kanji

Meaning

Change, Abnormal

Reading

Parts

亦 夂Late

Example Word

相変わらず: as usual. The Japanese adverb '相変わらず (あいかわらず)' means 'as usual' or 'still.' It is used to describe a situation or condition that remains unchanged over time, often implying continuity from the past to the present. This word can be used in both positive and negative contexts, depending on the situation. For example: He is still late as usual 「彼は相変わらず遅刻している」 (かれはあいかわらずちこくしている). The weather is still hot as usual 「天気は相変わらず暑い」 (てんきはあいかわらずあつい). Note that '相変わらず' is often used to convey a sense of familiarity or unchanging nature, whether it's about a habit, a state, or a condition.

Radical

夂

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

163

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Return

Reading

Parts

辶Walk 反Anti

Example Word

返却: return. The Japanese verbal noun '返却 (へんきゃく)' means 'return' in the sense of giving something back, such as returning a borrowed item. It is commonly used in contexts like returning books to a library or returning rented items. For example: Please return the book by tomorrow「本を明日までに返却してください」(ほんをあしたまでにへんきゃくしてください). I returned the DVD to the rental shop「DVDをレンタルショップに返却した」(DVDをレンタルショップにへんきゃくした). The term emphasizes the act of returning something to its original place or owner.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

199

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fragment, One sided

Reading

Example Word

片: piece. The Japanese noun '片 (かた)' means 'piece' or 'fragment'. It is often used to refer to a part or portion of something that has been broken or divided. This word can also imply something incomplete or one-sided. For example: a piece of paper「紙の片」(かみのかた). He only heard one side of the story「彼は話の片方だけ聞いた」(かれははなしのかたほうだけきいた). The word can also be used in compounds, such as '片手 (かたて)' meaning 'one hand' or '片道 (かたみち)' meaning 'one way'.

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

編集: editing. The Japanese verbal noun '編集 (へんしゅう)' means 'editing'. It refers to the process of revising, correcting, or preparing written, visual, or audio material for publication or presentation. This term is commonly used in contexts such as book editing, video editing, or magazine editing. For example: I am editing a book「本を編集しています」(ほんをへんしゅうしています). She is good at video editing「彼女は動画編集が得意です」(かのじょはどうがへんしゅうがとくいです). The word can also be used in compound nouns, such as '編集者 (へんしゅうしゃ)' (editor) or '編集作業 (へんしゅうさぎょう)' (editing work).

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