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

ぶら下げる: hang. The Japanese verb 'ぶら下げる (ぶらさげる)' means 'to hang' something loosely or casually, often implying that the object is dangling or swinging. It is commonly used when referring to carrying or suspending something in a relaxed manner, such as a bag or an ornament. For example: She hung her bag on the hook「彼女はバッグをフックにぶら下げた」(かのじょはバッグをフックにぶらさげた). He hung the lantern from the tree「彼はランタンを木にぶら下げた」(かれはランタンをきにぶらさげた). This verb conveys a sense of looseness or casualness in the way something is hung, as opposed to being firmly attached.

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

34

Radical Form

丅

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Flower

Reading

Parts

艹Grass 化Change

Example Word

花見: flower viewing. The Japanese noun '花見 (はなみ)' refers to the traditional custom of enjoying the beauty of flowers, particularly cherry blossoms (桜, さくら). This activity is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and typically involves gathering with friends or family under blooming cherry trees, often accompanied by food, drinks, and celebration. It is most commonly associated with spring, when cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Example sentences: Let's go flower viewing「花見に行きましょう」(はなみにいきましょう). The flower viewing party was fun「花見のパーティーは楽しかった」(はなみのパーティーはたのしかった).

Radical

艸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

195

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Exceed, Error

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 咼

Example Word

昼過ぎ: afternoon. The Japanese noun '昼過ぎ (ひるすぎ)' refers to the time period in the early afternoon, specifically after midday. It is used to describe the time when the sun is past its highest point but still relatively early in the afternoon. For example: I will go shopping in the afternoon「昼過ぎに買い物に行きます」(ひるすぎにかいものにいきます). The meeting is scheduled for the afternoon「会議は昼過ぎに予定されています」(かいぎはひるすぎによていされています). This term is commonly used in daily conversations to indicate a specific time frame during the day.

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

化粧: makeup. The Japanese verbal noun '化粧 (けしょう)' primarily means 'makeup'. It refers to the act of applying cosmetics to enhance or alter one's appearance. This word is commonly used in contexts related to beauty, fashion, and personal grooming. For example: She is putting on makeup「彼女は化粧をしている」(かのじょはけしょうをしている). This store sells makeup「この店は化粧を売っている」(このみせはけしょうをうっている). Additionally, '化粧' can sometimes be used metaphorically to describe something being 'dressed up' or 'embellished', such as in the phrase '化粧直し (けしょうなおし)', which means 'touch-up' or 'refurbishment'.

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

果てる: end or die. The Japanese verb '果てる (はてる)' has two primary meanings. The first meaning is 'to end' or 'to come to an end', often used to describe the conclusion of events, situations, or processes. The second meaning is 'to die', which is a more poetic or literary usage, often implying a final or irreversible end. For example: The meeting came to an end「会議が果てた」(かいぎがはてた). The old man passed away「老人は果てた」(ろうじんははてた). This verb carries a sense of finality and is often used in more formal or dramatic contexts.

Radical

木

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

316

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Join, Add

Reading

Parts

力Power 口Mouth

Example Word

加わる: join or add. The Japanese verb '加わる (くわわる)' has two primary meanings: 'to join' and 'to add'. When used to mean 'to join', it refers to becoming part of a group, activity, or event. For example: He joined the team「彼はチームに加わった」(かれはチームにくわわった). When used to mean 'to add', it refers to contributing something to an existing situation or mix. For example: A new flavor was added to the dish「新しい味が料理に加わった」(あたらしいあじがりょうりにくわわった). The verb is often used in contexts involving participation or enhancement, and its meaning depends on the context in which it is used.

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

345

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Section, Department

Reading

Parts

斗Ladle, Dipper 禾Cereal

Example Word

人文科学: humanities. The Japanese noun '人文科学 (じんぶんかがく)' refers to the academic discipline of the humanities, which includes the study of human culture, history, literature, philosophy, and art. It is often contrasted with the natural sciences (自然科学, しぜんかがく). For example: I study humanities at university「私は大学で人文科学を勉強しています」(わたしはだいがくでじんぶんかがくをべんきょうしています). The humanities are important for understanding human culture「人文科学は人間の文化を理解するために重要です」(じんぶんかがくはにんげんのぶんかをりかいするためにじゅうようです). This term is commonly used in academic and educational 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

個別: individual or specific. The Japanese noun '個別 (こべつ)' refers to something being treated or considered individually or specifically, rather than as part of a group or in a general sense. It is often used in contexts where attention is given to the unique characteristics or details of each item or person. For example: individual instruction「個別の指導」(こべつのしどう). We will handle each case specifically「個別に対応します」(こべつにたいおうします). The term emphasizes the importance of addressing each element on its own merits or needs.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

678

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Price

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)西West

Example Word

高価: expensive. The Japanese adjectival noun '高価 (こうか)' means 'expensive'. It is used to describe items or goods that have a high monetary value. This term is often used in contexts such as shopping, business, or when discussing the value of objects. For example: This watch is expensive「この時計は高価です」(このとけいはこうかです). High-quality products are usually expensive「高品質の製品はたいてい高価です」(こうひんしつのせいひんはたいていこうかです). It is important to note that '高価' is typically used for objects or items, not for services or experiences.

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

仮令: even. The Japanese adverb '仮令 (たとえ)' is used to express a hypothetical or extreme condition, often translated as 'even if' or 'even though'. It is commonly used in conjunction with words like 'ても' or 'でも' to emphasize that the following statement holds true regardless of the condition. For example: Even if it rains, I will go「仮令雨が降っても、行きます」(たとえあめがふっても、いきます). Even though it's difficult, I won't give up「仮令難しくても、諦めない」(たとえむずかしくても、あきらめない). This word is often used in formal or literary contexts and carries a sense of strong determination or inevitability.

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

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

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