kanji

Meaning

Down

Reading

Parts

一One 卜Divination

Example Word

目下: subordinate. The Japanese noun '目下 (めした)' refers to someone who is in a lower position or rank, typically in a hierarchical structure such as a workplace or social setting. It is often used to describe subordinates or juniors. For example: He is my subordinate「彼は私の目下です」(かれはわたしのめしたです). The manager is giving instructions to his subordinates「マネージャーは目下に指示を出している」(マネージャーはめしたにしじをだしている). The term can also imply a sense of responsibility or duty towards those who are '目下'.

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

34

Radical Form

丅

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Outside

Reading

Parts

夕Evening 卜Divination

Example Word

外務省: foreign affairs. The Japanese noun '外務省 (がいむしょう)' refers to the 'Ministry of Foreign Affairs'. This is the government department responsible for handling Japan's international relations, diplomacy, and foreign policy. It is often used in formal or official contexts. For example: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the new policy「外務省は新しい政策を発表した」(がいむしょうはあたらしいせいさくをはっぴょうした). He works at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs「彼は外務省で働いている」(かれはがいむしょうではたらいている). The term is specific to Japan's governmental structure and is not used to describe foreign affairs ministries in other countries.

Radical

夕

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

87

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Solve, Untie

Reading

Parts

角Corner, Angle 刀Sword 牛Cow

Example Word

解除: cancellation. The Japanese noun '解除 (かいじょ)' refers to the act of canceling, revoking, or releasing something, such as a contract, restriction, or state of being. It is commonly used in formal or technical contexts. For example: cancellation of the contract「契約の解除」(けいやくのかいじょ). The state of emergency has been lifted「緊急事態が解除された」(きんきゅうじたいがかいじょされた). It can also refer to the removal of a lock or restriction, as in '解除コード (かいじょコード) (unlock code)'. This word is often used in legal, technical, or administrative settings.

Radical

角

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

213

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Summer

Reading

Parts

夂Late 𦣻Neck (首)

Example Word

春夏秋冬: seasons. The Japanese noun '春夏秋冬 (しゅんかしゅうとう)' literally translates to 'spring, summer, autumn, winter,' collectively representing the four seasons. This word is often used to symbolize the passage of time or the cyclical nature of the year. It can be used in poetic or formal contexts to evoke imagery of nature and the changing seasons. For example: The beauty of the four seasons is unparalleled「春夏秋冬の美しさは比類ない」(しゅんかしゅうとうのうつくしさはひるいない). I love the rhythm of the seasons「私は春夏秋冬のリズムが好きです」(わたしはしゅんかしゅうとうのリズムがすきです). Note that this word is more formal and less commonly used in everyday conversation compared to simply saying '季節 (きせつ)' for 'season.'

Radical

夊

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

654

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Play, Frolic

Reading

Parts

虚Empty, Void 戈

Example Word

悪戯: mischief or prank. The Japanese noun '悪戯 (いたずら)' can mean 'mischief' or 'prank'. It refers to playful or harmless actions intended to cause amusement or minor trouble. It can also imply a sense of naughtiness or teasing. For example: The child's mischief made everyone laugh「子供の悪戯がみんなを笑わせた」(こどものいたずらがみんなをわらわせた). He played a prank on his friend「彼は友達に悪戯をした」(かれはともだちにいたずらをした). The word can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation depending on the context, but it generally describes lighthearted behavior.

Radical

戈

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1057

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fang, Tusk

Reading

Radical

牙

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1818

Handwriting