Learn Japanese while reading Manga with our new Manga Reader Tool!

Nihongo

Classroom

Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

か ka

 

    kanji

    Meaning

    House

    Reading

    kunyomi

    ya

    いえ

    ie

    onyomi

    ke

    ka

    Parts

    Roof Pig

    Example Word

    国家: nation. The Japanese noun '国家 (こっか)' refers to a 'nation' or 'state', encompassing the idea of a country as a political and geographical entity. It is often used in formal contexts to discuss matters related to national governance, sovereignty, or international relations. For example: The nation's security is important「国家の安全は重要です」(こっかのあんぜんはじゅうようです). The prosperity of the nation depends on its citizens「国家の繁栄は国民にかかっている」(こっかのはんえいはこくみんにかかっている). This term is commonly used in political, legal, and academic discussions.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    10

    JLPT

    N4

    Grade

    2

    Frequency

    31

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Down

    Reading

    kunyomiした

    shita

    くだ

    kuda

    onyomi

    ge

    ka

    Parts

    One Divination

    Example Word

    地下道: underground. The Japanese noun '地下道 (ちかどう)' refers to an 'underground passage' or 'subway'. It is commonly used to describe tunnels or pathways that are built beneath the ground, often for pedestrians or vehicles. For example: The underground passage is convenient「地下道は便利です」(ちかどうはべんりです). We walked through the underground tunnel「私たちは地下道を歩きました」(わたしたちはちかどうをあるきました). This word is often used in urban contexts to describe infrastructure like subway systems or pedestrian underpasses.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    3

    JLPT

    N5

    Grade

    1

    Frequency

    34

    Radical Form

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Flower

    Reading

    kunyomiはな

    hana

    onyomi

    ka

    Parts

    Grass Change

    Example Word

    花婿: groom. The Japanese noun '花婿 (はなむこ)' refers specifically to the groom in a wedding ceremony. It is a compound word combining '花 (はな)' meaning 'flower' and '婿 (むこ)' meaning 'son-in-law' or 'bridegroom'. This term is used to describe the man who is getting married, often in a formal or celebratory context. For example: The groom looked very handsome「花婿はとてもハンサムでした」(はなむこはとてもハンサムでした). The bride and groom exchanged vows「花嫁と花婿は誓いを交わしました」(はなよめとはなむこはちかいをかわしました). The term is typically used in wedding-related contexts and carries a formal tone.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    7

    JLPT

    N4

    Grade

    1

    Frequency

    195

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Exceed, Error

    Reading

    kunyomi

    su

    あやま

    ayama

    onyomi

    ka

    Parts

    Walk

    Example Word

    過ぎる: pass or exceed. The Japanese verb '過ぎる (すぎる)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'to exceed' or 'to go beyond', often used to indicate that something has surpassed a certain limit or expectation. For example: The time has exceeded 10 minutes「時間が10分過ぎた」(じかんがじゅっぷんすぎた). The second meaning is 'to pass', as in time or a location. For example: The train has already passed the station「電車はもう駅を過ぎた」(でんしゃはもうえきをすぎた). It can also be used in a more abstract sense, such as 'to pass by' in terms of time: The summer has passed「夏が過ぎた」(なつがすぎた). The verb is often used in combination with other words to form compound verbs, such as '飲み過ぎる (のみすぎる)' meaning 'to drink too much'.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    12

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    5

    Frequency

    223

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Fire

    Reading

    kunyomi

    hi

    ho

    onyomi

    ka

    Parts

    Person Divide

    Example Word

    火: fire. The Japanese noun '火 (ひ)' means 'fire'. It refers to the phenomenon of combustion, producing heat and light. This word is commonly used in various contexts, such as describing actual fire, fire-related incidents, or even metaphorically to describe passion or intensity. For example: The fire is hot「火は熱い」(ひはあつい). Be careful with fire「火に気をつけて」(ひにきをつけて). Additionally, '火' can be part of compound words, such as '火事 (かじ)' meaning 'fire (as in a fire incident)' or '火山 (かざん)' meaning 'volcano'.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    4

