kanji

Meaning

House

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 豕Pig

Example Word

家計: budget or household. The Japanese noun '家計 (かけい)' refers to the financial affairs or budget of a household. It is commonly used to describe the income, expenses, and overall financial management of a family or household. For example: managing the household budget「家計を管理する」(かけいをかんりする). The household finances are tight this month「今月の家計は厳しい」(こんげつのかけいときびしい). This word is often used in discussions about personal finance, savings, and economic planning.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

31

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Down

Reading

Parts

一One 卜Divination

Example Word

下旬: last third. The Japanese noun '下旬 (げじゅん)' refers to the 'last third' of a month, specifically the period from the 21st to the end of the month. It is commonly used in contexts related to time, scheduling, or planning. For example: The event will be held in the last third of October「イベントは10月の下旬に開催されます」(イベントはじゅうがつのげじゅんにかいさいされます). The report is due by the last third of this month「レポートは今月の下旬までに提出してください」(レポートはこんげつのげじゅんまでにていしゅつしてください). This term is often used in formal or business settings to specify dates or deadlines.

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

34

Radical Form

丅

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Flower

Reading

Parts

艹Grass 化Change

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

艸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

195

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Exceed, Error

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 咼

Example Word

過ごす: spend. The Japanese verb '過ごす (すごす)' means 'to spend' time or to pass time in a certain way. It is commonly used to describe how one spends their time, whether it's a day, a season, or a period of life. For example: I spent the summer in Hokkaido「夏を北海道で過ごした」(なつをほっかいどうですごした). We spent a pleasant evening together「楽しい夜を一緒に過ごした」(たのしいよるをいっしょにすごした). The verb can also imply the manner in which time is spent, such as leisurely or busily. It is a versatile verb that can be used in various contexts to describe the passage of time.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

223

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fire

Reading

Parts

人Person 丷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

火

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

232

Radical Form

灬

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Change

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)匕Spoon

Example Word

進化: evolution. The Japanese noun '進化 (しんか)' means 'evolution'. It refers to the process of gradual development or change, often used in biological contexts to describe the development of species over time. However, it can also be applied to non-biological contexts, such as technological or societal progress. For example: the evolution of technology「技術の進化」(ぎじゅつのしんか). The evolution of species「種の進化」(しゅのしんか). This word is commonly used in scientific discussions, but it can also appear in everyday conversations to describe progress or improvement.

Radical

匕

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

236

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Possible

Reading

Parts

丁Street 口Mouth

Example Word

成る可く: as much as possible. The Japanese adverb '成る可く (なるべく)' means 'as much as possible' or 'to the best of one's ability'. It is used to express the idea of doing something to the greatest extent feasible or within reasonable limits. This adverb is often used in requests or suggestions to encourage someone to make an effort. For example: Please come as early as possible「成る可く早く来てください」(なるべくはやくきてください). I try to eat vegetables as much as possible「成る可く野菜を食べるようにしています」(なるべくやさいをたべるようにしています). The nuance of '成る可く' implies a sense of effort or intention to achieve something within given constraints.

Radical

口

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

277

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Song

Reading

Parts

可Possible 欠Lack

Example Word

歌声: singing. The Japanese noun '歌声 (うたごえ)' refers to the sound or voice of someone singing. It is often used to describe the act of singing or the quality of a person's singing voice. This word can be used in various contexts, such as appreciating someone's singing or describing the atmosphere created by singing. For example: Her singing is beautiful「彼女の歌声は美しい」(かのじょのうたごえはうつくしい). The sound of singing echoed through the hall「歌声がホールに響いた」(うたごえがホールにひびいた). Note that '歌声' specifically refers to the sound or voice of singing, not the act of singing itself, which would be '歌う (うたう)'.

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

参加: participation. The Japanese verbal noun '参加 (さんか)' means 'participation'. It refers to the act of joining or taking part in an event, activity, or group. It is commonly used in formal and informal contexts to describe involvement in meetings, events, or organizations. For example: I will participate in the meeting「会議に参加します」(かいぎにさんかします). She enjoys participating in volunteer activities「彼女はボランティア活動に参加するのが好きです」(かのじょはボランティアかつどうにさんかするのがすきです). Note that '参加' is often paired with verbs like 'する' (to do) or 'する予定です' (plan to do) to indicate participation.

