Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Before, Previous

Reading

Parts

儿Legs 土Soil 丿Katakana no

Example Word

優先: priority. The Japanese noun '優先 (ゆうせん)' means 'priority'. It refers to something being given precedence or higher importance over other things. This word is commonly used in contexts like work, transportation, or decision-making. For example: give priority to safety「安全を優先する」(あんぜんをゆうせんする). Priority seating is available「優先席があります」(ゆうせんせきがあります). The word can also be used in compound terms like '優先順位 (ゆうせんじゅんい)' (priority order) or '優先権 (ゆうせんけん)' (priority right).

Radical

儿

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

66

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

River

Reading

Parts

丿Katakana no 丨Stick

Example Word

小川: stream. The Japanese noun '小川 (おがわ)' means 'stream'. It refers to a small, narrow body of flowing water, typically smaller than a river. This word is often used in poetic or descriptive contexts to evoke a sense of nature and tranquility. For example: there is a stream near my house「私の家の近くに小川があります」(わたしのいえのちかくにおがわがあります). The sound of the stream is soothing「小川の音は心地よいです」(おがわのおとはここちよいです). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something that flows gently or continuously, like a stream of thoughts or time.

Radical

巛

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

157

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Thousand

Reading

Parts

十Ten 丿Katakana no

Example Word

九千: nine thousand. The Japanese noun '九千 (きゅうせん)' means 'nine thousand'. It is a specific number used to denote the quantity of nine thousand. This word is typically used in contexts where large numbers are discussed, such as in finance, population statistics, or when counting items in large quantities. For example: The population of the town is nine thousand「その町の人口は九千です」(そのまちのじんこうはきゅうせんです). The cost of the project is nine thousand yen「そのプロジェクトの費用は九千円です」(そのプロジェクトのひようはきゅうせんえんです).

Radical

十

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

261

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fight, War

Reading

Parts

単Simple, Single 戈

Example Word

作戦: strategy. The Japanese noun '作戦 (さくせん)' means 'strategy' or 'tactical plan'. It is commonly used in contexts involving planning, especially in military, business, or competitive scenarios. The word implies a well-thought-out plan designed to achieve a specific goal. For example: The general devised a new strategy「将軍は新しい作戦を考えた」(しょうぐんはあたらしいさくせんをかんがえた). Our team's strategy worked perfectly「私たちのチームの作戦は完璧にうまくいった」(わたしたちのチームのさくせんはかんぺきにうまくいった). Note that while '作戦' can sometimes be used in casual contexts, it often carries a formal or serious tone.

Radical

戈

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

290

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ship

Reading

Parts

舟Boat 八Eight 口Mouth

Example Word

船長: captain. The Japanese noun '船長 (せんちょう)' refers to the captain of a ship or boat. This term is specifically used to denote the person in command of a vessel, responsible for its navigation, crew, and overall operation. For example: The captain is experienced「船長は経験豊かです」(せんちょうはけいけんゆたかです). The captain gave orders to the crew「船長は乗組員に指示を出した」(せんちょうはのりくみいんにしじをだした). It is important to note that '船長' is a formal term and is commonly used in maritime contexts.

Radical

舟

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

297

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Line

Reading

Parts

糸Thread 泉Spring, Fountain

Example Word

曲線: curve. The Japanese noun '曲線 (きょくせん)' means 'curve'. It refers to a line that is not straight but bends smoothly, often used in contexts like mathematics, art, or describing shapes. For example: The road has many curves「この道は曲線が多い」(このみちはきょくせんがおおい). The artist drew a beautiful curve「その芸術家は美しい曲線を描いた」(そのげいじゅつかはうつくしいきょくせんをえがいた). This word is commonly used in technical, artistic, or everyday descriptions of shapes and paths.

