Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Mother

Reading

Parts

毋Mother 丶Dot

Example Word

祖母: grandmother. The Japanese noun '祖母 (そぼ)' refers to one's grandmother, specifically the mother of one's father or mother. It is a formal and respectful term used to refer to one's grandmother in various contexts. For example: My grandmother is kind「私の祖母は優しい」(わたしのそぼはやさしい). I visited my grandmother「祖母を訪ねた」(そぼをたずねた). The term is commonly used in both spoken and written Japanese, and it carries a sense of respect and affection. It is important to note that '祖母' is used specifically for one's own grandmother, and not for someone else's grandmother, for which the term 'おばあさん' might be more appropriate.

Radical

毋

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

132

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Livelihood

Reading

Parts

莫 日Day, Sun

Example Word

暮れ: dusk. The Japanese noun '暮れ (くれ)' refers to the time of day when the sun is setting and it is becoming dark, commonly translated as 'dusk' or 'evening'. It is often used to describe the period at the end of the day, but can also metaphorically refer to the end of a season or period in life. For example: The sky at dusk is beautiful「暮れの空は美しい」(くれのそらはうつくしい). The year is coming to an end「年の暮れが近づいている」(としのくれがちかづいている).

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: grave. The Japanese noun '墓 (はか)' refers to a 'grave' or 'tomb'. It is used to describe the place where a deceased person is buried. This word is commonly used in contexts related to death, funerals, and memorials. For example: I visited my grandfather's grave「祖父の墓を訪ねた」(そふのはかをおとずれた). The grave is located in the cemetery「その墓は墓地にある」(そのはかはぼちにある). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is a reminder of the past or a place of finality. Note that '墓' is often associated with respect and solemnity in Japanese culture.

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