Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading
せん sen
kanji
先Meaning
Before, Previous
Reading
saki
onyomiせんsen
Parts
儿Legs 土Soil 丿Katakana no
Example Word
先程: earlier. The Japanese noun '先程 (さきほど)' means 'earlier' or 'a short while ago'. It is used to refer to something that happened in the recent past, typically within a short timeframe. This word is often used in formal or polite contexts. For example: I saw him earlier「先程彼を見かけました」(さきほどかれをみかけました). The package arrived earlier「先程荷物が届きました」(さきほどにもつがとどきました). Note that '先程' is more formal than 'さっき', which also means 'a while ago' but is used in casual conversation.
Radical
儿
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N5Grade
1Frequency
66
Handwriting
kanji
川Meaning
River
Reading
kawa
onyomiせんsen
Parts
丿Katakana no 丨Stick
Example Word
川: river. The Japanese noun '川 (かわ)' means 'river'. It refers to a natural flowing watercourse, typically freshwater, flowing towards an ocean, sea, lake, or another river. This word is commonly used in everyday conversation and place names. For example: The river is wide「川は広い」(かわはひろい). I crossed the river「川を渡った」(かわをわたった). The word '川' is often used in compound words, such as '川岸 (かわぎし)' meaning 'riverbank' or '川下り (かわくだり)' meaning 'river descent'.
Radical
巛
Stroke Count
3JLPT
N5Grade
1Frequency
157
Handwriting
kanji
千Meaning
Thousand
Reading
chi
onyomiせんsen
Parts
十Ten 丿Katakana no
Example Word
六千: six thousand. The Japanese noun '六千 (ろくせん)' means 'six thousand'. It is a numerical term used to denote the quantity of six thousand. This word is often used in contexts involving counting, pricing, or any situation where large numbers are discussed. For example: the price is six thousand yen「値段は六千円です」(ねだんはろくせんえんです). There are six thousand people in the audience「観客は六千人です」(かんきゃくはろくせんにんです). Note that '六千' is a specific number and is used in formal or written contexts, while in casual speech, numbers are often expressed in a more simplified manner.
Radical
十
Stroke Count
3JLPT
N5Grade
1Frequency
261
Handwriting
kanji
戦Meaning
Fight, War
Reading
tataka
いくさikusa
onyomiせんsen
Parts
単Simple, Single 戈
Example Word
大戦: great war. The Japanese noun '大戦 (たいせん)' refers to a 'great war' or 'major war'. It is often used in historical contexts to describe large-scale conflicts, such as World War I or World War II. The term emphasizes the magnitude and significance of the conflict. For example: World War II was a great war「第二次世界大戦は大きな戦争だった」(だいにじせかいたいせんはおおきなせんそうだった). The impact of the great war was felt worldwide「大戦の影響は世界中に及んだ」(たいせんのえいきょうはせかいじゅうにおよびました). Note that '大戦' is typically used in formal or historical contexts and is not commonly used in everyday conversation.
Radical
戈
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
290
Handwriting
kanji
船Meaning
Ship
Reading
fune
onyomiせんsen
Parts
舟Boat 八Eight 口Mouth
Example Word
船便: ship mail. The Japanese noun '船便 (ふなびん)' refers to mail or packages sent by ship. This term is often used in contexts where goods or letters are transported internationally or domestically via sea routes, typically slower but more cost-effective than airmail. For example: I sent the package by ship mail「船便で荷物を送りました」(ふなびんでにもつをおくりました). The letter arrived by ship mail「手紙は船便で届きました」(てがみはふなびんでとどきました). It's important to note that '船便' is commonly used in logistics and postal services to specify the method of transportation.
Radical
舟
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N3Grade
2Frequency
297
Handwriting
kanji
線Meaning
Line
Reading
sen
Parts
糸Thread 泉Spring, Fountain
Example Word
無線: wireless. The Japanese noun '無線 (むせん)' means 'wireless'. It refers to communication or technology that operates without the use of physical wires or cables. This term is commonly used in contexts such as wireless communication, wireless networks, or wireless devices. For example: wireless communication is convenient「無線通信は便利です」(むせんつうしんはべんりです). I use a wireless mouse「私は無線マウスを使います」(わたしはむせんマウスをつかいます). The word can also appear in compound terms like '無線LAN (むせんラン)' (wireless LAN) or '無線機 (むせんき)' (wireless device).