Radical

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

500

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Money, Coin

Reading

Parts

釒Gold (金)㦮

Example Word

銭: money or coin. The Japanese suffix '銭 (せん)' refers to 'coin' or 'money'. It is often used in compound words to denote currency or small amounts of money. Historically, '銭' was used to refer to small denominations of currency, such as the 'sen' in the pre-decimal Japanese monetary system. For example: one yen and fifty sen「一円五十銭」(いちえんごじっせん). This suffix is still used in modern Japanese, particularly in contexts involving small change or historical references. Another example: ten sen coin「十銭玉」(じっせんだま).

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

768

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Shallow

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)㦮

Example Word

浅見: shallow or superficial. The Japanese noun '浅見 (せんけん)' refers to a superficial or shallow view, opinion, or understanding of something. It is often used to describe a lack of depth in thought or analysis. For example: His opinion is superficial「彼の意見は浅見だ」(かれのいけんはせんけんだ). Don't make shallow judgments「浅見をしないでください」(せんけんをしないでください). The word can also be used to describe someone who has a narrow or limited perspective, as in '浅見な人 (せんけんなひと) (a person with a shallow view).'

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

866

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Choose

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 巽

Example Word

選ぶ: choose. The Japanese verb '選ぶ (えらぶ)' means 'to choose'. It is used when selecting or picking something from a set of options. This verb can be applied to various contexts, such as choosing items, people, or decisions. For example: I chose the red one「赤いのを選びました」(あかいのをえらびました). She chose her career path carefully「彼女はキャリアパスを慎重に選びました」(かのじょはキャリアパスをしんちょうにえらびました). The verb can also imply a thoughtful or deliberate selection process, often carrying a nuance of careful consideration.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

875

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Wash

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)先Before, Previous

Example Word

手洗い: restroom or hand washing. The Japanese noun '手洗い (てあらい)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'handwashing', which refers to the act of washing one's hands. This is commonly used in contexts related to hygiene, such as before meals or after using the restroom. For example: Please wash your hands「手洗いをしてください」(てあらいをしてください). The second meaning is 'restroom', which refers to a place where one can wash their hands or use the toilet. This usage is more common in public places or establishments. For example: Where is the restroom?「手洗いはどこですか？」(てあらいはどこですか？). It's important to note that the context in which '手洗い' is used will determine which meaning is intended.

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

877

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Dye

Reading

Parts

木Tree, Wood 氿

Example Word

汚染: pollution. The Japanese verbal noun '汚染 (おせん)' means 'pollution'. It refers to the contamination of the environment, substances, or areas by harmful or toxic elements. This term is commonly used in discussions about environmental issues, such as air pollution, water pollution, or soil contamination. For example: The river is suffering from pollution「川が汚染されている」(かわがおせんされている). Air pollution is a serious problem「大気汚染は深刻な問題だ」(たいきおせんはしんこくなもんだいだ). The term can also be used metaphorically to describe the corruption or tainting of ideas, cultures, or systems.

Radical

木

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

884

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Spring, Fountain

Reading

Parts

水Water 白White

Example Word

温泉: hot spring. The Japanese noun '温泉 (おんせん)' refers to a natural hot spring, which is a common feature in Japan due to its volcanic activity. These hot springs are often used for bathing and are believed to have therapeutic properties. For example: Let's go to the hot spring「温泉に行きましょう」(おんせんにいきましょう). This hot spring is very relaxing「この温泉はとてもリラックスできます」(このおんせんはとてもりらっくすできます). The word is often associated with traditional Japanese inns called 'ryokan' that offer hot spring baths as part of their amenities.

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

912

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Hermit

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)山Mountain

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1038

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fresh, Vivid

Reading

Parts

魚Fish 羊Sheep

Example Word

北朝鮮: North Korea. The Japanese proper noun '北朝鮮 (きたちょうせん)' refers to 'North Korea', the country officially known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). This term is commonly used in Japanese media and everyday conversation to refer to the nation located on the northern part of the Korean Peninsula. For example: North Korea launched a missile「北朝鮮がミサイルを発射した」(きたちょうせんがミサイルをはっしゃした). The relationship between Japan and North Korea is complex「日本と北朝鮮の関係は複雑だ」(にほんときたちょうせんのかんけいはふくざつだ). The term is neutral in tone but carries geopolitical implications due to historical and political contexts.

