Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

House

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 豕Pig

Example Word

家具: furniture. The Japanese noun '家具 (かぐ)' means 'furniture'. It refers to movable objects used to support various human activities such as seating, eating, and sleeping. This includes items like chairs, tables, beds, and cabinets. For example: I bought new furniture「新しい家具を買いました」(あたらしいかぐをかいました). The furniture in this room is expensive「この部屋の家具は高いです」(このへやのかぐはたかいです). The word is commonly used in contexts related to home decor, interior design, and shopping for household items.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

31

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Down

Reading

Parts

一One 卜Divination

Example Word

下る: descend or decide. The Japanese verb '下る (くだる)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'to descend' or 'to go down', often used in the context of physically moving from a higher place to a lower one. For example: The river descends from the mountain「川が山から下る」(かわがやまからくだる). The second meaning is 'to be decided' or 'to be issued', often used in formal or official contexts, such as legal judgments or official orders. For example: The verdict was decided「判決が下った」(はんけつがくだった). Note that the second meaning is unrelated to the first and is used in more abstract or formal situations.

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

34

Radical Form

丅

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Flower

Reading

Parts

艹Grass 化Change

Example Word

草花: flowers. The Japanese noun '草花 (くさばな)' refers to 'flowers' or 'flowering plants'. It is a compound word combining '草 (くさ)' meaning 'grass' or 'herb' and '花 (はな)' meaning 'flower'. This term is often used to describe small, delicate flowers or plants that grow naturally, such as wildflowers or garden flowers. It carries a gentle and natural connotation, often evoking imagery of nature and beauty. Example sentences: I love the flowers in this garden「この庭の草花が大好きです」(このにわのくさばながだいすきです). The flowers bloom beautifully in spring「春に草花が美しく咲きます」(はるにくさばながうつくしくさきます).

Radical

艸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

195

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Exceed, Error

Reading

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

223

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fire

Reading

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

232

Radical Form

灬

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Change

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)匕Spoon

Example Word

化: change. The Japanese suffix '化 (か)' is used to indicate a transformation, change, or conversion into a certain state or condition. It is often attached to nouns to form new nouns or verbs, signifying the process of becoming or making something into the state described by the root word. For example: modernization「近代化」(きんだいか). urbanization「都市化」(としか). It can also be used in a more abstract sense, such as in the word simplification「簡素化」(かんそか). This suffix is versatile and widely used in both technical and everyday language to describe processes of change.

Radical

匕

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

236

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Possible

Reading

Parts

丁Street 口Mouth

Example Word

不可欠: essential. The Japanese adjectival noun '不可欠 (ふかけつ)' means 'essential' or 'indispensable'. It is used to describe something that is absolutely necessary or cannot be done without. This term is often used in formal or academic contexts to emphasize the importance of a particular element. For example: Sleep is essential for health「睡眠は健康に不可欠です」(すいみんはけんこうにふかけつです). Teamwork is indispensable for success「チームワークは成功に不可欠だ」(チームワークはせいこうにふかけつだ). Note that '不可欠' is often followed by particles like 'に' or 'な' to modify nouns, as in '不可欠な要素 (ふかけつなようそ) (essential element)'.

Radical

口

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

277

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Song

Reading

Parts

可Possible 欠Lack

Example Word

歌詞: lyrics. The Japanese noun '歌詞 (かし)' refers to the 'lyrics' of a song. It specifically denotes the words or text that make up a song, as opposed to the melody or music. This word is commonly used in contexts related to music, singing, or songwriting. For example: I wrote the lyrics for this song「この歌の歌詞を書きました」(このうたのかしをかきました). The lyrics of this song are beautiful「この歌の歌詞は美しい」(このうたのかしはうつくしい). It is important to note that '歌詞' is always used in the context of songs and not for other types of written or spoken words.

Radical

欠

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

289

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fruit

Reading

Parts

田Rice field 木Tree, Wood

Example Word

効果: effect. The Japanese noun '効果 (こうか)' means 'effect'. It refers to the result or impact of an action, event, or condition. This word is commonly used in various contexts, such as medicine, science, and everyday situations, to describe the outcome or influence of something. For example: The medicine had a good effect「薬は良い効果があった」(くすりはよいこうかがあった). The sound effects in the movie were impressive「映画の音響効果は印象的だった」(えいがのおんきょうこうかはいんしょうてきだった). It can also be used in a more abstract sense, such as the effect of a policy or strategy.

