Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Before, Previous

Reading

Parts

儿Legs 土Soil 丿Katakana no

Example Word

先祖: ancestor. The Japanese noun '先祖 (せんぞ)' refers to one's ancestors or forebears. It is commonly used to describe family lineage or those who came before in a family's history. This word carries a sense of respect and is often used in contexts related to family traditions, genealogy, or cultural practices honoring ancestors. For example: I respect my ancestors「私は先祖を尊敬する」(わたしはせんぞをそんけいする). Our ancestors lived here「私たちの先祖はここに住んでいた」(わたしたちのせんぞはここにすんでいた). The term is also used in phrases like '先祖代々 (せんぞだいだい)', meaning 'for generations'.

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

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

261

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fight, War

Reading

Parts

単Simple, Single 戈

Example Word

戦死: death in battle. The Japanese verbal noun '戦死 (せんし)' refers to 'death in battle'. It is used to describe the act of dying during combat or war. This term is often used in historical or military contexts. For example: He died in battle「彼は戦死した」(かれはせんしした). Many soldiers died in battle「多くの兵士が戦死した」(おおくのへいしがせんしした). The term carries a solemn and respectful tone, often used to honor those who lost their lives in conflict.

Radical

戈

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

290

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ship

Reading

Parts

舟Boat 八Eight 口Mouth

Example Word

風船: balloon. The Japanese noun '風船 (ふうせん)' refers to a 'balloon', typically made of rubber or latex and filled with air or helium. It is commonly used in festive occasions, parties, or as a toy for children. For example: The child is playing with a balloon「子供が風船で遊んでいる」(こどもがふうせんであそんでいる). The balloon flew away「風船が飛んでいった」(ふうせんがとんでいった). This word is straightforward and does not carry additional nuanced meanings, making it easy to use in everyday conversation.

Radical

舟

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

297

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Line

Reading

Parts

糸Thread 泉Spring, Fountain

Example Word

地平線: horizon. The Japanese noun '地平線 (ちへいせん)' refers to the 'horizon', the line where the earth's surface and the sky appear to meet. It is commonly used in both literal and poetic contexts to describe the visual boundary between land or sea and the sky. For example: The sun is setting on the horizon「地平線に太陽が沈んでいる」(ちへいせんにたいようがしずんでいる). I saw a ship on the horizon「地平線に船が見えた」(ちへいせんにふねがみえた). This word is often used in literature and everyday conversation to evoke a sense of vastness or distance.

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

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

877

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Dye

Reading

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

884

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Spring, Fountain

Reading

Parts

水Water 白White

Example Word

泉: spring. The Japanese noun '泉 (いずみ)' refers to a natural spring or fountain, typically a source of water that flows from the ground. It can also metaphorically represent a source of something valuable or abundant, such as knowledge or inspiration. For example: the spring is clear「泉は澄んでいる」(いずみはすんでいる). This place is like a spring of wisdom「この場所は知恵の泉のようだ」(このばしょはちえのいずみのようだ). The word is often used in both literal and figurative contexts, emphasizing purity, freshness, or abundance.

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

鮮やか: vivid. The Japanese adjective '鮮やか (あざやか)' means 'vivid'. It is used to describe something that is strikingly bright, clear, or distinct in color, appearance, or impression. It can also describe actions or performances that are skillful and impressive. For example: The colors of the painting are vivid「その絵の色は鮮やかだ」(そのえのいろはあざやかだ). He made a vivid impression with his speech「彼のスピーチは鮮やかだった」(かれのスピーチはあざやかだった). This word is often used to emphasize clarity, brilliance, or precision in both visual and non-visual contexts.

Radical

魚

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1128

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Exclusive, Specialty

Reading

Parts

叀 寸Measurement

Example Word

専門: specialty. The Japanese noun '専門 (せんもん)' means 'specialty' or 'field of expertise'. It refers to a specific area of knowledge, study, or professional focus. This word is often used in academic, professional, or technical contexts to describe someone's area of specialization. For example: His specialty is Japanese history「彼の専門は日本史です」(かれのせんもんはにほんしです). I want to study computer science as my specialty「私の専門としてコンピュータサイエンスを勉強したいです」(わたしのせんもんとしてコンピュータサイエンスをべんきょうしたいです). The word can also be used in compound nouns, such as '専門家 (せんもんか)' (specialist) or '専門学校 (せんもんがっこう)' (vocational school).

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

占める: occupy. The Japanese verb '占める (しめる)' means 'to occupy' or 'to hold' in terms of space, proportion, or position. It is often used to describe something taking up a certain amount of space, time, or percentage. For example: This table occupies a lot of space「このテーブルは多くのスペースを占める」(このテーブルはおおくのスペースをしめる). Women hold 30% of the managerial positions「女性が管理職の30%を占める」(じょせいがかんりしょくの30%をしめる). The verb can also imply a significant or notable presence in a particular context.

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

宣言: declaration. The Japanese noun '宣言 (せんげん)' means 'declaration'. It refers to a formal or public statement, often used in contexts like political announcements, personal resolutions, or official proclamations. For example: He made a declaration of love「彼は愛の宣言をした」(かれはあいのせんげんをした). The government issued a declaration of emergency「政府は非常事態宣言を出した」(せいふはひじょうじたいせんげんをだした). This word is commonly used in both formal and informal settings to emphasize the seriousness or importance of the statement being made.

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

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2106

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Gland

Reading

Parts

⺼ 泉Spring, Fountain

Radical

肉

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2118

Handwriting