Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Village

Reading

Parts

木Tree, Wood 寸Measurement

Example Word

農村: village. The Japanese noun '農村 (のうそん)' refers to a 'village' or 'rural area', specifically one that is primarily focused on agriculture. This term is often used to describe small, countryside communities where farming is the main occupation. It carries a connotation of simplicity and traditional lifestyle, contrasting with urban areas. For example: I grew up in a rural village「私は農村で育ちました」(わたしはのうそんでそだちました). The rural village is surrounded by fields「その農村は畑に囲まれている」(そののうそんははたけにかこまれている).

Radical

木

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

180

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Exist, Suppose

Reading

Parts

子Child

Example Word

存ずる: know. The Japanese verb '存ずる (ぞんずる)' is a humble and formal way to express 'know' or 'be aware of'. It is often used in polite or formal contexts, particularly when referring to oneself or one's own knowledge. This verb is less common in casual speech and is typically replaced by '知る (しる)' in everyday conversation. Example sentences: I am aware of the situation「その状況を存じております」(そのじょうきょうをぞんじております). I know Mr. Tanaka「田中さんを存じております」(たなかさんをぞんじております). Note that this verb is often used in business or formal settings to show respect.

Radical

子

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

302

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Respect, Revered

Reading

Parts

寸Measurement 酋

Example Word

尊重: respect. The Japanese noun '尊重 (そんちょう)' means 'respect'. It refers to the act of valuing or holding someone or something in high regard. This term is often used in contexts where one acknowledges the importance, rights, or dignity of others. For example: We must respect the opinions of others「他人の意見を尊重しなければならない」(たにんのいけんをそんちょうしなければならない). Respect for nature is essential「自然を尊重することが大切だ」(しぜんをそんちょうすることがたいせつだ). The word can also be used in formal or professional settings to emphasize the importance of mutual respect.

Radical

寸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

788

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Grandchildren

Reading

Parts

子Child 系Lineage

Example Word

孫: grandchild. The Japanese noun '孫 (まご)' means 'grandchild'. It refers to the child of one's son or daughter. This term is used in family contexts to denote the generational relationship. For example: my grandchild is cute「私の孫はかわいい」(わたしのまごはかわいい). I love spending time with my grandchildren「孫と過ごす時間が大好きです」(まごとすごすじかんがだいすきです). The term can be used for both male and female grandchildren and is a common word in family-related conversations.

Radical

子

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1114

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Loss, Damage

Reading

Parts

扌Hand (手)員Member

Example Word

損する: lose. The Japanese verb '損する (そんする)' means 'to lose' in the sense of suffering a loss, disadvantage, or missing out on an opportunity. It is often used in financial or situational contexts where someone experiences a setback or disadvantage. For example: I lost money on that deal「その取引で損した」(そのとりひきでそんした). You'll lose out if you don't act now「今行動しないと損するよ」(いまこうどうしないとそんするよ). This verb can also imply missing out on a benefit or opportunity, as in '損しないように早く決めてください (そんしないようにはやくきめてください) (Please decide quickly so you don't miss out).'

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1273

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Humble

Reading

Parts

辶Walk 孫Grandchildren

Example Word

謙遜: modesty. The Japanese verbal noun '謙遜 (けんそん)' refers to the act of being modest or humble, often in the context of downplaying one's own abilities, achievements, or status. It is a valued trait in Japanese culture and is frequently used in social interactions to show politeness and respect. For example: He responded with modesty「彼は謙遜して答えた」(かれはけんそんしてこたえた). She always speaks with modesty「彼女はいつも謙遜して話す」(かのじょはいつもけんそんしてはなす). This term is often used in formal or professional settings to avoid appearing boastful.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1923

Handwriting