Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Change, Abnormal

Reading

Parts

亦 夂Late

Example Word

変化: change or variation. The Japanese verbal noun '変化 (へんか)' primarily means 'change' or 'variation'. It refers to a transformation or alteration in state, form, or condition. This word is often used in contexts involving physical, chemical, or abstract changes. For example: The weather changes quickly「天気が急に変化する」(てんきがきゅうにへんかする). There is a variation in color「色に変化がある」(いろにへんかがある). It can also be used in scientific contexts, such as describing chemical changes or biological mutations. The word is neutral and can be applied to both positive and negative changes.

Radical

夂

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

163

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Return

Reading

Parts

辶Walk 反Anti

Example Word

返還: return or restoration. The Japanese noun '返還 (へんかん)' refers to the act of returning or restoring something to its original owner or place. It is often used in formal or legal contexts, such as the return of territory, property, or rights. For example: The return of the land to its original owner「土地の返還が行われた」(とちのへんかんがおこなわれた). The restoration of cultural artifacts to their country of origin「文化財の返還が決定した」(ぶんかざいのへんかんがけっていした). This term carries a formal tone and is commonly used in diplomatic, legal, or historical discussions.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

199

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fragment, One sided

Reading

Example Word

片仮名: katakana. The Japanese noun '片仮名 (かたかな)' refers to one of the two Japanese syllabaries, specifically 'katakana'. Katakana is primarily used for writing foreign loanwords, onomatopoeia, scientific terms, and names of plants, animals, and minerals. It can also be used for emphasis, similar to italics in English. For example: The word 'coffee' is written in katakana「コーヒーは片仮名で書かれます」(コーヒーはかたかなでかかれます). Katakana characters are angular and simpler in form compared to hiragana. Another example: 'Pizza' is written as ピザ in katakana「ピザは片仮名で書きます」(ピザはかたかなでかきます).

Radical

片

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

391

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Boundary, Vicinity

Reading

Parts

辶Walk 刀Sword

Example Word

辺: area. The Japanese noun '辺 (へん)' refers to an area, vicinity, or neighborhood. It is often used to describe a general location or region without specifying exact boundaries. For example: This area is quiet「この辺は静かです」(このへんはしずかです). Is there a convenience store around here?「この辺にコンビニはありますか？」(このへんにコンビニはありますか？). It can also imply a rough or approximate location, such as 'around here' or 'somewhere in this area.' The word is versatile and commonly used in everyday conversation to refer to places or surroundings.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

567

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Edit, Knit

Reading

Parts

糸Thread 扁

Example Word

編む: knit. The Japanese verb '編む (あむ)' primarily means 'to knit'. It refers to the action of creating fabric by interlocking loops of yarn with knitting needles. This verb can also be used metaphorically to describe the act of compiling or putting together various elements, such as stories or plans. Example sentences: She is knitting a scarf「彼女はマフラーを編んでいる」(かのじょはマフラーをあんでいる). He knitted his eyebrows in thought「彼は考えながら眉を編んだ」(かれはかんがえながらまゆをあんだ).

Radical

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1145

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

All over, Everywhere

Reading

Parts

辶Walk 扁

Example Word

何遍: times or how many times. The Japanese noun '何遍 (なんべん)' is used to ask about the number of times something has occurred or to refer to the number of times something happens. It is often used in questions to inquire about frequency. For example: How many times have you been to Japan?「日本には何遍行きましたか？」(にほんにはなんべんいきましたか？). I don't know how many times I've told you「何遍言ったかわからない」(なんべんいったかわからない). Note that '何遍' is more formal and less commonly used in everyday conversation compared to '何回 (なんかい)', which is more casual and widely used.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1464

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Biased

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)扁

Example Word

偏見: prejudice. The Japanese noun '偏見 (へんけん)' means 'prejudice'. It refers to preconceived opinions or attitudes, often negative, that are not based on reason or actual experience. This term is commonly used in discussions about social issues, discrimination, or unfair judgments. For example: he has a prejudice against foreigners「彼は外国人に対して偏見を持っている」(かれはがいこくじんにたいしてへんけんをもっている). We must eliminate prejudice「偏見をなくさなければならない」(へんけんをなくさなければならない). The word is often used in formal or serious contexts, highlighting the importance of fairness and open-mindedness.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1746

Handwriting