Radical

木

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

316

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Join, Add

Reading

Parts

力Power 口Mouth

Example Word

追加: addition. The Japanese verbal noun '追加 (ついか)' means 'addition'. It refers to the act of adding something extra to what already exists. This word is commonly used in various contexts, such as adding items to an order, adding information to a document, or adding features to a product. For example: I added more details to the report「レポートに詳細を追加しました」(レポートにしょうさいをついかしました). Can you add this to the list?「これをリストに追加できますか？」(これをリストについかできますか？). The word '追加' is often used in both formal and informal settings, making it versatile in everyday conversation.

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

345

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Section, Department

Reading

Parts

斗Ladle, Dipper 禾Cereal

Example Word

社会科学: social science. The Japanese noun '社会科学 (しゃかいかがく)' refers to 'social science', which is the academic study of human society and social relationships. This term encompasses disciplines such as sociology, political science, economics, anthropology, and psychology. It is used in academic, professional, and everyday contexts to discuss the systematic study of human behavior and societal structures. For example: Social science is important for understanding society「社会科学は社会を理解するために重要です」(しゃかいかがくはしゃかいをりかいするためにじゅうようです). She is studying social science at university「彼女は大学で社会科学を勉強しています」(かのじょはだいがくでしゃかいかがくをべんきょうしています).

Radical

禾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

473

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

River

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)可Possible

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

498

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Summer

Reading

Parts

夂Late 𦣻Neck (首)

Example Word

初夏: early summer. The Japanese noun '初夏 (しょか)' refers to the period of early summer, typically around the months of May and June. This term is often used to describe the transitional season when the weather starts to warm up, but the intense heat of mid-summer has not yet arrived. It is commonly used in literature, poetry, and everyday conversation to evoke the freshness and vitality of this time of year. For example: Early summer is the best time to visit Kyoto「初夏は京都を訪れるのに最適な時期です」(しょかはきょうとをおとずれるのにもってこいのじきです). The early summer breeze feels refreshing「初夏の風が爽やかです」(しょかのかぜがさわやかです).

Radical

夊

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

654

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Individual

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)固Hard

Example Word

個性: individuality. The Japanese noun '個性 (こせい)' refers to 'individuality' or the unique characteristics that distinguish one person or thing from others. It is often used in contexts discussing personal traits, creativity, or the distinct qualities of a person or object. For example: She has a strong individuality「彼女は強い個性を持っている」(かのじょはつよいこせいをもっている). This artist's work reflects his individuality「このアーティストの作品は彼の個性を反映している」(このアーティストのさくひんはかれのこせいをはんえいしている). The word is commonly used in educational, artistic, and professional settings to emphasize the importance of uniqueness.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

678

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Price

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)西West

Example Word

価額: value or price. The Japanese noun '価額 (かがく)' refers to the monetary value or price of something. It is often used in formal or business contexts to discuss the cost or valuation of goods, services, or assets. For example: the price of the product「その商品の価額」(そのしょうひんのかがく). The value of the property「その不動産の価額」(そのふどうさんのかがく). This term is more formal and less commonly used in everyday conversation compared to words like '値段 (ねだん)' or '価格 (かかく)', which also mean 'price'.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

775

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Baggage

Reading

Parts

艹Grass 何What

Example Word

出荷: shipment. The Japanese verbal noun '出荷 (しゅっか)' refers to the act of shipping goods or products from a manufacturer or warehouse to a customer or retailer. It is commonly used in business and logistics contexts. For example: The shipment of the products will be delayed「製品の出荷が遅れます」(せいひんのしゅっかがおくれます). We completed the shipment of the order「注文の出荷を完了しました」(ちゅうもんのしゅっかをかんりょうしました). The term is often used in phrases like '出荷日 (しゅっかび)' (shipment date) or '出荷量 (しゅっかりょう)' (shipment volume).