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

345

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Section, Department

Reading

Parts

斗Ladle, Dipper 禾Cereal

Example Word

教科: subject. The Japanese noun '教科 (きょうか)' refers to a 'subject' in the context of education, such as a specific field of study taught in school. It is commonly used to describe academic disciplines like mathematics, science, or history. For example: My favorite subject is math「私の好きな教科は数学です」(わたしのすきなきょうかはすうがくです). We have five subjects this semester「今学期は五つの教科があります」(こんがっきはいつつのきょうかがあります). The term is often used in educational settings and is neutral in tone, applicable to both formal and informal contexts.

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

真夏: midsummer. The Japanese noun '真夏 (まなつ)' refers to the peak of summer, specifically the hottest part of the season. It is often used to describe the intense heat and typical weather conditions during this period. For example: The midsummer heat is unbearable「真夏の暑さは耐えられない」(まなつのあつさはたえられない). We went to the beach in midsummer「真夏に海に行った」(まなつにうみにいった). This word is commonly used in contexts related to weather, seasonal activities, or events that occur during the hottest part of summer.

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

価値: value. The Japanese noun '価値 (かち)' means 'value'. It refers to the worth, importance, or usefulness of something, whether tangible or intangible. This word is often used in contexts discussing economic value, moral value, or the significance of an object, idea, or action. For example: This painting has great value「この絵は大きな価値がある」(このえはおおきなかちがある). The value of hard work is immeasurable「努力の価値は計り知れない」(どりょくのかちははかりしれない). It can also be used in phrases like '価値観 (かちかん)' meaning 'values' or 'sense of values'.

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

仮: temporary. The Japanese noun '仮 (かり)' means 'temporary'. It is often used to describe something that is provisional or not permanent. This word is commonly used in various contexts, such as temporary arrangements, provisional measures, or interim solutions. For example: This is a temporary solution「これは仮の解決策です」(これはかりのかいけつさくです). The temporary bridge was built quickly「仮の橋はすぐに作られました」(かりのはしはすぐにつくられました). It's important to note that '仮' can also be part of compound words, such as '仮名 (かな)' (kana, the Japanese syllabary) or '仮定 (かてい)' (assumption).

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

貨物: cargo. The Japanese noun '貨物 (かもつ)' refers to 'cargo' or 'freight'. It is used to describe goods or products that are transported, typically by ship, train, truck, or airplane. This term is commonly used in logistics, shipping, and transportation contexts. For example: The cargo was delivered on time「貨物は時間通りに届けられた」(かもつはじかんどおりにとどけられた). The ship is carrying a lot of cargo「その船はたくさんの貨物を運んでいる」(そのふねはたくさんのかもつをはこんでいる). Note that '貨物' is often used in formal or technical contexts, and it can refer to both commercial and non-commercial goods.

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1262

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Section, Lesson

Reading

Parts

訁Say (言)果Fruit

Example Word

日課: routine. The Japanese noun '日課 (にっか)' refers to a daily routine or a task that is performed regularly every day. It is often used to describe habitual activities or duties that are part of one's everyday life. For example: my daily routine is to go for a run「私の日課はランニングです」(わたしのにっかはらんにんぐです). Reading the newspaper is part of his daily routine「新聞を読むことが彼の日課です」(しんぶんをよむことがかれのにっかです). The word emphasizes the regularity and consistency of the activity, making it a fundamental part of one's day.

Radical

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1358

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fruit, Cake

Reading

Parts

艹Grass 果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

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

苛々: irritation. The Japanese noun '苛々 (いらいら)' refers to a state of irritation or frustration. It is often used to describe a feeling of being annoyed or impatient, typically due to minor inconveniences or delays. For example: I feel irritated because of the traffic「交通のせいで苛々している」(こうつうのせいでいらいらしている). She gets irritated easily「彼女はすぐに苛々する」(かのじょはすぐにいらいらする). This word is commonly used in everyday conversation to express mild frustration or annoyance.

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