Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

See

Reading

Parts

儿Legs 目Eye

Example Word

見直し: review or revision. The Japanese noun '見直し (みなおし)' refers to the act of reviewing or revising something. It is commonly used in contexts where a plan, policy, or document is being re-examined for improvement or correction. For example: We need a review of the project「プロジェクトの見直しが必要です」(ぷろじぇくとのみなおしがひつようです). The government is considering a revision of the law「政府は法律の見直しを検討しています」(せいふはほうりつのみなおしをけんとうしています). The word can also imply a positive reassessment, such as when someone's opinion of something improves after reconsideration.

Radical

見

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

3

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Interval, Space

Reading

Parts

日Day, Sun 門Gate

Example Word

夜間: night. The Japanese noun '夜間 (やかん)' refers to the time period of 'night'. It is commonly used to describe activities, services, or events that occur during the nighttime. For example: The library is open at night「図書館は夜間開いています」(としょかんはやかんあいています). Nighttime security is important「夜間の警備は重要です」(やかんのけいびはじゅうようです). This word is often used in formal or specific contexts, such as '夜間営業 (やかんえいぎょう)' (nighttime business hours) or '夜間学校 (やかんがっこう)' (night school).

Radical

門

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

21

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Matter, Affair

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)牛Cow

Example Word

物件: property. The Japanese noun '物件 (ぶっけん)' refers to 'property' in the sense of real estate or a piece of real estate. It is commonly used when talking about buying, selling, or renting houses, apartments, or land. For example: I found a good property「良い物件を見つけた」(いいぶっけんをみつけた). This property is for sale「この物件は売り出し中です」(このぶっけんはうりだしちゅうです). The term is often used in real estate contexts and can refer to both residential and commercial properties.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

467

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Build

Reading

Parts

廴 聿Brush

Example Word

建築: architecture. The Japanese verbal noun '建築 (けんちく)' refers to the act of constructing buildings or the field of architecture. It encompasses the design, planning, and construction of structures. This term is often used in professional and academic contexts related to building design and construction. For example: He studies architecture「彼は建築を勉強しています」(かれはけんちくをべんきょうしています). This building is a masterpiece of modern architecture「この建物は現代建築の傑作です」(このたてものはげんだいけんちくのけっさくです). The word can also be used to describe the style or method of construction, as in 'traditional Japanese architecture' (伝統的な日本建築, でんとうてきなにほんけんちく).

Radical

廴

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

583

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Sharpen

Reading

Parts

石Stone 开Open

Example Word

研究: research. The Japanese verbal noun '研究 (けんきゅう)' means 'research'. It refers to the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions. This term is commonly used in academic, scientific, and professional contexts. For example: I am conducting research on Japanese history「私は日本の歴史を研究しています」(わたしはにほんのれきしをけんきゅうしています). His research was published in a scientific journal「彼の研究は科学雑誌に掲載された」(かれのけんきゅうはかがくざっしにけいさいされた). The word can also be used to describe the act of studying or investigating something in depth, as in '研究する (けんきゅうする)' which means 'to research' or 'to study'.

Radical

石

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

618

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Test

Reading

Parts

馬Horse 㑒

Example Word

体験: experience. The Japanese verbal noun '体験 (たいけん)' means 'experience'. It refers to the act of experiencing something firsthand or gaining knowledge through direct involvement. This word is often used in contexts where someone tries or undergoes something new, such as activities, events, or situations. For example: I want to experience Japanese culture「日本の文化を体験したい」(にほんのぶんかをたいけんしたい). He experienced a lot during his trip「彼は旅行中にたくさんのことを体験した」(かれはりょこうちゅうにたくさんのことをたいけんした). The word can also be used in educational or professional settings to describe hands-on learning or practical training, such as '体験学習 (たいけんがくしゅう) (experiential learning)'.