Radical

艸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

871

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Temporary

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)反Anti

Example Word

片仮名: katakana. The Japanese noun '片仮名 (かたかな)' refers to one of the two Japanese syllabaries, specifically 'katakana'. Katakana is primarily used for writing foreign loanwords, onomatopoeia, scientific terms, and names of plants, animals, and minerals. It can also be used for emphasis, similar to italics in English. For example: The word 'coffee' is written in katakana「コーヒーは片仮名で書かれます」(コーヒーはかたかなでかかれます). Katakana characters are angular and simpler in form compared to hiragana. Another example: 'Pizza' is written as ピザ in katakana「ピザは片仮名で書きます」(ピザはかたかなでかきます).

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

910

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

China, Splendor

Reading

Parts

艹Grass

Example Word

華やか: showy. The Japanese adjective '華やか (はなやか)' means 'showy' or 'gorgeous'. It is used to describe something that is visually striking, vibrant, or splendid, often in a way that attracts attention. This word is commonly used to describe events, decorations, or appearances that are lively and colorful. For example: The party was showy「そのパーティーは華やかだった」(そのパーティーははなやかだった). Her dress is gorgeous「彼女のドレスは華やかだ」(かのじょのドレスははなやかだ). The festival was vibrant and lively「その祭りは華やかで活気があった」(そのまつりははなやかでかっきがあった).

Radical

艸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

999

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Marry, Bride

Reading

Parts

女Woman 家House

Example Word

嫁: bride or daughter in law. The Japanese noun '嫁 (よめ)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'bride', referring to a woman on her wedding day or just after marriage. For example: The bride looked beautiful「嫁は美しかった」(よめはうつくしかった). The second meaning is 'daughter-in-law', referring to the wife of one's son. For example: My daughter-in-law is very kind「私の嫁はとても優しい」(わたしのよめはとてもやさしい). The context usually makes it clear which meaning is intended. In modern usage, 'bride' is more common, while 'daughter-in-law' is often used in family contexts. The word carries a traditional and respectful tone.

Radical

女

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1041

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Shoe, Shoes

Reading

Parts

革Reform, Leather 化Change

Example Word

靴下: socks. The Japanese noun '靴下 (くつした)' means 'socks'. This word refers to the garment worn on the feet, typically under shoes, for warmth, comfort, or hygiene. It is commonly used in everyday conversation and can refer to any type of socks, such as ankle socks, knee-high socks, or even stockings. Example sentences: I bought new socks「新しい靴下を買いました」(あたらしいくつしたをかいました). These socks are comfortable「この靴下は快適です」(このくつしたはかいてきです). The word is often used in contexts related to clothing, shopping, or daily routines.

Radical

革

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1196

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Free time, Spare time

Reading

Parts

日Day, Sun 叚

Example Word

休暇: vacation. The Japanese noun '休暇 (きゅうか)' means 'vacation' or 'holiday'. It refers to a period of time when someone takes a break from work, school, or other regular duties. This word is often used in formal or professional contexts, such as requesting time off from work. For example: I will take a vacation next week「来週休暇を取ります」(らいしゅうきゅうかをとります). The company granted me a week of vacation「会社は私に1週間の休暇を与えました」(かいしゃはわたしにいっしゅうかんのきゅうかをあたえました). Note that '休暇' is more formal than '休み (やすみ)', which is a more casual term for a break or day off.

Radical

日

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1212

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Goods, Freight

Reading

Parts

化Change 貝Shellfish

Example Word

百貨店: department store. The Japanese noun '百貨店 (ひゃっかてん)' refers to a 'department store', which is a large retail establishment offering a wide range of products organized into different departments. Department stores in Japan are known for their high-quality goods, excellent customer service, and often include restaurants and entertainment facilities. For example: I bought this at the department store「これを百貨店で買いました」(これをひゃっかてんでかいました). The department store is crowded today「今日は百貨店が混んでいます」(きょうはひゃっかてんがこんでいます).

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1262

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Section, Lesson

Reading

Parts

訁Say (言)果Fruit

Example Word

課題: task or issue. The Japanese noun '課題 (かだい)' can mean 'task' or 'issue'. When referring to a 'task', it often implies a specific assignment or piece of work that needs to be completed, such as homework or a project. For example: I have a lot of tasks to do「たくさんの課題があります」(たくさんのかだいがあります). When referring to an 'issue', it can denote a problem or challenge that needs to be addressed. For example: We need to discuss this issue「この課題について話し合う必要があります」(このかだいについてはなしあうひつようがあります). The word is commonly used in both academic and professional settings.

