Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Many

Reading

Parts

夕Evening

Example Word

多様: diverse. The Japanese adjectival noun '多様 (たよう)' means 'diverse'. It is used to describe a variety or multiplicity of things, often emphasizing the presence of many different types or forms within a group or category. This term is commonly used in contexts discussing culture, biology, opinions, or methods. For example: The opinions of the participants were diverse「参加者の意見は多様だった」(さんかしゃのいけんはたようだった). The ecosystem is diverse「その生態系は多様だ」(そのせいたいけいはたようだ). It can also be used to describe a wide range of options or choices, such as in '多様な選択肢 (たようなせんたくし) (diverse choices)'.

Radical

夕

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

119

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Thick, Fat

Reading

Parts

大Big 丶Dot

Example Word

太陽: sun. The Japanese noun '太陽 (たいよう)' means 'sun'. It refers to the star at the center of our solar system, which provides light and heat to Earth. This word is commonly used in both scientific and everyday contexts. For example: The sun is bright today「今日の太陽は明るい」(きょうのたいようはあかるい). The sun rises in the east「太陽は東から昇る」(たいようはひがしからのぼる). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something or someone as a source of light or energy, such as in the phrase '彼は私の太陽 (かれはわたしのたいよう)' (He is my sun).

Radical

大

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

147

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Other

Radical Form Of

亻

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)也To be

Example Word

他者: others. The Japanese noun '他者 (たしゃ)' means 'others' or 'other people'. It refers to individuals who are distinct from oneself, often emphasizing their separateness or different perspectives. This term is commonly used in philosophical, psychological, and social contexts to discuss relationships, empathy, or the distinction between self and others. For example: understanding others is important「他者を理解することは大切です」(たしゃをりかいすることはたいせつです). Respecting others' opinions is essential「他者の意見を尊重することが必要です」(たしゃのいけんをそんちょうすることがひつようです). The word carries a nuanced sense of recognizing the individuality and autonomy of others.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

202

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Poor quality, Burdensome

Reading

Parts

馬Horse 太Thick, Fat

Example Word

無駄遣い: waste. The Japanese verbal noun '無駄遣い (むだづかい)' means 'waste' or 'squandering'. It refers to the act of using resources, such as money, time, or effort, in a way that is not useful or productive. This term often carries a negative connotation, implying that the waste could have been avoided. For example: Don't waste money「お金を無駄遣いしないで」(おかねをむだづかいしないで). She wastes her time on trivial matters「彼女はつまらないことに時間を無駄遣いしている」(かのじょはつまらないことにじかんをむだづかいしている).

Radical

馬

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

714

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Select

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)太Thick, Fat

Example Word

御無沙汰: neglect. The Japanese verbal noun '御無沙汰 (ごぶさた)' refers to the act of neglecting to contact someone or not being in touch for a long time. It is often used in polite expressions to apologize for not having been in contact. For example: I'm sorry for not being in touch「ご無沙汰しております」(ごぶさたしております). It's been a long time since we last met「久しぶりに会いましたね」(ひさしぶりにあいましたね). This term is commonly used in formal or semi-formal contexts to express regret for not maintaining communication.

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1551

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Sputum, Saliva

Reading

Parts

口Mouth 垂Hang down

Example Word

唾: saliva. The Japanese noun '唾 (つば)' refers to 'saliva'. It is used to describe the liquid produced in the mouth, often in contexts related to health, hygiene, or disgust. For example: He spat out his saliva「彼は唾を吐いた」(かれはつばをはいた). The thought made her mouth fill with saliva「その考えで彼女の口に唾がたまった」(そのかんがえでかのじょのくちにつばがたまった). The word can also be used metaphorically to express disgust or disdain, as in '唾を吐く (つばをはく)', which means 'to spit (in disgust)'.

Radical

口

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1801

Handwriting