kanji

Meaning

Change, Abnormal

Reading

Parts

亦 夂Late

Example Word

変える: change. The Japanese verb '変える (かえる)' means 'to change'. This verb is used to indicate the action of altering or transforming something. It can be applied to a wide range of contexts, such as changing plans, changing one's appearance, or changing the state of an object. For example: I will change my plans「予定を変えます」(よていをかえます). She changed her hairstyle「彼女は髪型を変えた」(かのじょはかみがたをかえた). It's important to note that '変える' is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object to indicate what is being changed.

Radical

夂

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

163

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Return

Reading

Parts

辶Walk 反Anti

Example Word

返事: reply. The Japanese verbal noun '返事 (へんじ)' means 'reply'. It refers to a response or answer given to a question, request, or message. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. For example: I received a reply from him「彼から返事をもらった」(かれからへんじをもらった). Please give me a reply soon「早く返事をください」(はやくへんじをください). The word can also imply acknowledgment, such as when someone responds to being called. For instance: She didn't give a reply when I called her「彼女を呼んでも返事がなかった」(かのじょをよんでもへんじがなかった).

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

199

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fragment, One sided

Reading

Example Word

後片付け: tidying. The Japanese verbal noun '後片付け (あとかたづけ)' refers to the act of tidying up or cleaning up after an event, activity, or meal. It is commonly used in contexts where one needs to restore order or cleanliness after something has been used or done. For example: Please help with the tidying up after the party「パーティーの後片付けを手伝ってください」(パーティーのあとかたづけをてつだってください). She is good at tidying up after cooking「彼女は料理の後片付けが上手です」(かのじょはりょうりのあとかたづけがじょうずです). This word emphasizes the action of restoring order, often after a specific event or activity.

Radical

片

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

391

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Boundary, Vicinity

Reading

Parts

辶Walk 刀Sword

Example Word

周辺: surroundings. The Japanese noun '周辺 (しゅうへん)' refers to the area or surroundings around a specific location. It is commonly used to describe the vicinity or environment near a place. For example: The surroundings of the park are quiet「公園の周辺は静かです」(こうえんのしゅうへんはしずかです). The area around the station is busy「駅の周辺は賑やかです」(えきのしゅうへんはにぎやかです). This word can also be used in a broader sense to describe the periphery or outskirts of a city or region.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

567

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Edit, Knit

Reading

Parts

糸Thread 扁

Example Word

編: compilation. The Japanese suffix '編 (へん)' is used to denote a compilation, edition, or volume of something, often in the context of books, series, or collections. It is commonly attached to nouns to indicate a specific part or installment of a larger work. For example: the first volume of the series「シリーズの第一編」(シリーズのだいいっぺん). This is the final edition of the magazine「これは雑誌の最終編です」(これはざっしのさいしゅうへんです). The suffix can also imply a sense of organization or arrangement, as in a 'compilation of stories' (物語編, ものがたりへん).

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