Radical

魚

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1128

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Exclusive, Specialty

Reading

Parts

叀 寸Measurement

Example Word

専用: exclusive. The Japanese noun '専用 (せんよう)' means 'exclusive' or 'dedicated'. It refers to something that is reserved or designed for a specific purpose, person, or group. For example: This is an exclusive parking area「ここは専用の駐車場です」(ここはせんようのちゅうしゃじょうです). This is a dedicated line for customer service「これはお客様専用の電話回線です」(これはおきゃくさませんようのでんわかいせんです). The term is often used in contexts where something is restricted or specialized, such as '専用席 (せんようせき) (reserved seat)' or '専用アプリ (せんようアプリ) (dedicated app)'.

Radical

寸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1132

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Lurk, Submerge

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)替Replace, Exchange

Example Word

潜る: dive. The Japanese verb '潜る (もぐる)' primarily means 'to dive'. It is used to describe the action of going underwater, either by a person or an animal. It can also be used metaphorically to describe delving into something deeply, such as diving into a subject or topic. Example sentences: The dolphin dives into the water「イルカが水に潜る」(いるかがみずにもぐる). He dived into the history of ancient Japan「彼は古代日本の歴史に潜った」(かれはこだいにほんのれきしにもぐった). Note that this verb is often used in contexts involving water or deep exploration.

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1164

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fortune telling

Reading

Parts

口Mouth 卜Divination

Example Word

占領: occupation. The Japanese noun '占領 (せんりょう)' refers to the act of occupying or taking control of a place, often by force. It is commonly used in historical or political contexts to describe the control of a territory by a foreign power. For example: The occupation lasted for ten years「占領は十年間続いた」(せんりょうはじゅうねんかんつづいた). The city was under military occupation「その都市は軍の占領下にあった」(そのとしはぐんのせんりょうかにあった). This term can also be used metaphorically to describe taking over or dominating a space or situation, such as in '占領する (せんりょうする)' meaning 'to occupy'.

Radical

卜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1220

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Tray, Small low table

Reading

Parts

月Moon, Month 善Good, Virtuous

Radical

肉

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1238

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Proclaim, Promulgate

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 亘

Example Word

宣伝: advertising. The Japanese verbal noun '宣伝 (せんでん)' primarily means 'advertising' or 'promotion'. It refers to the act of spreading information about a product, service, or event to attract public attention. This term is commonly used in both commercial and non-commercial contexts. For example: The company is advertising a new product「会社は新しい製品を宣伝しています」(かいしゃはあたらしいせいひんをせんでんしています). They are promoting the event on TV「彼らはそのイベントをテレビで宣伝しています」(かれらはそのイベントをテレビでせんでんしています). '宣伝' can also imply a sense of exaggeration or hype, depending on the context, so it's important to consider the nuance when using or interpreting this word.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1244

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fan, Folding fan

Reading

Parts

戸Door 羽Feather

Example Word

扇風機: fan. The Japanese noun '扇風機 (せんぷうき)' refers to an electric fan, specifically a device used to circulate air and create a cooling effect. It is commonly used in homes, offices, and other indoor spaces, especially during hot weather. Example sentences: The fan is on「扇風機がついている」(せんぷうきがついている). Please turn on the fan「扇風機をつけてください」(せんぷうきをつけてください). This fan is quiet「この扇風機は静かです」(このせんぷうきはしずかです). Note that '扇風機' specifically refers to electric fans and not handheld fans, which are called '団扇 (うちわ)'.

