Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Child

Reading

Parts

了Finish, Complete 一One

Example Word

弟子: disciple. The Japanese noun '弟子 (でし)' refers to a 'disciple' or 'apprentice'. It is used to describe someone who is learning under the guidance of a master or teacher, often in a specific art, skill, or discipline. This term is commonly associated with traditional arts, martial arts, or religious contexts. For example: He is my disciple「彼は私の弟子です」(かれはわたしのでしです). The master taught his disciple the art of calligraphy「師匠は弟子に書道を教えた」(ししょうはでしにしょどうをおしえた). The word carries a sense of respect and dedication, emphasizing the relationship between the teacher and the student.

Radical

子

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

7

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Master

Reading

Parts

丶Dot 王King

Example Word

共産主義: communism. The Japanese noun '共産主義 (きょうさんしゅぎ)' refers to the political and economic ideology of 'communism'. It is a system where property and resources are owned collectively, and labor is organized for the common good. This term is often used in political discussions, historical contexts, or when describing economic systems. Example sentences: Communism aims for a classless society「共産主義は階級のない社会を目指す」(きょうさんしゅぎはかいきゅうのないしゃかいをめざす). He studies the history of communism「彼は共産主義の歴史を研究している」(かれはきょうさんしゅぎのれきしをけんきゅうしている).

Radical

丶

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

85

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Protect

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 寸Measurement

Example Word

守護: guardian. The Japanese noun '守護 (しゅご)' refers to a guardian or protector, often in a spiritual, religious, or feudal context. Historically, it was used to describe feudal lords who acted as protectors of their domains. In modern usage, it can also refer to a guardian deity or a protective figure. For example: the guardian of the temple「寺の守護」(てらのしゅご). He is the guardian of this land「彼はこの土地の守護です」(かれはこのとちのしゅごです). The word carries a sense of duty and protection, often implying a higher responsibility.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

399

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Element

Reading

Parts

糸Thread 龶Life (生)

Example Word

素直: honest. The Japanese adjective '素直 (すなお)' primarily means 'honest' or 'obedient'. It describes someone who is straightforward, sincere, and free from deceit or pretense. This word is often used to praise someone's character, especially when they are willing to accept advice or criticism without resistance. For example: She is an honest child「彼女は素直な子供です」(かのじょはすなおなこどもです). He honestly admitted his mistake「彼は素直に自分の過ちを認めた」(かれはすなおにじぶんのあやまちをみとめた). The term can also imply a sense of purity or simplicity in one's nature, making it a positive trait in Japanese culture.

Radical

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

413

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Necessary

Reading

Parts

彡Fur 頁Page

Radical

頁

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1378

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Longevity, Congratulations

Reading

Parts

三Three 丿Katakana no 寸Measurement

Example Word

寿司: sushi. The Japanese noun '寿司 (すし)' refers to 'sushi', a traditional Japanese dish consisting of vinegared rice combined with various ingredients such as raw fish, seafood, vegetables, or egg. Sushi is a staple of Japanese cuisine and is enjoyed worldwide. It comes in many forms, including nigiri (hand-pressed sushi), maki (rolled sushi), and sashimi (sliced raw fish without rice). Example sentences: I ate sushi yesterday「昨日寿司を食べた」(きのうすしをたべた). This sushi is delicious「この寿司は美味しい」(このすしはおいしい). Sushi is often served with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.

Radical

寸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1414

Handwriting