Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

See

Reading

Parts

儿Legs 目Eye

Example Word

見比べる: compare. The Japanese verb '見比べる (みくらべる)' means 'to compare'. It is used when examining two or more things side by side to identify similarities or differences. This verb often implies a visual comparison, such as comparing images, objects, or written texts. For example: I compared the two paintings「二つの絵を見比べた」(ふたつのえをみくらべた). She compared the prices at different stores「彼女はいくつかの店の値段を見比べた」(かのじょはいくつかのみせのねだんをみくらべた). The verb can also be used metaphorically to compare abstract concepts or ideas.

Radical

見

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

3

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Interval, Space

Reading

Parts

日Day, Sun 門Gate

Example Word

間隔: interval. The Japanese noun '間隔 (かんかく)' refers to an 'interval' or 'gap' between objects, events, or points in time. It is commonly used to describe physical spaces, such as the distance between two objects, or temporal spaces, such as the time between events. For example: The interval between trains is 10 minutes「電車の間隔は10分です」(でんしゃのかんかくはじゅっぷんです). There is a gap between the two buildings「2つの建物の間に間隔がある」(ふたつのたてもののあいだにかんかくがある). This word is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Radical

門

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

21

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Matter, Affair

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)牛Cow

Example Word

条件: condition. The Japanese noun '条件 (じょうけん)' means 'condition'. It refers to a requirement, stipulation, or prerequisite that must be met for something to happen or be valid. This word is commonly used in contexts such as contracts, agreements, or when setting rules. For example: The condition for approval is hard work「承認の条件は努力です」(しょうにんのじょうけんはどりょくです). We agreed on the terms and conditions「私たちは条件に合意しました」(わたしたちはじょうけんにごういしました). It can also be used in everyday situations, such as discussing conditions for a job or a relationship.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

467

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Build

Reading

Parts

廴 聿Brush

Example Word

建設: construction. The Japanese verbal noun '建設 (けんせつ)' means 'construction'. It refers to the process of building structures, such as buildings, bridges, or infrastructure. This word is often used in contexts related to urban development, engineering, or architecture. For example: The construction of the new bridge will start next month「新しい橋の建設は来月始まります」(あたらしいはしのけんせつはらいげつはじまります). The company specializes in the construction of skyscrapers「その会社は高層ビルの建設を専門としています」(そのかいしゃはこうそうビルのけんせつをせんもんとしています). Note that '建設' can also be used metaphorically to describe the building or establishment of abstract concepts, such as relationships or systems.

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

試験: test or exam. The Japanese verbal noun '試験 (しけん)' primarily means 'exam' or 'test'. It refers to a formal assessment of knowledge, skills, or abilities, often conducted in educational or professional settings. This word is commonly used in contexts like school exams, job entrance tests, or experiments. For example: I have an exam tomorrow「明日は試験があります」(あしたはしけんがあります). He passed the entrance test「彼は入学試験に合格した」(かれはにゅうがくしけんにごうかくした). Note that '試験' can also refer to trials or experiments in scientific or technical contexts, such as '試験管 (しけんかん)' (test tube).

Radical

馬

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

650

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Dislike

Reading

Parts

女Woman 兼Combine, Concurrently

Example Word

機嫌: mood. The Japanese noun '機嫌 (きげん)' refers to someone's mood or state of mind. It is often used to describe whether someone is in a good or bad mood. For example: Her mood is good today「彼女の機嫌は今日良い」(かのじょのきげんはきょうよい). He is in a bad mood「彼は機嫌が悪い」(かれはきげんがわるい). The word can also be used in greetings like 'ご機嫌いかが？ (ごきげんいかが？)', which means 'How are you?' or 'How is your mood?'. It is important to note that '機嫌' is often used in formal or polite contexts.

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

権: right. The Japanese suffix '権 (けん)' means 'right' or 'authority'. It is commonly used in compound words to denote legal, social, or moral rights, as well as authority or power. For example: human rights「人権」(じんけん), voting rights「選挙権」(せんきょけん), or authority「権力」(けんりょく). This suffix is often attached to nouns to create terms related to rights or authority. Example sentences: He has the right to vote「彼には選挙権がある」(かれにはせんきょけんがある). The government has authority「政府には権力がある」(せいふにはけんりょくがある).