Radical

戶

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1527

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Elucidate

Reading

Parts

訁Say (言)全Whole, All

Radical

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1619

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Gyrate, Rotation

Reading

Parts

方Direction 疋

Radical

方

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1658

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Jealousy, Envy

Reading

Example Word

羨ましい: envious. The Japanese adjective '羨ましい (うらやましい)' means 'envious'. It is used to express a feeling of envy or jealousy towards someone else's possessions, qualities, or circumstances. This word is often used in social contexts where one person has something that another person desires. For example: I am envious of your new car「あなたの新しい車が羨ましい」(あなたのあたらしいくるまがうらやましい). She is envious of her friend's success「彼女は友達の成功を羨ましいと思っている」(かのじょはともだちのせいこうをうらやましいとおもっている). It is important to note that while '羨ましい' can sometimes carry a negative connotation, it can also be used in a more light-hearted or joking manner among friends.

Radical

羊

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1775

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Scaffold, Plank bridge

Reading

Parts

木Tree, Wood 㦮

Radical

木

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1876

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Transfer, Transition

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 䙴

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1896

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Tread, Implement

Reading

Parts

足Foot, Sufficient 㦮

Example Word

実践: practice. The Japanese noun '実践 (じっせん)' means 'practice' in the sense of putting theory or knowledge into action. It is often used in contexts related to education, training, or personal development, where the focus is on applying what has been learned. For example: Practice is important for mastering a skill「実践はスキルを習得するために重要です」(じっせんはスキルをしゅうとくするためにじゅうようです). He put his ideas into practice「彼は自分の考えを実践した」(かれはじぶんのかんがえをじっせんした). The word emphasizes the active application of knowledge rather than just theoretical understanding.

Radical

足

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1900

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Roast

Reading

Parts

前Before, Front 灬Fire (火)

Radical

火

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1928

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fine, Fiber

Reading

Parts

糸Thread

Example Word

繊維: fiber. The Japanese noun '繊維 (せんい)' refers to 'fiber', which can denote natural or synthetic threads used in textiles, or biological fibers in living organisms. It is commonly used in contexts related to materials, textiles, and biology. For example: cotton fiber「綿の繊維」(わたのせんい). This fabric is made from synthetic fibers「この布は合成繊維でできています」(このぬのはごうせいせんいでできています). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something delicate or fine, like the fibers of a relationship.

Radical

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1948

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Recommend, Mat

Reading

Parts

艹Grass 廌

Example Word

推薦: recommendation. The Japanese verbal noun '推薦 (すいせん)' means 'recommendation'. It is used to describe the act of recommending someone or something, often in formal contexts such as job applications, school admissions, or endorsements. For example: I received a recommendation from my teacher「先生から推薦をもらいました」(せんせいからすいせんをもらいました). The company gave him a strong recommendation「会社は彼に強い推薦をしました」(かいしゃはかれにつよいすいせんをしました). This term is commonly used in professional or academic settings where formal endorsements are required.

Radical

艸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2005

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Plug, Stopper

Reading

Parts

木Tree, Wood 全Whole, All

Example Word

栓抜き: bottle opener. The Japanese noun '栓抜き (せんぬき)' refers to a 'bottle opener', a tool used to remove caps or corks from bottles. It is commonly used in everyday situations, such as opening beer or soda bottles. For example: I need a bottle opener to open this beer「このビールを開けるために栓抜きが必要です」(このビールをあけるためにせんぬきがひつようです). He bought a new bottle opener「彼は新しい栓抜きを買いました」(かれはあたらしいせんぬきをかいました). The word is a combination of '栓 (せん)', meaning 'stopper' or 'cork', and '抜き (ぬき)', meaning 'removal'.

Radical

木

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2058

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Stationery

Reading

Example Word

箋: paper. The Japanese noun '箋 (せん)' refers to a small piece of paper, often used for writing notes, labels, or memos. It can also refer to a slip of paper used in traditional Japanese contexts, such as for writing poetry or as a bookmark. For example: I wrote a note on a slip of paper「箋にメモを書いた」(せんにめもをかいた). The poem was written on a small piece of paper「その詩は箋に書かれていた」(そのしはせんにかかれていた). This word is often used in formal or literary contexts and is less common in everyday conversation.

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2106

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Gland

Reading

Parts

⺼ 泉Spring, Fountain

Radical

肉

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2118

Handwriting