Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

House

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 豕Pig

Example Word

家臣: retainer. The Japanese noun '家臣 (かしん)' refers to a 'retainer', specifically a vassal or samurai who served a feudal lord in historical Japan. This term is deeply rooted in the feudal system and is often used in historical or literary contexts. For example: The retainer served his lord faithfully「家臣は主君に忠実に仕えた」(かしんはしゅくんにちゅうじつにつかえた). The lord rewarded his retainers generously「主君は家臣たちに寛大に報いた」(しゅくんはかしんたちにかんだいにむくいた). The term emphasizes loyalty and service within the hierarchical structure of feudal Japan.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

31

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Down

Reading

Parts

一One 卜Divination

Example Word

下げる: lower. The Japanese verb '下げる (さげる)' means 'to lower' or 'to reduce'. It is used to describe the action of moving something downward or decreasing its level, position, or value. This verb can be applied to physical objects, such as lowering a flag, or abstract concepts, like reducing prices. For example: Please lower the volume「音量を下げてください」(おんりょうをさげてください). The store lowered the prices「店は値段を下げた」(みせはねだんをさげた). Note that '下げる' can also imply a sense of humility or modesty, such as lowering one's head in respect. However, this nuance is context-dependent and not a separate meaning.

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

34

Radical Form

丅

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Flower

Reading

Parts

艹Grass 化Change

Example Word

花火: fireworks. The Japanese noun '花火 (はなび)' means 'fireworks'. This word is commonly used to describe the colorful explosive displays often seen during festivals, celebrations, or special events in Japan. Fireworks are a significant part of Japanese culture, especially during summer festivals. Example sentences: The fireworks were beautiful「花火がきれいでした」(はなびがきれいでした). We watched the fireworks at the festival「祭りで花火を見ました」(まつりではなびをみました). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something fleeting or spectacular, though this usage is less common.

Radical

艸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

195

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Exceed, Error

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 咼

Example Word

過ち: mistake. The Japanese noun '過ち (あやまち)' means 'mistake' or 'error'. It refers to an action or judgment that is misguided or wrong. This word often carries a connotation of regret or responsibility for the mistake made. It is commonly used in contexts where someone acknowledges their own fault or error. For example: He admitted his mistake「彼は過ちを認めた」(かれはあやまちをみとめた). Learning from past mistakes is important「過去の過ちから学ぶことは大切だ」(かこのあやまちからまなぶことはたいせつだ). The word can also be used in a more formal or literary context to describe moral or ethical errors.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

223

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fire

Reading

Parts

人Person 丷Divide

Example Word

火山: volcano. The Japanese noun '火山 (かざん)' means 'volcano'. This term refers to a mountain or hill that has a crater or vent through which lava, rock fragments, hot vapor, and gas are or have been erupted from the earth's crust. It is commonly used in both scientific and everyday contexts. For example: Mount Fuji is a famous volcano「富士山は有名な火山です」(ふじさんはゆうめいなかざんです). The volcano erupted last night「その火山は昨夜噴火しました」(そのかざんはさくやふんかしました). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is explosive or intense, such as emotions or situations.

Radical

火

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

232

Radical Form

灬

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Change

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)匕Spoon

Example Word

悪化: worsening. The Japanese verbal noun '悪化 (あっか)' means 'worsening' or 'deterioration'. It is used to describe a situation, condition, or state that is becoming worse over time. This word is often used in contexts such as health, relationships, or environmental conditions. For example: The patient's condition is worsening「患者の状態が悪化している」(かんじゃのじょうたいがあっかしている). The economic situation is deteriorating「経済状況が悪化している」(けいざいじょうきょうがあっかしている). Note that '悪化' is often paired with verbs like 'する' to indicate the act of worsening, as in '悪化する (あっかする)'.

