfection. The Japanese noun '完璧 (かんぺき)' means 'perfection'. It is used to describe something that is flawless, complete, or without any defects. This word is often used to emphasize the high quality or ideal state of something. For example: Her performance was perfect「彼女のパフォーマンスは完璧だった」(かのじょのパフォーマンスはかんぺきだった). This plan is flawless「このプランは完璧だ」(このプランはかんぺきだ). The word can also be used sarcastically or ironically to imply that something is too perfect or unrealistic. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.
Radical
玉
Stroke Count
18JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
2075
Handwriting
kanji
芯Meaning
Wick
Reading
shin
Parts
艹Grass 心Heart
Example Word
芯: core. The Japanese noun '芯 (しん)' refers to the core or central part of something. It can be used literally, such as the core of a fruit or the wick of a candle, or metaphorically, to describe the central or essential part of an idea or concept. For example: the core of an apple「リンゴの芯」(りんごのしん). The wick of a candle「ろうそくの芯」(ろうそくのしん). In a metaphorical sense, it can describe the essence or heart of a matter, such as 'the core of the problem'「問題の芯」(もんだいのしん). This word is often used in both everyday and technical contexts.
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
7JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
2088
Handwriting
kanji
丼Meaning
Rice bowl
Reading
donburi
onyomiどんdon
Parts
井Well 丶Dot
Example Word
丼: bowl. The Japanese noun '丼 (どんぶり)' refers to a type of bowl, typically deep and used for serving rice dishes. It is commonly associated with dishes like '牛丼 (ぎゅうどん)' (beef bowl) or '親子丼 (おやこどん)' (chicken and egg bowl). The term can also refer to the dish itself served in such a bowl. For example: I ate a beef bowl「牛丼を食べた」(ぎゅうどんをたべた). This bowl is big「この丼は大きい」(このどんぶりはおおきい). The word is often used in the context of Japanese cuisine and dining.
Radical
丶
Stroke Count
5JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
2095
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