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

太い: thick. The Japanese adjective '太い (ふとい)' primarily means 'thick'. It is used to describe something that has a large diameter or width, such as a tree trunk, a rope, or a person's body part. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a bold or thick line in art. For example: This rope is thick「このロープは太い」(このロープはふとい). He has thick arms「彼は太い腕をしている」(かれはふというでをしている). Note that '太い' can sometimes carry a negative connotation when describing a person's body, implying they are overweight, so it should be used carefully in such contexts.

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

他人: others. The Japanese noun '他人 (たにん)' means 'others' or 'other people'. It refers to people who are not part of one's immediate circle, such as family or close friends. This word emphasizes a sense of separation or unfamiliarity. For example: Don't rely on others「他人に頼るな」(たにんにたよるな). He is just a stranger to me「彼は私にとってただの他人だ」(かれはわたしにとってただのたにんだ). The word can also carry a nuance of emotional distance, as in '他人事 (たにんごと)' (someone else's problem).

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

202

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Poor quality, Burdensome

Reading

Parts

馬Horse 太Thick, Fat

Example Word

下駄: clogs. The Japanese noun '下駄 (げた)' refers to traditional Japanese wooden clogs. These clogs are typically worn with yukata or kimono and have a distinctive elevated wooden base with a thong strap. They are often associated with traditional Japanese culture and festivals. For example: I bought new clogs「新しい下駄を買いました」(あたらしいげたをかいました). She is wearing clogs with her kimono「彼女は着物に下駄を履いています」(かのじょはきものにげたをはいています). The sound of clogs on the pavement is nostalgic「下駄の音は懐かしい」(げたのおとはなつかしい).

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