Radical

馬

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

650

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Dislike

Reading

Parts

女Woman 兼Combine, Concurrently

Example Word

大嫌い: hate. The Japanese adjectival noun '大嫌い (だいきらい)' means 'hate' or 'dislike intensely'. It is used to express a strong dislike or aversion towards something or someone. The prefix '大 (だい)' intensifies the meaning, making it stronger than just '嫌い (きらい)'. This word is commonly used in everyday conversation to express personal feelings. For example: I hate spiders「私は蜘蛛が大嫌いです」(わたしはくもがだいきらいです). He hates studying「彼は勉強が大嫌いだ」(かれはべんきょうがだいきらいだ). It can also be used to describe things one strongly dislikes, such as foods or activities.

Radical

女

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

660

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Dog

Reading

Parts

大Big 丶Dot

Example Word

犬: dog. The Japanese noun '犬 (いぬ)' means 'dog'. This word is used to refer to the domesticated animal known for its loyalty and companionship. It is commonly used in everyday conversation and can be found in various contexts, such as describing pets, breeds, or even in idiomatic expressions. For example: That dog is cute「あの犬はかわいい」(あのいぬはかわいい). I have a dog「私は犬を飼っています」(わたしはいぬをかっています). The word '犬' can also be used metaphorically in phrases like '犬猿の仲 (けんえんのなか)', which means 'like cats and dogs' or 'having a bad relationship'.

Radical

犬

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

681

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Rights, Authority

Reading

Parts

木Tree, Wood

Example Word

債権: claim or credit. The Japanese noun '債権 (さいけん)' refers to a legal right to demand payment or performance from another party. It is commonly used in financial and legal contexts. The first meaning, 'claim,' refers to the right to demand something owed, such as money or services. The second meaning, 'credit,' refers to the financial aspect where one party lends money or goods to another with the expectation of repayment. Example sentences: The company has a claim against the debtor「その会社は債務者に対して債権を持っている」(そのかいしゃはさいむしゃにたいしてさいけんをもっている). The bank extended credit to the small business「銀行はその小企業に債権を提供した」(ぎんこうはそのしょうきぎょうにさいけんをていきょうした).

Radical

木

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

682

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Shoulder

Reading

Parts

戸Door 肉Meat

Example Word

肩: shoulder. The Japanese noun '肩 (かた)' means 'shoulder'. This word refers to the part of the body where the arm connects to the torso. It is commonly used in everyday conversation and can also appear in idiomatic expressions. For example: my shoulder hurts「肩が痛い」(かたがいたい). He patted me on the shoulder「彼は私の肩を叩いた」(かれはわたしのかたをたたいた). In Japanese culture, the shoulder can also symbolize responsibility or burden, as in '肩の荷が下りる (かたのにがおりる)', which means 'to be relieved of a burden'.

Radical

肉

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

692

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Eaves, House counter

Reading

Parts

車Car 干Dry

Example Word

軒: counter. The Japanese suffix '軒 (けん)' is a counter used specifically for counting houses, buildings, or establishments. It is commonly used in contexts where you need to specify the number of houses, shops, or similar structures. For example: there are three houses「家が三軒ある」(いえがさんけんある). I visited five coffee shops「五軒のコーヒーショップを訪れた」(ごけんのコーヒーショップをおとずれた). This counter is essential in everyday conversation when discussing locations or properties.

Radical

車

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

785

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Use, Dispatch

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 中Center 一One 㠯Terraced hill

Example Word

遣る気: motivation. The Japanese noun '遣る気 (やるき)' means 'motivation' or 'willingness to do something'. It is often used to describe one's drive or enthusiasm to take action or complete a task. This word is commonly used in contexts related to work, studies, or personal goals. For example: I have no motivation today「今日は遣る気がない」(きょうはやるきがない). His motivation is impressive「彼の遣る気はすごい」(かれのやるきはすごい). The word can also be used in negative forms to express a lack of motivation, such as '遣る気が出ない (やるきがでない)' (I can't find the motivation).