Radical

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1358

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fruit, Cake

Reading

Parts

艹Grass 果Fruit

Example Word

お菓子: sweets or snack. The Japanese noun 'お菓子 (おかし)' refers to snacks or sweets, typically enjoyed between meals or as a treat. It encompasses a wide variety of confectioneries, from traditional Japanese sweets like '和菓子 (わがし)' to Western-style candies and pastries. For example: I bought some snacks「お菓子を買いました」(おかしをかいました). Children love sweets「子供はお菓子が大好きです」(こどもはおかしがだいすきです). The term is often used in casual contexts and is a common item in Japanese households.

Radical

艸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1443

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Item, Counter for articles

Reading

Parts

⺮Bamboo (竹)固Hard

Example Word

箇月: months. The Japanese suffix '箇月 (かげつ)' is used to indicate a period of time in months. It is often attached to a number to specify how many months. For example: three months「三箇月」(さんかげつ). This suffix is commonly used in formal or written contexts, such as contracts, schedules, or official documents. It is important to note that '箇月' is more formal than the more commonly used 'ヶ月 (かげつ)', which serves the same purpose but is less formal. Example sentences: The project will take two months「このプロジェクトは二箇月かかります」(このプロジェクトはにかげつかかります). I have been studying Japanese for six months「私は日本語を六箇月勉強しています」(わたしはにほんごをろっかげつべんきょうしています).

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1525

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Shelf, Build across

Reading

Parts

加Join, Add 木Tree, Wood

Radical

木

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1631

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Pot

Reading

Parts

金Gold 咼

Example Word

鍋: pot. The Japanese noun '鍋 (なべ)' refers to a 'pot', typically used for cooking. It can describe various types of pots, such as those used for boiling, stewing, or frying. In Japanese cuisine, '鍋' is also associated with hot pot dishes, where ingredients are cooked together in a communal pot. Example sentences: I bought a new pot「新しい鍋を買いました」(あたらしいなべをかいました). Let's make hot pot tonight「今夜は鍋を作りましょう」(こんやはなべをつくりましょう). The pot is on the stove「鍋がコンロの上にあります」(なべがコンロのうえにあります).

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1632

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Whirlpool, Eddy

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)咼

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1657

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Work, Earnings

Reading

Parts

禾Cereal 家House

Example Word

稼ぐ: earn. The Japanese verb '稼ぐ (かせぐ)' primarily means 'to earn' or 'to make money'. It is commonly used in contexts related to work, labor, or any activity that generates income. For example: He earns a lot of money「彼はたくさん稼ぐ」(かれはたくさんかせぐ). I need to earn more to support my family「家族を養うためにもっと稼ぐ必要がある」(かぞくをやしなうためにもっとかせぐひつようがある). Additionally, '稼ぐ' can also imply working hard or putting in effort to achieve something, not just financially. For instance: She worked hard to earn her promotion「彼女は昇進を稼ぐために一生懸命働いた」(かのじょはしょうしんをかせぐためにいっしょうけんめいはたらいた).

Radical

禾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1670

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Bullying

Reading

Parts

艹Grass 可Possible

Example Word

苛める: bully. The Japanese verb '苛める (いじめる)' means 'to bully'. This verb is used to describe the act of tormenting, teasing, or harassing someone, often repeatedly and with the intention to cause distress. It can be used in various contexts, such as school bullying, workplace harassment, or even playful teasing among friends (though the latter is less common). For example: He bullies his classmates「彼はクラスメートをいじめる」(かれはクラスメートをいじめる). Don't bully others「他人をいじめるな」(たにんをいじめるな). The verb often carries a negative connotation and is associated with harmful behavior.

Radical

艸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1769

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Calamity

Reading

Parts

礻Cult (示)咼

Radical

示

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1826

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fine, Excellent

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)圭

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1844

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Few, Widow

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 頁Page 刀Sword

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1938

Handwriting