Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Against

Reading

Parts

寸Measurement 文Sentence

Example Word

対照: contrast. The Japanese noun '対照 (たいしょう)' means 'contrast'. It refers to the state of being strikingly different from something else, typically in a way that highlights their differences. This word is often used in contexts where two or more things are compared to emphasize their dissimilarities. For example: the contrast between light and dark「光と闇の対照」(ひかりとやみのたいしょう). The contrast between the two cultures is striking「二つの文化の対照は際立っている」(ふたつのぶんかのたいしょうはきわだっている). It can also be used in more abstract contexts, such as contrasting ideas or theories.

Radical

寸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

148

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

End

Reading

Parts

糸Thread 冬Winter

Example Word

終わる: end. The Japanese verb '終わる (おわる)' means 'to end' or 'to finish'. It is used to describe the conclusion of an event, activity, or period of time. This verb is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. For example: The meeting ended「会議が終わった」(かいぎがおわった). The movie will end soon「映画はもうすぐ終わる」(えいがはもうすぐおわる). When used in the passive form, it can imply that something has come to an end naturally or without direct intervention, as in 'The party ended without any problems'「パーティーは問題なく終わった」(パーティーはもんだいなくおわった).

Radical

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

372

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Follow

Reading

Parts

辶Walk 𠂤Pile up

Example Word

追い抜く: overtake. The Japanese verb '追い抜く (おいぬく)' means 'to overtake'. This verb is used when one moves ahead of someone or something that was previously in front, often in the context of racing, driving, or competition. It can also be used metaphorically to describe surpassing someone in skill, achievement, or progress. For example: The car overtook the truck「その車はトラックを追い抜いた」(そのくるまはトラックをおいぬいた). She overtook her rival in the competition「彼女は競争でライバルを追い抜いた」(かのじょはきょうそうでライバルをおいぬいた). Note that this verb implies a sense of movement and progression, and it is often used in dynamic situations.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

385

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fall, Crash

Reading

Parts

隊Squad 土Soil

Example Word

墜落: crash. The Japanese verbal noun '墜落 (ついらく)' means 'crash', specifically referring to a fall or crash from a height, such as an airplane or object falling to the ground. It is often used in contexts involving accidents or disasters. For example: the airplane crashed「飛行機が墜落した」(ひこうきがついらくした). The satellite crashed into the ocean「衛星が海に墜落した」(えいせいがうみについらくした). This word carries a serious and dramatic connotation, often implying significant damage or loss.

Radical

土

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1918

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Oak tree, Oak

Reading

Parts

木Tree, Wood 隹Bird

Radical

木

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1929

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Piled high

Reading

Parts

土Soil 隹Bird

Radical

土

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1999

Handwriting