kanji

Meaning

House

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 豕Pig

Example Word

家内: wife. The Japanese noun '家内 (かない)' is a polite and somewhat old-fashioned term used to refer to one's own wife. It is often used in formal or traditional contexts. The word literally translates to 'inside the house,' reflecting the historical context where women were primarily associated with domestic roles. However, its usage has declined in modern times, with '妻 (つま)' or '奥さん (おくさん)' being more common. Example sentences: My wife is kind「家内は優しいです」(かないはやさしいです). I will discuss this with my wife「家内と相談します」(かないとそうだんします).

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

31

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Down

Reading

Parts

一One 卜Divination

Example Word

値下げ: price reduction. The Japanese verbal noun '値下げ (ねさげ)' refers to the act of reducing the price of something. It is commonly used in retail, business, and economic contexts to describe discounts, markdowns, or price cuts. For example: The store announced a price reduction「店が値下げを発表した」(みせがねさげをはっぴょうした). We need to reduce the price of this product「この商品の値下げが必要だ」(このしょうひんのねさげがひつようだ). The term is often used in advertisements or discussions about pricing strategies.

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

34

Radical Form

丅

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Flower

Reading

Parts

艹Grass 化Change

Example Word

花粉: pollen. The Japanese noun '花粉 (かふん)' refers to 'pollen', the fine powder produced by flowers, trees, and other plants for fertilization. It is commonly associated with seasonal allergies, known as '花粉症 (かふんしょう)', which many people experience during spring when pollen levels are high. Example sentences: Pollen is flying in the air「花粉が空気中を飛んでいる」(かふんがくうきちゅうをとんでいる). I have a pollen allergy「私は花粉症です」(わたしはかふんしょうです). The word is often used in medical or environmental contexts.

Radical

艸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

195

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Exceed, Error

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 咼

Example Word

過ぎ: excess. The Japanese suffix '過ぎ (すぎ)' is used to indicate that something is excessive or has gone beyond a certain limit. It is often attached to the stem of verbs or adjectives to convey this meaning. For example: he ate too much「彼は食べ過ぎた」(かれはたべすぎた). This coffee is too sweet「このコーヒーは甘すぎる」(このコーヒーはあますぎる). The suffix can also be used with nouns to indicate that something is too much of a particular thing, as in '働き過ぎ (はたらきすぎ) (overworking)'. It's important to note that '過ぎ' can also be used as a standalone noun meaning 'excess' or 'surplus', but this usage is less common.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

223

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fire

Reading

Parts

人Person 丷Divide

Example Word

噴火: eruption. The Japanese verbal noun '噴火 (ふんか)' refers to the eruption of a volcano. It is commonly used in contexts related to natural disasters, geology, or news reports about volcanic activity. For example: The volcano erupted「火山が噴火した」(かざんがふんかした). The eruption caused widespread damage「噴火によって広範囲の被害が出た」(ふんかによってこうはんいのがいがいがでた). This word is often paired with verbs like 'する' to indicate the action of erupting, as in '噴火する (ふんかする) (to erupt)'.

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

可成: quite. The Japanese adverb '可成 (かなり)' means 'quite' or 'fairly'. It is used to indicate a significant degree or extent of something, often implying that the degree is more than expected but not extreme. This word is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. For example: It's quite cold today「今日は可成寒い」(きょうはかなりさむい). She is quite skilled「彼女は可成上手だ」(かのじょはかなりじょうずだ). Note that '可成' is often written in hiragana as 'かなり' in modern usage, and it can modify adjectives, verbs, or nouns to express a moderate but noticeable level.

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

果たして: really. The Japanese adverb '果たして (はたして)' is used to express doubt, uncertainty, or to question whether something is truly the case. It often implies skepticism or curiosity about the outcome or truth of a situation. For example: I wonder if he will really come「果たして彼は来るだろうか」(はたしてかれはくるだろうか). Can it really be true?「果たしてそれは本当だろうか」(はたしてそれはほんとうだろうか). This adverb is commonly used in rhetorical questions or when the speaker is unsure about the result of something.

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

歯科: dentistry. The Japanese noun '歯科 (しか)' refers to the field of dentistry. It is commonly used in contexts related to dental care, dental clinics, or dental professionals. For example: I went to the dentistry「歯科に行きました」(しかにいきました). She works in dentistry「彼女は歯科で働いています」(かのじょはしかではたらいています). The term is often seen in compound words like '歯科医 (しかい)' (dentist) or '歯科医院 (しかいいん)' (dental clinic).

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

夏休み: summer vacation. The Japanese noun '夏休み (なつやすみ)' refers to 'summer vacation', a period of time during the summer when schools and some workplaces are closed, allowing people to take a break. This term is commonly used in Japan, where summer vacations are a significant part of the school calendar. For example: I went to the beach during summer vacation「夏休みに海に行きました」(なつやすみにうみにいきました). My summer vacation starts next week「私の夏休みは来週からです」(わたしのなつやすみはらいしゅうからです). The duration of 夏休み can vary, but it typically lasts for several weeks, often including the Obon festival period in mid-August.

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

物価: prices. The Japanese noun '物価 (ぶっか)' refers to the general level of prices for goods and services in an economy. It is often used in discussions about inflation, cost of living, or economic conditions. For example: Prices are rising「物価が上がっている」(ぶっかがあがっている). The government is trying to stabilize prices「政府は物価を安定させようとしている」(せいふはぶっかをあんていさせようとしている). This term is commonly used in economic contexts and news reports.

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

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

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

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