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

831

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Suspend

Reading

Parts

縣 心Heart

Example Word

一生懸命: hard or earnestly. The Japanese adverb '一生懸命 (いっしょうけんめい)' means 'hard' or 'earnestly'. It is used to describe doing something with great effort, determination, or seriousness. This word often conveys a sense of giving one's all or putting in maximum effort. For example: I studied hard for the exam「試験のために一生懸命勉強した」(しけんのためにいっしょうけんめいべんきょうした). She worked earnestly to achieve her dream「彼女は夢を叶えるために一生懸命働いた」(かのじょはゆめをかなえるためにいっしょうけんめいはたらいた). The word can also be used to describe physical effort, such as running hard「一生懸命走った」(いっしょうけんめいはしった). Note that while 'hard' is a common translation, the nuance of '一生懸命' often includes a sense of sincerity and dedication.

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

911

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Healthy

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)建Build

Example Word

健康: health. The Japanese adjectival noun '健康 (けんこう)' means 'health'. It refers to the state of being physically and mentally well. It is often used to describe a person's condition or lifestyle. For example: maintaining good health is important「健康を保つことは大切です」(けんこうをたもつことはたいせつです). She is in good health「彼女は健康です」(かのじょはけんこうです). This word can also be used in compound nouns, such as '健康診断 (けんこうしんだん)' (health checkup).

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

915

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Sword

Reading

Parts

㑒 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

剣: sword. The Japanese noun '剣 (けん)' refers to a 'sword'. This term is used to describe a bladed weapon typically used in combat or martial arts. It carries historical and cultural significance in Japan, often associated with samurai and traditional Japanese swordsmanship. Example sentences: He wielded a sharp sword「彼は鋭い剣を振るった」(かれはするどいけんをふるった). The sword is a symbol of the samurai「剣は侍の象徴だ」(けんはさむらいのしょうちょうだ). Note that '剣' can also appear in compound words, such as '剣術 (けんじゅつ)' meaning 'swordsmanship'.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

933

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Dangerous, Steep

Reading

Parts

⻖ 㑒

Example Word

保険: insurance. The Japanese noun '保険 (ほけん)' means 'insurance'. It refers to a system or contract where individuals or entities pay premiums to protect against financial loss or damage. This term is commonly used in contexts like health insurance, car insurance, or life insurance. For example: I have health insurance「私は健康保険を持っています」(わたしはけんこうほけんをもっています). Car insurance is mandatory「車の保険は必須です」(くるまのほけんはひっすです). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something that provides security or a safeguard against potential risks.

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

984

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Examine

Reading

Parts

木Tree, Wood 㑒

Example Word

検査: inspection. The Japanese verbal noun '検査 (けんさ)' means 'inspection' or 'examination'. It is commonly used in contexts related to checking, testing, or scrutinizing something, such as medical examinations, quality checks, or technical inspections. For example: I had a medical inspection「私は検査を受けました」(わたしはけんさをうけました). The product passed the quality inspection「その製品は品質検査に合格しました」(そのせいひんはひんしつけんさにごうかくしました). This word is often used in formal or technical settings and can be combined with other words to specify the type of inspection, such as '健康検査 (けんこうけんさ)' (health checkup) or '車両検査 (しゃりょうけんさ)' (vehicle inspection).

Radical

木

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

992

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Combine, Concurrently

Reading

Example Word

兼: concurrently. The Japanese noun '兼 (けん)' refers to something being done concurrently or holding multiple roles or functions simultaneously. It is often used in compound words or phrases to indicate dual purposes or overlapping responsibilities. For example: He is a teacher and a writer concurrently「彼は教師兼作家です」(かれはきょうしけんさっかです). This room serves as a living room and dining room concurrently「この部屋は居間兼食堂です」(このへやはいまけんしょくどうです). The word emphasizes the combination of roles or functions in a single entity.