Radical
糸
Stroke Count
15JLPT
N2Grade
2Frequency
500
Handwriting
kanji
銭Meaning
Money, Coin
Reading
zeni
onyomiせんsen
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
14JLPT
N1Grade
5Frequency
768
Handwriting
kanji
浅Meaning
Shallow
Reading
asa
onyomiせんsen
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
9JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
866
Handwriting
kanji
選Meaning
Choose
Reading
era
onyomiせんsen
Parts
⻌Walk 巽
Example Word
当選: win. The Japanese verbal noun '当選 (とうせん)' means 'win' or 'be elected'. It is commonly used in contexts such as winning a prize, lottery, or being elected in a competition or election. For example: I won the lottery「宝くじに当選した」(たからくじにとうせんした). He was elected as the president「彼は社長に当選した」(かれはしゃちょうにとうせんした). The term is often used in formal or official contexts and carries a sense of achievement or success.
Radical
辵
Stroke Count
15JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
875
Handwriting
kanji
洗Meaning
Wash
Reading
ara
onyomiせんsen
Parts
氵Water (水)先Before, Previous
Example Word
洗面: washing. The Japanese noun '洗面 (せんめん)' refers to the act of washing one's face or the area where one washes their face, such as a washbasin. It is commonly used in contexts related to personal hygiene and daily routines. For example: I washed my face「洗面をした」(せんめんをした). The washbasin is in the bathroom「洗面はバスルームにある」(せんめんはバスルームにある). This word is often used in compound words like '洗面台 (せんめんだい)' (washbasin) or '洗面所 (せんめんじょ)' (washroom).
Radical
水
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N3Grade
6Frequency
877
Handwriting
kanji
染Meaning
Dye
Reading
shi
そso
onyomiせんsen
Parts
木Tree, Wood 氿
Example Word
染みる: soak or sting. The Japanese verb '染みる (しみる)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'to soak' or 'to permeate', often used to describe liquids or substances penetrating into something. For example: the rain soaked into the ground「雨が地面に染みた」(あめがじめんにしみた). The second meaning is 'to sting' or 'to smart', often used to describe a sharp, tingling sensation, such as from cold, heat, or emotional pain. For example: the cold wind stung my cheeks「冷たい風が頬に染みた」(つめたいかぜがほおにしみた). The verb can also be used metaphorically, such as when emotions 'soak in' deeply or when criticism 'stings'. Note that the context determines which meaning is intended.
Radical
木
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N1Grade
6Frequency
884
Handwriting
kanji
泉Meaning
Spring, Fountain
Reading
izumi
onyomiせんsen
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
9JLPT
N2Grade
6Frequency
912
Handwriting
kanji
鮮Meaning
Fresh, Vivid
Reading
aza
onyomiせんsen
Parts
魚Fish 羊Sheep
Example Word
朝鮮: Korea. The Japanese proper noun '朝鮮 (ちょうせん)' refers to 'Korea'. Historically, it was used to denote the Korean Peninsula and its people, particularly during the period of Japanese rule over Korea (1910-1945). In modern usage, it is often associated with North Korea, as South Korea is more commonly referred to as '韓国 (かんこく)'. Example sentences: Korea is a beautiful country「朝鮮は美しい国です」(ちょうせんはうつくしいくにです). I studied the history of Korea「私は朝鮮の歴史を勉強しました」(わたしはちょうせんのれきしをべんきょうしました).