    JLPT

    N5

    Grade

    1

    Frequency

    232

    Radical Form

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Change

    Reading

    kunyomi

    ba

    onyomi

    ke

    ka

    Parts

    Person (人)Spoon

    Example Word

    文化財: cultural asset. The Japanese noun '文化財 (ぶんかざい)' refers to 'cultural assets' or 'cultural properties'. These are items of significant cultural, historical, or artistic value that are preserved and protected by law. Examples include historical buildings, artworks, traditional crafts, and intangible cultural heritage like performing arts. For example: This temple is a designated cultural asset「この寺は文化財に指定されています」(このてらはぶんかざいにしていされています). The government protects cultural assets「政府は文化財を保護しています」(せいふはぶんかざいをほごしています). The term emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural heritage for future generations.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    4

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    3

    Frequency

    236

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Possible

    Reading

    onyomi

    ka

    Parts

    Street Mouth

    Example Word

    可笑しな: strange. The Japanese determiner '可笑しな (おかしな)' means 'strange' or 'odd'. It is used to describe something that is unusual, peculiar, or out of the ordinary. This word often carries a slightly humorous or lighthearted nuance, depending on the context. For example: That's a strange story「それは可笑しな話だ」(それはおかしなはなしだ). He has a strange habit「彼は可笑しな癖がある」(かれはおかしなくせがある). Note that '可笑しな' is typically used before a noun to describe its quality, as in '可笑しな人 (おかしなひと) (strange person)'.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    5

    Grade

    5

    Frequency

    277

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Song

    Reading

    kunyomiうた

    uta

    onyomi

    ka

    Parts

    Possible Lack

    Example Word

    歌手: singer. The Japanese noun '歌手 (かしゅ)' means 'singer'. This term is used to refer to a person who sings professionally or as a hobby. It is commonly used in contexts related to music, performances, and entertainment. For example: She is a famous singer「彼女は有名な歌手です」(かのじょはゆうめいなかしゅです). I want to become a singer「歌手になりたい」(かしゅになりたい). The word can be used to describe singers in various genres, such as pop, classical, or jazz.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    14

    JLPT

    N4

    Grade

    2

    Frequency

    289

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Fruit

    Reading

    kunyomi

    ha

    onyomi

    ka

    Parts

    Rice field Tree, Wood

    Example Word

    果物: fruit. The Japanese noun '果物 (くだもの)' means 'fruit'. It refers to the edible, sweet, and fleshy product of a tree or other plant that contains seeds. This term is commonly used in everyday conversation when talking about fruits in general, such as in a grocery store or when discussing a healthy diet. For example: I bought some fruit at the market「市場で果物を買いました」(いちばでくだものをかいました). Fruits are rich in vitamins「果物はビタミンが豊富です」(くだものはビタミンがほうふです). It is important to note that '果物' typically refers to fresh fruits, as opposed to dried or processed fruits.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    8

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    4

    Frequency

    316

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Join, Add

    Reading

    kunyomiくわ

    kuwa

    onyomi

    ka

    Parts

    Power Mouth

    Example Word

    付け加える: add. The Japanese verb '付け加える (つけくわえる)' means 'to add' or 'to append'. It is used when someone wants to include additional information, details, or elements to something that already exists. This verb is often used in both formal and informal contexts, such as in conversations, writing, or instructions. For example: I will add a comment to the report「レポートにコメントを付け加えます」(レポートにコメントをつけくわえます). She added some spices to the soup「彼女はスープにスパイスを付け加えた」(かのじょはスープにスパイスをつけくわえた). The nuance of this verb implies that the addition is supplementary or enhancing, rather than being the main focus.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    5

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    4

    Frequency

    345

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Section, Department

    Reading

    onyomi

    ka

    Parts

    Ladle, Dipper Cereal

    Example Word

    科学者: scientist. The Japanese noun '科学者 (かがくしゃ)' means 'scientist'. It refers to a person who is engaged in and has expert knowledge of a science, such as physics, chemistry, biology, or any other field of scientific study. This term is commonly used in academic, professional, and everyday contexts. For example: He is a famous scientist「彼は有名な科学者です」(かれはゆうめいなかがくしゃです). Many scientists are researching climate change「多くの科学者が気候変動を研究しています」(おおくのかがくしゃがきこうへんどうをけんきゅうしています). The word is neutral and can refer to scientists of any gender or specialization.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    9

