kanji

Meaning

Spirit

Reading

Parts

㐅Katakana me 气Air

Example Word

気配: presence or sign. The Japanese noun '気配 (けはい)' refers to a subtle sign, indication, or presence of something. It often implies a sense of something being felt or noticed without being directly observed. This word is commonly used to describe an atmosphere, a hint of something happening, or the feeling of someone or something being nearby. For example: I felt a presence in the room「部屋に気配を感じた」(へやにけはいをかんじた). There was a sign of rain「雨の気配があった」(あめのけはいがあった). The word can also be used in abstract contexts, such as sensing a change in mood or situation.

Radical

气

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

26

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

House

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 豕Pig

Example Word

作家: writer. The Japanese noun '作家 (さっか)' refers to a 'writer' or 'author', specifically someone who creates literary works such as novels, essays, or poetry. This term is often used to describe professional writers who are recognized for their creative contributions to literature. For example: She is a famous writer「彼女は有名な作家です」(かのじょはゆうめいなさっかです). The writer published a new novel「その作家は新しい小説を出版しました」(そのさっかはあたらしいしょうせつをしゅっぱんしました). The word can also be used more broadly to describe creators in other artistic fields, such as playwrights or screenwriters, but it primarily emphasizes literary creation.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

31

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Change

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)匕Spoon

Example Word

文化: culture. The Japanese noun '文化 (ぶんか)' means 'culture'. It refers to the customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or other social group. This term is often used in discussions about traditions, societal norms, and the arts. For example: Japanese culture is fascinating「日本の文化は魅力的です」(にほんのぶんかはみりょくてきです). We should respect other cultures「他の文化を尊重すべきです」(ほかのぶんかをそんちょうすべきです). The word can also be used in compound nouns, such as '文化交流 (ぶんかこうりゅう)' meaning 'cultural exchange'.

Radical

匕

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

236

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Weird, Suspicious

Reading

Parts

忄 圣Holy

Example Word

怪しい: suspicious. The Japanese adjective '怪しい (あやしい)' primarily means 'suspicious'. It is used to describe something or someone that seems dubious, questionable, or not entirely trustworthy. This can apply to situations, objects, or people. For example: That person looks suspicious「あの人は怪しい」(あのひとはあやしい). The story sounds suspicious「その話は怪しい」(そのはなしはあやしい). Additionally, '怪しい' can sometimes imply a sense of mystery or the supernatural, as in: The old house looks eerie「その古い家は怪しい」(そのふるいいえはあやしい). The nuance of the word can vary depending on context, but it generally conveys a sense of doubt or unease.

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

455

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Temporary

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)反Anti

Example Word

仮名: kana. The Japanese noun '仮名 (かな)' refers to the syllabic scripts used in Japanese writing, specifically hiragana and katakana. These scripts are used to represent sounds and are essential for writing native Japanese words, grammatical elements, and foreign loanwords. For example: I wrote my name in hiragana「私の名前をひらがなで書きました」(わたしのなまえをひらがなでかきました). Katakana is used for foreign words「カタカナは外来語に使います」(カタカナはがいらいごにつかいます). The term '仮名' contrasts with '漢字 (かんじ)', which are the logographic characters borrowed from Chinese.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

910

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Suspend

Reading

Parts

縣 心Heart

Example Word

一生懸命: hard or earnestly. The Japanese adverb '一生懸命 (いっしょうけんめい)' means 'hard' or 'earnestly'. It is used to describe doing something with great effort, determination, or seriousness. This word often conveys a sense of giving one's all or putting in maximum effort. For example: I studied hard for the exam「試験のために一生懸命勉強した」(しけんのためにいっしょうけんめいべんきょうした). She worked earnestly to achieve her dream「彼女は夢を叶えるために一生懸命働いた」(かのじょはゆめをかなえるためにいっしょうけんめいはたらいた). The word can also be used to describe physical effort, such as running hard「一生懸命走った」(いっしょうけんめいはしった). Note that while 'hard' is a common translation, the nuance of '一生懸命' often includes a sense of sincerity and dedication.

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

911

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