Radical
魚
Stroke Count
17JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
1128
Handwriting
kanji
専Meaning
Exclusive, Specialty
Reading
moppa
onyomiせんsen
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
9JLPT
N2Grade
6Frequency
1132
Handwriting
kanji
潜Meaning
Lurk, Submerge
Reading
hiso
もぐmogu
くぐkugu
onyomiせんsen
Parts
氵Water (水)替Replace, Exchange
Example Word
潜む: hide. The Japanese verb '潜む (ひそむ)' means 'to hide' or 'to lurk'. It is often used to describe something or someone that is concealed or not easily visible, either physically or metaphorically. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as describing animals hiding in the wild, people hiding their emotions, or dangers lurking unseen. For example: A snake hides in the grass「蛇が草の中に潜む」(へびがくさのなかにひそむ). Suspicion lurks in his heart「疑いが彼の心に潜む」(うたがいがかれのこころにひそむ). The verb can also imply a sense of secrecy or something being hidden beneath the surface.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
15JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
1164
Handwriting
kanji
占Meaning
Fortune telling
Reading
shi
うらなurana
onyomiせんsen
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
5JLPT
N2Grade
7Frequency
1220
Handwriting
kanji
宣Meaning
Proclaim, Promulgate
Reading
sen
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
9JLPT
N1Grade
6Frequency
1244
Handwriting
kanji
扇Meaning
Fan, Folding fan
Reading
ao
おうぎougi
onyomiせんsen
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
10JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
1527
Handwriting
kanji
羨Meaning
Jealousy, Envy
Reading
uraya
onyomiせんsen
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
13JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
1775
Handwriting
kanji
践Meaning
Tread, Implement
Reading
fu
onyomiせんsen
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
13JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
1900
Handwriting
kanji
繊Meaning
Fine, Fiber
Reading
sen
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
17JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
1948
Handwriting
kanji
薦Meaning
Recommend, Mat
Reading
susu
onyomiせんsen
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
16JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
2005
Handwriting
kanji
栓Meaning
Plug, Stopper
Reading
sen
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
10JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
2058
Handwriting
kanji
箋Meaning
Stationery
Reading
fuda
onyomiせんsen
Example Word
便箋: stationery. The Japanese noun '便箋 (びんせん)' refers to 'stationery' or specifically 'letter paper'. It is used to describe high-quality paper designed for writing letters or formal correspondence. This term is often associated with traditional Japanese aesthetics and is commonly used in formal or personal letter-writing contexts. For example: I bought some beautiful stationery「きれいな便箋を買いました」(きれいなびんせんをかいました). She wrote a letter on elegant stationery「彼女は上品な便箋に手紙を書いた」(かのじょはじょうひん なびんせんにてがみをかいた). Note that '便箋' is distinct from everyday paper and carries a sense of refinement.
