Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Mother

Reading

Parts

毋Mother 丶Dot

Example Word

母親: mother. The Japanese noun '母親 (ははおや)' refers to one's mother, emphasizing the role of a parent. It is often used in formal or written contexts to denote the maternal figure in a family. For example: My mother is kind「私の母親は優しい」(わたしのははおやはやさしい). The mother takes care of the child「母親は子供の世話をする」(ははおやはこどものせわをする). This term carries a sense of respect and responsibility associated with the maternal role.

Radical

毋

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

132

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Livelihood

Reading

Parts

莫 日Day, Sun

Example Word

お歳暮: year end gift. The Japanese noun 'お歳暮 (おせいぼ)' refers to a traditional year-end gift given to express gratitude to people such as teachers, bosses, or relatives. This custom is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and is typically given in December. The gifts often include items like food, alcohol, or household goods. For example: I received a year-end gift from my boss「上司からお歳暮をもらいました」(じょうしからおせいぼをもらいました). We sent a year-end gift to our relatives「親戚にお歳暮を送りました」(しんせきにおせいぼをおくりました). The practice of giving お歳暮 is a way to show appreciation and maintain social relationships.

Radical

日

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

516

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Imitation

Reading

Parts

木Tree, Wood 莫

Example Word

模範: model. The Japanese noun '模範 (もはん)' means 'model' or 'example'. It refers to a standard or pattern that serves as a guide for behavior, actions, or performance. This word is often used in contexts where someone or something is being held up as an ideal to emulate. For example: He is a model student「彼は模範的な学生です」(かれはもはんてきながくせいです). Follow the model example「模範に従ってください」(もはんにしたがってください). The term can also be used in professional or educational settings to describe exemplary conduct or work.

Radical

木

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1012

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Grave

Reading

Parts

莫 土Soil

Example Word

墓参り: grave visiting. The Japanese verbal noun '墓参り (はかまいり)' refers to the act of visiting a grave, typically to pay respects to deceased family members or ancestors. This practice is common during specific times of the year, such as Obon (a Buddhist festival honoring the spirits of ancestors) or on anniversaries of a loved one's death. For example: I went gravevisiting yesterday「昨日、墓参りに行きました」(きのう、はかまいりにいきました). We will visit the grave during Obon「お盆に墓参りをします」(おぼんにはかまいりをします). The term emphasizes the cultural and familial significance of honoring the deceased.

Radical

土

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1014

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Adore, Pining

Reading

Parts

莫 㣺

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1664

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Raise, Recruit

Reading

Parts

莫 力Power

Example Word

応募: application. The Japanese verbal noun '応募 (おうぼ)' means 'application' and is used to refer to the act of applying for something, such as a job, contest, or event. It is commonly used in contexts where individuals submit their details or qualifications to be considered for a position or opportunity. For example: I applied for the job「私はその仕事に応募した」(わたしはそのしごとにおうぼした). She is applying for the scholarship「彼女は奨学金に応募している」(かのじょはしょうがくきんにおうぼしている). The word is often paired with verbs like 'する' to indicate the action of applying, as in '応募する (おうぼする)'.

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1912

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Notebook for record, Record book

Reading

Example Word

名簿: roster. The Japanese noun '名簿 (めいぼ)' refers to a 'roster' or 'register', which is a list of names, typically used in formal or organizational contexts. It is commonly used in schools, companies, or events to keep track of participants, members, or attendees. For example: Please check the roster for your name「名簿に名前があるか確認してください」(めいぼになまえがあるかかくにんしてください). The teacher updated the class roster「先生がクラスの名簿を更新しました」(せんせいがクラスのめいぼをこうしんしました). This word is often associated with administrative or official settings.

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1943

Handwriting