Radical

匕

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

236

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Possible

Reading

Parts

丁Street 口Mouth

Example Word

認可: approval. The Japanese verbal noun '認可 (にんか)' refers to the act of officially approving or authorizing something. It is commonly used in formal contexts, such as government or organizational settings, where an official body grants permission or recognition. For example: The government granted approval for the new project「政府は新しいプロジェクトを認可した」(せいふはあたらしいプロジェクトをにんかした). The school received official recognition「その学校は認可を受けた」(そのがっこうはにんかをうけた). This term emphasizes the formal and official nature of the approval process.

Radical

口

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

277

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Song

Reading

Parts

可Possible 欠Lack

Example Word

歌う: sing. The Japanese verb '歌う (うたう)' means 'to sing'. It is used to describe the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, often in a structured and rhythmic manner. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as singing a song, performing in a concert, or even singing casually. For example: She sings beautifully「彼女は美しく歌う」(かのじょはうつくしくうたう). I will sing at the party「パーティーで歌う」(パーティーでうたう). The verb can also be used metaphorically to describe something that resembles singing, such as the sound of a bird. For example: The birds are singing in the morning「鳥が朝に歌っている」(とりがあさにうたっている).

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

増加: increase. The Japanese verbal noun '増加 (ぞうか)' means 'increase'. It refers to the act of becoming greater in size, amount, or number. This word is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe growth or expansion in various areas such as population, prices, or data. For example: The population is increasing「人口が増加している」(じんこうがぞうかしている). There was an increase in prices「価格の増加があった」(かかくのぞうかがあった). It's important to note that '増加' is often used in reports, statistics, and discussions about trends.

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

345

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Section, Department

Reading

Parts

斗Ladle, Dipper 禾Cereal

Example Word

学科: department or subject. The Japanese noun '学科 (がっか)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'subject', referring to a specific field of study or academic discipline, such as mathematics or history. The second meaning is 'department', referring to an academic division within a school or university, such as the Department of Engineering. For example: My favorite subject is science「私の好きな学科は科学です」(わたしのすきながっかはかがくです). She works in the English department「彼女は英語学科で働いています」(かのじょはえいごがっかではたらいています). The word is commonly used in educational contexts to describe both the field of study and the organizational unit within an institution.

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

個人: individual. The Japanese noun '個人 (こじん)' means 'individual'. It refers to a single person as distinct from a group or society. This term is often used in contexts emphasizing the rights, responsibilities, or characteristics of a single person. For example: respect for the individual「個人の尊重」(こじんのそんちょう). The decision was made by an individual「その決定は個人によってなされた」(そのけっていはこじんによってなされた). It is also commonly used in legal, social, and philosophical discussions to highlight the importance of the individual within a larger context.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

678

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Price

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)西West

Example Word

株価: stock price. The Japanese noun '株価 (かぶか)' refers to the 'stock price' or 'share price' of a company. It is commonly used in financial and business contexts to discuss the value of stocks traded on the market. For example: The stock price rose sharply「株価が急上昇した」(かぶかがきゅうじょうしょうした). The stock price of that company is high「あの会社の株価は高い」(あのかいしゃのかぶかはたかい). This term is essential in discussions about investments, market trends, and economic news.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

775

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Baggage

Reading

Parts

艹Grass 何What

Example Word

荷物: luggage or burden. The Japanese noun '荷物 (にもつ)' primarily means 'luggage' or 'baggage', referring to items that are carried or transported. It is commonly used in contexts such as travel or moving. For example: Please carry this luggage「この荷物を運んでください」(このにもつをはこんでください). Additionally, '荷物' can metaphorically mean 'burden' or 'responsibility', often used in a figurative sense. For example: He is a burden to the team「彼はチームの荷物だ」(かれはチームのにもつだ). The word is versatile and can be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

