Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Spirit

Reading

Parts

㐅Katakana me 气Air

Example Word

気持ち: feeling. The Japanese noun '気持ち (きもち)' primarily means 'feeling' or 'emotion'. It refers to one's emotional state, physical sensation, or even a sense of something. It is a versatile word used in various contexts, such as expressing emotions, physical comfort, or opinions. For example: I feel happy「気持ちがいい」(きもちがいい). This bed is comfortable「このベッドは気持ちがいい」(このベッドはきもちがいい). It can also express gratitude or goodwill, as in 'Thank you for your kind feelings'「気持ちをありがとう」(きもちをありがとう). Note that '気持ち' can sometimes imply a sense of physical comfort or discomfort, depending on the context.

Radical

气

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

26

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

House

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 豕Pig

Example Word

家具: furniture. The Japanese noun '家具 (かぐ)' means 'furniture'. It refers to movable objects used to support various human activities such as seating, eating, and sleeping. This includes items like chairs, tables, beds, and cabinets. For example: I bought new furniture「新しい家具を買いました」(あたらしいかぐをかいました). The furniture in this room is expensive「この部屋の家具は高いです」(このへやのかぐはたかいです). The word is commonly used in contexts related to home decor, interior design, and shopping for household items.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

31

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Change

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)匕Spoon

Example Word

強化: strengthening or enhancement. The Japanese verbal noun '強化 (きょうか)' refers to the act of making something stronger or more effective. It is commonly used in contexts such as improving systems, skills, or materials. For example: The company is strengthening its security measures「会社はセキュリティを強化しています」(かいしゃはセキュリティをきょうかしています). We need to enhance our skills「私たちはスキルを強化する必要があります」(わたしたちはスキルをきょうかするひつようがあります). This term is often used in both technical and everyday contexts to describe the process of making improvements or increasing capabilities.

Radical

匕

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

236

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Weird, Suspicious

Reading

Parts

忄 圣Holy

Example Word

怪しむ: suspect. The Japanese verb '怪しむ (あやしむ)' means 'to suspect' or 'to doubt'. It is used when someone has a feeling of distrust or suspicion towards something or someone. This verb often implies a sense of unease or skepticism. For example: I suspect his intentions「彼の意図を怪しむ」(かれのいとをあやしむ). She doubted the truth of his story「彼女は彼の話の真実を怪しんだ」(かのじょはかれのはなしのしんじつをあやしんだ). The verb can also be used in more abstract contexts, such as suspecting something is wrong or out of place.

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

455

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

Suspend

Reading

Parts

縣 心Heart

Example Word

懸命: earnest. The Japanese adjectival noun '懸命 (けんめい)' means 'earnest' or 'doing one's utmost'. It describes a state of putting in great effort or being very serious about something. This term is often used to commend someone's dedication or hard work. For example: He is earnest in his studies「彼は勉強に懸命だ」(かれはべんきょうにけんめいだ). She worked hard to achieve her goal「彼女は目標を達成するために懸命に働いた」(かのじょはもくひょうをたっせいするためにけんめいにはたらいた). The word can also imply a sense of desperation or urgency in certain contexts, highlighting the intensity of the effort being made.

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

911

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