字Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Hit

Reading

Parts

扌Hand (手)丁Street

Example Word

打つ: hit or type. The Japanese verb '打つ (うつ)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'to hit', which can refer to physically striking something, such as hitting a ball or striking a nail. For example: He hit the ball「彼はボールを打った」(かれはボールをうった). The second meaning is 'to type', referring to inputting text on a keyboard or similar device. For example: I typed the document「私はその文書を打った」(わたしはそのぶんしょをうった). The context usually makes it clear which meaning is intended. Additionally, '打つ' can be used metaphorically, such as in '打ち明ける (うちあける)', meaning 'to confide' or 'to reveal'.

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

260

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

What

Reading

Parts

⻏Mound (阜)

Example Word

旦那: husband. The Japanese noun '旦那 (だんな)' primarily means 'husband'. It is a somewhat formal or traditional term used to refer to one's husband, often implying respect or a certain level of formality. It can also be used to address or refer to a master or boss, particularly in historical or service contexts. For example: my husband is kind「私の旦那は優しい」(わたしのだんなはやさしい). The master of the house is strict「旦那様は厳しい」(だんなさまはきびしい). Note that in modern usage, '旦那' is less common in casual speech, with '夫 (おっと)' or '主人 (しゅじん)' being more frequently used to refer to a husband.

Radical

邑

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

425

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Poor quality, Burdensome

Reading

Parts

馬Horse 太Thick, Fat

Example Word

駄目: useless or no. The Japanese adjectival noun '駄目 (だめ)' can mean 'no' or 'useless'. It is often used to express prohibition, rejection, or something being futile. For example: you can't do that「それは駄目だ」(それはだめだ). This pen is useless「このペンは駄目だ」(このペンはだめだ). It can also be used to describe something that is not allowed or is against the rules. For example: smoking is not allowed here「ここでタバコを吸うのは駄目です」(ここでタバコをすうのはだめです).

Radical

馬

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

714

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Snake

Reading

Parts

虫Insect 它

Example Word

蛇: snake. The Japanese noun '蛇 (へび)' means 'snake'. This word refers to the reptile characterized by its long, legless body. It is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts. In Japanese culture, snakes can symbolize both positive traits like wisdom and protection, as well as negative traits like danger or deceit. Example sentences: I saw a snake in the garden「庭で蛇を見た」(にわでへびをみた). The snake is long「その蛇は長い」(そのへびはながい). Snakes are often featured in Japanese folklore and mythology, such as the legendary creature 'Yamata no Orochi' (八岐大蛇).

Radical

虫

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1199

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fallen, Degenerate

Reading

Parts

陏 土Soil

Radical

土

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1752

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Sputum, Saliva

Reading

Parts

垂Hang down 口Mouth

Example Word

唾: saliva. The Japanese noun '唾 (つば)' refers to 'saliva'. It is used to describe the liquid produced in the mouth, often in contexts related to health, hygiene, or disgust. For example: He spat out his saliva「彼は唾を吐いた」(かれはつばをはいた). The thought made her mouth fill with saliva「その考えで彼女の口に唾がたまった」(そのかんがえでかのじょのくちにつばがたまった). The word can also be used metaphorically to express disgust or disdain, as in '唾を吐く (つばをはく)', which means 'to spit (in disgust)'.

Radical

口

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1801

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Gentle, Come to terms

Reading

Parts

女Woman 爪Claw

Example Word

妥当: appropriate. The Japanese noun '妥当 (だとう)' means 'appropriate' or 'reasonable'. It is used to describe something that is suitable, fitting, or justifiable in a given context. This word is often used in formal or logical discussions to evaluate whether an action, decision, or idea is reasonable or valid. For example: His opinion is appropriate「彼の意見は妥当だ」(かれのいけんはだとうだ). This plan seems reasonable「このプランは妥当だ」(このプランはだとうだ). The word can also be used in the form '妥当性 (だとうせい)', which means 'validity' or 'reasonableness', often in academic or professional contexts.

Radical

女

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1934

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Lazy

Reading

Parts

月Moon, Month 左Left 忄

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1965

Handwriting