Radical
竹
Stroke Count
14JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
2106
Handwriting
Page 1 of 1
1 - 32 of 32
- こう kou
- しょう shou
- し shi
- かん kan
- とう tou
- そう sou
- き ki
- きょう kyou
- せい sei
- か ka
- けん ken
- せん sen
- けい kei
- しん shin
- ちょう chou
- さい sai
- じょう jou
- かい kai
- しゅう shuu
- ほう hou
- い i
- はん han
- ふ fu
- てい tei
- よう you
- こ ko
- ぼう bou
- きゅう kyuu
- じ ji
- たい tai
- ひ hi
- えん en
- せき seki
- かく kaku
- たん tan
- ゆう yuu
- しゅ shu
- く ku
- げん gen
- そ so
- りょう ryou
- ちゅう chuu
- おう ou
- しゃ sha
- きん kin
- こん kon
- へい hei
- さ sa
- さん san
- ご go
- すい sui
- どう dou
- ろう rou
- じゅう juu
- そく soku
- ばい bai
- がい gai
- ち chi
- せつ setsu
- いん in
- れい rei
- と to
- じん jin
- ごう gou
- しょ sho
- さく saku
- ぎ gi
- きょ kyo
- ぞう zou
- じゅん jun
- はい hai
- はく haku
- り ri
- しょく shoku
- ほ ho
- えい ei
- ゆ yu
- ひょう hyou
- てん ten
- だん dan
- がん gan
- こく koku
- が ga
- ぶ bu
- かつ katsu
- じゅ ju
- ふく fuku
- さつ satsu
- めい mei
- しゃく shaku
- ばん ban
- もう mou
- ふん fun
- ぜん zen
- しつ shitsu
- ばく baku
- たく taku
- やく yaku
- りゅう ryuu
- だ da
- だい dai
- ねん nen
- ぼく boku
- りん rin
- じょ jo
- け ke
- ぼ bo
- けつ ketsu
- へん hen
- しゅく shuku
- てき teki
- ろ ro
- よく yoku
- ちん chin
- に ni
- げ ge
- にん nin
- みょう myou
- す su
- おん on
- そん son
- た ta
- ぎょう gyou
- まい mai
- えき eki
- つい tsui
- み mi
- む mu
- れん ren
- とく toku
- びょう byou
- のう nou
- は ha
- び bi
- らん ran
- ろく roku
- う u
- ど do
- なん nan
- ず zu
- もん mon
- がく gaku
- ちく chiku
- ふう fuu
- ごん gon
- しき shiki
- おく oku
- りょ ryo
- てつ tetsu
- よ yo
- ぞく zoku
- とん ton
- ばつ batsu
- ざい zai
- ひん hin
- ぐ gu
- えつ etsu
- いつ itsu
- もく moku
- でん den
- りつ ritsu
- まん man
- しゅん shun
- え e
- らい rai
- らく raku
- あん an
- べん ben
- びん bin
- ざん zan
- はつ hatsu
- くつ kutsu
- ひつ hitsu
- げい gei
- めん men
- るい rui
- る ru
- れつ retsu
- くん kun
- きつ kitsu
- ぐう guu
- あい ai
- げき geki
- どん don
- ま ma
- にゅう nyuu
- ほん hon
- ぶん bun
- すう suu
- ちょく choku
- じゃく jaku
- や ya
- うん un
- わ wa
- どく doku
- ば ba
- ぎょ gyo
- きゃく kyaku
- きょく kyoku
- ふつ futsu
- ちゃく chaku
- お o
- ぐん gun
- ぼん bon
- ちょ cho
- も mo
- こつ kotsu
- とつ totsu
- へき heki
- ら ra
- いち ichi
- しち shichi
- はち hachi
- じつ jitsu
- にょ nyo
- りょく ryoku
- じき jiki
- ほく hoku
- つう tsuu
- せ se
- ぎん gin
- あく aku
- ざ za
- つ tsu
- ぶつ butsu
- もつ motsu
- じゅつ jutsu
- だつ datsu
- ほつ hotsu
- べつ betsu
- ぜい zei
- そつ sotsu
- ぎゃく gyaku
- まつ matsu
- みん min
- せち sechi
- れき reki
- ごく goku
- ぜつ zetsu
- わん wan
- ちつ chitsu
- じゅ く juku
- きち kichi
- ぼつ botsu
- みつ mitsu
- ゆい yui
- まく maku
- だく daku
- じょく joku
- じゃ ja
- にょう nyou
- ずい zui
- な na
- らつ ratsu
- ひゃく hyaku
- げつ getsu
- がつ gatsu
- にち nichi
- くう kuu
- りき riki
- しゅつ shutsu
- ぎょく gyoku
- びゃく byaku
- ない nai
- にく niku
- ぎゅう gyuu
- べい bei
- ちゃ cha
- にゃく nyaku
- たつ tatsu
- すん sun
- ざつ zatsu
- りち richi
- ろん ron
- ぞん zon
- ねつ netsu
- いく iku
- りく riku
- りゃく ryaku
- あつ atsu
- わく waku
- いき iki
- わい wai
- めつ metsu
- でい dei
- きゃ kya
- みゃく myaku
- ねい nei
- ばち bachi
- ちゃん chan
- れふ refu
- すぎ sugi
- じく jiku
- ぜ ze
- また mata
- あ a
- きく kiku
- すく suku
- おつ otsu
- ちゅ chu
- うつ utsu
- きけ kike
- でき deki
- へつ hetsu
- かち kachi