Radical

艸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

871

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Temporary

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)反Anti

Example Word

仮に: temporarily or hypothetically. The Japanese adverb '仮に (かりに)' can mean either 'temporarily' or 'hypothetically', depending on the context. When used to mean 'temporarily', it refers to something being done or existing for a limited time. For example: temporarily staying at a friend's house「仮に友達の家に泊まる」(かりにともだちのいえにとまる). When used to mean 'hypothetically', it refers to a situation that is being considered as a possibility or for the sake of argument. For example: hypothetically, if I were rich「仮に私がお金持ちだったら」(かりにわたしがおかねもちだったら). The meaning is usually clear from the context of the sentence.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

910

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

China, Splendor

Reading

Parts

艹Grass

Example Word

中華: China or Chinese. The Japanese proper noun '中華 (ちゅうか)' refers to China or things related to Chinese culture, cuisine, or style. It is commonly used in compound words to denote something of Chinese origin or influence. For example: Chinese cuisine「中華料理」(ちゅうかりょうり), Chinese-style architecture「中華風建築」(ちゅうかふうけんちく). The term can also be used more broadly to refer to anything associated with Chinese culture or traditions. Note that while '中華' primarily refers to China, it is often used in contexts emphasizing cultural or stylistic elements rather than the geographical or political entity.

Radical

艸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

999

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Marry, Bride

Reading

Parts

女Woman 家House

Example Word

花嫁: bride. The Japanese noun '花嫁 (はなよめ)' means 'bride'. This word specifically refers to a woman on her wedding day or just before or after the wedding. It is commonly used in contexts related to weddings, ceremonies, or romantic settings. For example: The bride looked beautiful「花嫁は美しかった」(はなよめはうつくしかった). The bride wore a white dress「花嫁は白いドレスを着ていた」(はなよめはしろいドレスをきていた). The term is often paired with '花婿 (はなむこ)', which means 'groom', to refer to the couple together.

Radical

女

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1041

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Shoe, Shoes

Reading

Parts

革Reform, Leather 化Change

Example Word

靴: shoes. The Japanese noun '靴 (くつ)' means 'shoes'. It refers to footwear worn on the feet, typically covering the foot and extending below the ankle. This word is commonly used in everyday conversations when discussing clothing, fashion, or daily activities. For example: I bought new shoes「新しい靴を買いました」(あたらしいくつをかいました). Please take off your shoes「靴を脱いでください」(くつをぬいでください). The word '靴' can also be used in compound words, such as '運動靴 (うんどうぐつ)' (sports shoes) or '革靴 (かわぐつ)' (leather shoes).

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

外貨: foreign currency. The Japanese noun '外貨 (がいか)' refers to 'foreign currency'. It is commonly used in contexts related to finance, travel, or international trade. For example: I exchanged yen for foreign currency「円を外貨に両替した」(えんをがいかにりょうがえした). The company holds foreign currency reserves「その会社は外貨準備を持っている」(そのかいしゃはがいかじゅんびをもっている). This term is essential when discussing exchange rates, international transactions, or travel preparations involving currency exchange.

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1262

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Section, Lesson

Reading

Parts

訁Say (言)果Fruit

Example Word

課: section or lesson. The Japanese noun '課 (か)' has two primary meanings. The first meaning is 'section', often used in organizational or structural contexts, such as divisions within a company or chapters in a book. For example: the sales section「営業課」(えいぎょうか). The second meaning is 'lesson', typically referring to a unit of study or instruction. For example: today's lesson「今日の課」(きょうのか). The word is versatile and its meaning depends heavily on the context in which it is used. It is commonly seen in educational, corporate, and literary 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: bullying. The Japanese noun '苛め (いじめ)' refers to the act of bullying, which involves repeated aggressive behavior intended to hurt or intimidate someone, often someone perceived as weaker. This term is commonly used in schools, workplaces, and other social settings. Example sentences: Bullying is a serious problem「苛めは深刻な問題です」(いじめはしんこくなもんだいです). He was a victim of bullying「彼は苛めの被害者でした」(かれはいじめのひがいしゃでした). The word carries a strong negative connotation and is often discussed in the context of prevention and intervention.

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