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

遣り取り: exchange. The Japanese noun '遣り取り (やりとり)' refers to an exchange or interaction, often involving communication, goods, or actions between two or more parties. It is commonly used to describe the back-and-forth nature of conversations, transactions, or even physical exchanges. For example: We had a lively exchange of ideas「活発な意見の遣り取りがあった」(かっぱつないけんのやりとりがあった). The exchange of gifts was heartfelt「贈り物の遣り取りは心温まるものだった」(おくりもののやりとりはこころあたたまるものだった). This word emphasizes the mutual and reciprocal nature of the interaction.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

831

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Suspend

Reading

Parts

縣 心Heart

Example Word

懸命: earnest. The Japanese adjectival noun '懸命 (けんめい)' means 'earnest' or 'doing one's utmost'. It describes a state of putting in great effort or being very serious about something. This term is often used to commend someone's dedication or hard work. For example: He is earnest in his studies「彼は勉強に懸命だ」(かれはべんきょうにけんめいだ). She worked hard to achieve her goal「彼女は目標を達成するために懸命に働いた」(かのじょはもくひょうをたっせいするためにけんめいにはたらいた). The word can also imply a sense of desperation or urgency in certain contexts, highlighting the intensity of the effort being made.

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

911

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Healthy

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)建Build

Example Word

健全: sound or healthy. The Japanese adjective '健全 (けんぜん)' primarily means 'healthy' or 'sound'. It is used to describe something that is in good condition, functioning properly, or morally upright. This word can be applied to physical health, mental state, systems, organizations, or even ideas. For example: a healthy mind「健全な心」(けんぜんなこころ). The financial system is sound「金融システムは健全だ」(きんゆうシステムはけんぜんだ). It can also imply moral integrity, as in '健全な社会 (けんぜんなしゃかい) (a sound society)'. Note that while 'healthy' often refers to physical well-being, 'sound' can refer to logical or structural integrity.

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

冒険: adventure. The Japanese verbal noun '冒険 (ぼうけん)' means 'adventure'. It refers to an exciting or unusual experience, often involving risk or danger. This word is commonly used to describe activities or journeys that are thrilling and out of the ordinary. For example: I love adventure「私は冒険が大好きです」(わたしはぼうけんがだいすきです). They went on an adventure「彼らは冒険に出かけました」(かれらはぼうけんにでかけました). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe taking risks in life or business, as in '人生の冒険 (じんせいのぼうけん) (the adventure of life)'.

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

984

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Examine

Reading

Parts

木Tree, Wood 㑒

Example Word

検証: verification. The Japanese noun '検証 (けんしょう)' means 'verification'. It refers to the process of checking or confirming the accuracy, validity, or truth of something. This term is often used in contexts such as scientific research, legal proceedings, or software testing. For example: The verification of the data is complete「データの検証が完了しました」(データのけんしょうがかんりょうしました). We need to verify the results「結果を検証する必要があります」(けっかをけんしょうするひつようがあります). In some contexts, it can also imply a deeper investigation or analysis, such as verifying a theory or hypothesis.

Radical

木

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

992

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Combine, Concurrently

Reading

Example Word

兼ねる: unable. The Japanese verb '兼ねる (かねる)' is often used to express the idea of being unable to do something or finding it difficult to do something, usually due to circumstances or conflicting factors. It conveys a sense of hesitation or reluctance. For example: I cannot agree with that「それには賛成しかねる」(それにはさんせいしかねる). It is hard to accept that explanation「その説明は受け入れがたい」(そのせつめいはうけいれがたい). This verb is commonly used in formal or polite contexts and often appears in phrases like '～しかねる' to express difficulty or inability.

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

乗車券: ticket. The Japanese noun '乗車券 (じょうしゃけん)' refers to a 'ticket' specifically for boarding a vehicle, such as a train, bus, or other forms of public transportation. It is commonly used in contexts related to travel and commuting. For example: Please show your ticket「乗車券を見せてください」(じょうしゃけんをみせてください). I bought a train ticket「電車の乗車券を買いました」(でんしゃのじょうしゃけんをかいました). This term is distinct from other types of tickets, such as event tickets, which would use a different word like 'チケット' or '入場券 (にゅうじょうけん).'

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