Radical

八

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1079

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Firm, Solid

Reading

Parts

臤 土Soil

Example Word

堅い: hard. The Japanese adjective '堅い (かたい)' primarily means 'hard' in the sense of being firm or solid. It is used to describe objects that are physically hard, such as wood or metal. However, it can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is strict, rigid, or inflexible, such as rules or attitudes. For example: this bread is hard「このパンは堅い」(このパンはかたい). His attitude is rigid「彼の態度は堅い」(かれのたいどはかたい). Additionally, '堅い' can imply reliability or trustworthiness, as in a person who is dependable. For example: he is a reliable person「彼は堅い人だ」(かれはかたいひとだ).

Radical

土

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1232

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Prefecture

Reading

Parts

𠃊Second (乙)目Eye 小Small

Example Word

県立: prefectural. The Japanese noun '県立 (けんりつ)' means 'prefectural'. It is used to describe institutions or facilities that are established or managed by a prefecture, which is a type of administrative division in Japan. For example: prefectural hospital「県立病院」(けんりつびょういん). prefectural university「県立大学」(けんりつだいがく). This term is commonly used in the names of schools, hospitals, and other public institutions to indicate that they are operated by the prefectural government.

Radical

目

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1295

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Wise, Clever

Reading

Parts

臤 貝Shellfish

Example Word

賢い: wise. The Japanese adjective '賢い (かしこい)' means 'wise' or 'clever'. It is used to describe someone who has good judgment, intelligence, or practical wisdom. This word can be applied to people, animals, or even decisions and actions. For example: He is a wise man「彼は賢い人だ」(かれはかしこいひとだ). That was a clever idea「それは賢い考えだった」(それはかしこいかんがえだった). The nuance of '賢い' often implies not just intelligence, but also the ability to use that intelligence effectively in practical situations.

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1340

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Silk

Reading

Parts

糸Thread 肙

Example Word

絹: silk. The Japanese noun '絹 (きぬ)' refers to 'silk', a natural fiber produced by silkworms and used to make fine fabrics. This word is often used in contexts related to clothing, textiles, or traditional crafts. For example: This kimono is made of silk「この着物は絹でできています」(このきものはきぬでできています). Silk is soft and smooth「絹は柔らかくて滑らかです」(きぬはやわらかくてなめらかです). The term can also appear in compound words, such as '絹糸 (きぬいと)' (silk thread) or '絹織物 (きぬおりもの)' (silk fabric).

Radical

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1359

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Sickle, Scythe

Reading

Parts

釒Gold (金)兼Combine, Concurrently

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1430

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Key

Reading

Parts

釒Gold (金)建Build

Example Word

鍵: key. The Japanese noun '鍵 (かぎ)' means 'key'. It refers to a physical object used to lock or unlock something, such as a door, a safe, or a car. This word is commonly used in everyday situations. For example: I lost my key「鍵をなくしました」(かぎをなくしました). Do you have the key to this door?「このドアの鍵を持っていますか？」(このドアのかぎをもっていますか？). Additionally, '鍵' can also metaphorically refer to something essential or crucial, as in 'the key to success' (成功の鍵, せいこうのかぎ).

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1454

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Appear, Manifest

Reading

Parts

显 頁Page

Example Word

顕著: remarkable. The Japanese adjectival noun '顕著 (けんちょ)' means 'remarkable' or 'notable'. It is used to describe something that is clearly visible, noticeable, or stands out due to its significance or impact. This word is often used in formal or academic contexts to highlight something that is particularly striking or evident. For example: The progress in technology is remarkable「技術の進歩は顕著だ」(ぎじゅつのしんぽはけんちょだ). The difference between the two groups was notable「二つのグループの違いは顕著だった」(ふたつのグループのちがいはけんちょだった). Note that '顕著' is typically used in written or formal speech rather than casual conversation.

