Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Before, Previous

Reading

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

66

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

River

Reading

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

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

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

290

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ship

Reading

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

297

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Line

Reading

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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