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    2

    Frequency

    473

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    River

    Reading

    kunyomiかわ

    kawa

    onyomi

    ka

    Parts

    Water (水)Possible

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    8

    JLPT

    N2

    Grade

    5

    Frequency

    498

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Summer

    Reading

    kunyomiなつ

    natsu

    onyomi

    ge

    ka

    Parts

    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

    Stroke Count

    10

    JLPT

    N4

    Grade

    2

    Frequency

    654

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Individual

    Reading

    onyomi

    ka

    ko

    Parts

    Person (人)Hard

    Example Word

    個: counter. The Japanese suffix '個 (こ)' is a counter used for small, compact, or individual items. It is one of the most common counters in Japanese and is used for objects like fruits, eggs, stones, or other small, discrete items. For example: three apples「りんご三個」(りんごさんこ). two eggs「卵二個」(たまごにこ). It is important to note that '個' is often used when the exact shape or type of the object is not specified, making it a versatile counter. However, for specific items like books or cars, other counters like '冊 (さつ)' or '台 (だい)' are more appropriate.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    10

    JLPT

    N2

    Grade

    5

    Frequency

    678

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Price

    Reading

    kunyomiあたい

    atai

    onyomi

    ka

    Parts

    Person (人)西West

    Example Word

    評価: evaluation or appraisal. The Japanese verbal noun '評価 (ひょうか)' refers to the act of assessing or judging the value, quality, or performance of something or someone. It is commonly used in contexts such as performance reviews, product reviews, or academic assessments. For example: The teacher gave a high evaluation to the student「先生はその生徒に高い評価を与えた」(せんせいはそのせいとにたかいひょうかをあたえた). This product received a good appraisal from customers「この商品は顧客から良い評価を受けた」(このしょうひんはこきゃくからよいひょうかをうけた). Note that '評価' can also imply a formal or systematic judgment, often used in professional or academic settings.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    8

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    5

    Frequency

    775

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Baggage

    Reading

    kunyomi

    ni

    onyomi

    ka

    Parts

    Grass 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

    Stroke Count

    10

    JLPT

    N2

    Grade

    3

    Frequency

    871

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Temporary

    Reading

    kunyomiかり

    kari

    onyomi

    ke

    ka

    Parts

    Person (人)Anti

    Example Word

    仮名遣い: kana usage. The Japanese noun '仮名遣い (かなづかい)' refers to the rules or conventions for using kana (the Japanese syllabaries, hiragana and katakana) in writing. It specifically deals with how kana are used to represent sounds and words in the Japanese language. Historically, there have been different systems of kana usage, such as historical kana usage (歴史的仮名遣い, れきしてきかなづかい) and modern kana usage (現代仮名遣い, げんだいかなづかい). Example sentences: Correct kana usage is important「正しい仮名遣いが大切です」(ただしいかなづかいがたいせつです). Learning historical kana usage is difficult「歴史的仮名遣いを学ぶのは難しい」(れきしてきかなづかいをまなぶのはむずかしい).

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    6

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    5

    Frequency

    910

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    China, Splendor

    Reading

    kunyomiはな

    hana

    onyomi

    ke

    ka

    Parts

    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

    Stroke Count

    10

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    8

    Frequency

    999

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Marry, Bride

    Reading

    kunyomiよめ

    yome

    とつ

    totsu

    onyomi

    ka

    Parts

    Woman 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

    Stroke Count

    13

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    8

    Frequency

    1041

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Shoe, Shoes

    Reading

    kunyomiくつ

    kutsu

    onyomi

    ka

    Parts

    Reform, Leather 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

    Stroke Count

    13

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    9

    Frequency

    1196

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Free time, Spare time

    Reading

    kunyomiひま

    hima

    いとま

    itoma

    onyomi

    ka

    Parts

    Day, Sun

    Example Word

    暇: free time. The Japanese noun '暇 (ひま)' means 'free time' or 'leisure'. It refers to a period when one is not occupied with work or other obligations. This word is often used to describe having time to relax or do something enjoyable. For example: I have free time today「今日は暇です」(きょうはひまです). What do you do in your free time?「暇なときは何をしますか?」(ひまなときはなにをしますか?). It can also imply boredom or having nothing to do, as in 'I'm bored'「暇だ」(ひまだ). The nuance can vary depending on context, so it's important to consider the tone and situation.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    13