Radical

頁

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1477

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Offer, Offering

Reading

Parts

南South 犬Dog

Example Word

貢献: contribution. The Japanese noun '貢献 (こうけん)' means 'contribution'. It refers to the act of contributing to something, such as a cause, project, or society. This word is often used in contexts where someone or something has made a significant positive impact or provided valuable input. For example: His research made a great contribution to science「彼の研究は科学に大きな貢献をした」(かれのけんきゅうはかがくにおおきなこうけんをした). We aim to contribute to the community「私たちは地域に貢献することを目指しています」(わたしたちはちいきにこうけんすることをめざしています). The word can also be used in a broader sense to describe any form of support or assistance that leads to progress or improvement.

Radical

犬

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1501

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Constitution

Reading

Parts

言Say 罒Net 心Heart 宀Roof 口Mouth

Example Word

憲法: constitution. The Japanese noun '憲法 (けんぽう)' refers to a constitution, which is a set of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is governed. In Japan, it specifically refers to the national constitution, which outlines the framework of the government and the rights of the citizens. Example sentences: The constitution guarantees freedom of speech「憲法は言論の自由を保証している」(けんぽうはげんろんのじゆうをほしょうしている). Japan's constitution was established after World War II「日本の憲法は第二次世界大戦後に制定された」(にほんのけんぽうはだいにじせかいたいせんごにせいていされた).

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1590

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fist

Reading

Parts

龹 手Hand

Example Word

拳: fist. The Japanese noun '拳 (こぶし)' refers to a 'fist', the hand when the fingers are tightly closed. It is commonly used in contexts related to physical actions, such as punching or holding something tightly. For example: he clenched his fist「彼は拳を握った」(かれはこぶしをにぎった). She hit the table with her fist「彼女は拳でテーブルを叩いた」(かのじょはこぶしでテーブルをたたいた). The word can also appear in idiomatic expressions or martial arts terminology, emphasizing strength or determination.

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1602

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Humble, Modesty

Reading

Parts

訁Say (言)兼Combine, Concurrently

Example Word

謙遜: modesty. The Japanese verbal noun '謙遜 (けんそん)' refers to the act of being modest or humble, often in the context of downplaying one's own abilities, achievements, or status. It is a valued trait in Japanese culture and is frequently used in social interactions to show politeness and respect. For example: He responded with modesty「彼は謙遜して答えた」(かれはけんそんしてこたえた). She always speaks with modesty「彼女はいつも謙遜して話す」(かのじょはいつもけんそんしてはなす). This term is often used in formal or professional settings to avoid appearing boastful.

Radical

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1681

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ticket

Reading

Parts

龹 刀Sword

Example Word

証券: bond or security. The Japanese noun '証券 (しょうけん)' primarily refers to financial securities, such as stocks, bonds, or other tradable financial instruments. It is commonly used in financial and legal contexts. For example: He bought a security「彼は証券を買った」(かれはしょうけんをかった). The company issued bonds「その会社は証券を発行した」(そのかいしゃはしょうけんをはっこうした). Note that while 'security' is the most common translation, in specific contexts, it can also refer to bonds or other financial documents.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1946

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Sphere, Range

Reading

Parts

囗Box 巻Scroll

Example Word

圏: sphere or region. The Japanese suffix '圏 (けん)' is used to denote a sphere, region, or area, often in a geographical, cultural, or conceptual sense. It is commonly attached to nouns to specify a particular area or domain. For example: the economic sphere「経済圏」(けいざいけん). The metropolitan area「首都圏」(しゅとけん). The influence sphere「影響圏」(えいきょうけん). This suffix is versatile and can be used in various contexts to describe boundaries or areas of influence.

Radical

囗

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2004

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Thrifty, Frugal

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)㑒

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2074

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Cocoon

Reading

Parts

糸Thread 虫Insect 冂Enclosure 艹Grass

Radical

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2110

Handwriting