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    7

    Frequency

    1212

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Goods, Freight

    Reading

    onyomi

    ka

    Parts

    Change 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

    Stroke Count

    11

    JLPT

    N2

    Grade

    4

    Frequency

    1262

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Section, Lesson

    Reading

    onyomi

    ka

    Parts

    Say (言)Fruit

    Example Word

    課税: taxation. The Japanese noun '課税 (かぜい)' refers to the act or system of imposing taxes. It is commonly used in legal, financial, and administrative contexts to describe the process of levying taxes on income, property, goods, or services. For example: The government imposes taxation on luxury goods「政府は贅沢品に課税する」(せいふはぜいたくひんにかぜいする). This income is subject to taxation「この所得は課税対象です」(このしょとくはかぜいたいしょうです). The term can also refer to the tax itself in certain contexts, but its primary meaning is the act of taxing.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    15

    JLPT

    N2

    Grade

    4

    Frequency

    1358

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Fruit, Cake

    Reading

    onyomi

    ka

    Parts

    Grass Fruit

    Example Word

    菓子: sweets. The Japanese noun '菓子 (かし)' refers to 'sweets' or 'confectionery'. It is commonly used to describe traditional Japanese sweets (和菓子, わがし) or Western-style sweets (洋菓子, ようがし). This word is often used in contexts related to snacks, desserts, or treats. For example: I bought some sweets「菓子を買いました」(かしをかいました). These sweets are delicious「この菓子は美味しいです」(このかしはおいしいです). The term can also refer to snacks in general, not just sweet items, depending on the context.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    11

    JLPT

    N2

    Grade

    7

    Frequency

    1443

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Item, Counter for articles

    Reading

    onyomi

    ka

    ko

    Parts

    Bamboo (竹)Hard

    Example Word

    箇所: point or place. The Japanese noun '箇所 (かしょ)' refers to a specific place, point, or location, often in a more abstract or formal context. It is commonly used to indicate a particular spot in a document, a physical location, or a specific part of something. For example: Please check this place in the document「この箇所を確認してください」(このかしょをかくにんしてください). There is a problem at this point「この箇所に問題があります」(このかしょにもんだいがあります). The word is often used in technical, formal, or written contexts, and it emphasizes precision in identifying a specific location or part.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    14

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    7

    Frequency

    1525

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Shelf, Build across

    Reading

    kunyomi

    ka

    onyomi

    ka

    Parts

    Join, Add Tree, Wood

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    9

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    8

    Frequency

    1631

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Pot

    Reading

    kunyomiなべ

    nabe

    onyomi

    ka

    Parts

    Gold

    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

    Stroke Count

    17

    Grade

    10

    Frequency

    1632

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Whirlpool, Eddy

    Reading

    kunyomiうず

    uzu

    onyomi

    ka

    Parts

    Water (水)

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    12

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    9

    Frequency

    1657

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Work, Earnings

    Reading

    kunyomiかせ

    kase

    onyomi

    ka

    Parts

    Cereal 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

    Stroke Count

    15

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    9

    Frequency

    1670

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Bullying

    Reading

    kunyomiさいな

    saina

    こまかい

    komakai

    いらだ

    irada

    onyomi

    ka

    Parts

    Grass 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

    Stroke Count

    8

    Grade

    10

    Frequency

    1769

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Calamity

    Reading

    kunyomiわざわい

    wazawai

    onyomi

    ka

    Parts

    Cult (示)

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    13

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    9

    Frequency

    1826

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Fine, Excellent

    Reading

    onyomi

    ka

    Parts

    Person (人)

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    8

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    8

    Frequency

    1844

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Few, Widow

    Reading

    onyomi

    ka

    Parts

    Roof Page Sword

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    14

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    9

    Frequency

    1938

    Handwriting

Page 1 of 1

1 - 33 of 33

Onyomi reading Groups

Group 10 of 305