Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Nothing

Reading

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

火

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

52

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Dream

Reading

Parts

艹Grass 罒Net 冖Crown 夕Evening

Example Word

夢中: engrossed. The Japanese adjectival noun '夢中 (むちゅう)' means 'engrossed' or 'absorbed'. It describes a state of being completely focused or captivated by something, often to the point of losing awareness of one's surroundings. This word is commonly used to express deep involvement in activities, hobbies, or emotions. For example: I was engrossed in the game「ゲームに夢中だった」(ゲームにむちゅうだった). She is absorbed in her studies「彼女は勉強に夢中です」(かのじょはべんきょうにむちゅうです). The word can also imply a sense of obsession or infatuation, as in: He is infatuated with her「彼は彼女に夢中だ」(かれはかのじょにむちゅうだ).

Radical

夕

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

405

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Duty, Task

Reading

Parts

矛Halberd 务

Example Word

義務: duty or obligation. The Japanese noun '義務 (ぎむ)' refers to a moral or legal responsibility that one is required to fulfill. It can be used in various contexts, such as societal duties, legal obligations, or personal responsibilities. For example: It is the duty of citizens to pay taxes「国民の義務は税金を払うことです」(こくみんのぎむはぜいきんをはらうことです). Parents have an obligation to raise their children「親は子供を育てる義務があります」(おやはこどもをそだてるぎむがあります). The word emphasizes a sense of responsibility that is often non-negotiable or expected by society or law.

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

709

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Mist, Fog

Reading

Parts

雨Rain 務Duty, Task

Example Word

霧: fog. The Japanese noun '霧 (きり)' means 'fog'. It refers to a thick cloud of tiny water droplets suspended in the atmosphere at or near the earth's surface, which obscures visibility. This word is commonly used in weather-related contexts or to describe atmospheric conditions. For example: The fog is thick today「今日は霧が濃い」(きょうはきりがこい). I couldn't see the road because of the fog「霧で道が見えなかった」(きりでみちがみえなかった). In literature, '霧' can also be used metaphorically to describe confusion or uncertainty, such as '心の霧 (こころのきり)' meaning 'mental fog' or 'confusion in one's mind'.

Radical

雨

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1239

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Plot, Conspire

Reading

Parts

訁Say (言)某A certain

Radical

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1401

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Halberd

Reading

Example Word

矛盾: contradiction. The Japanese verbal noun '矛盾 (むじゅん)' means 'contradiction'. It refers to a situation where two or more statements, ideas, or actions are mutually incompatible or inconsistent. This term is often used in logical, philosophical, or everyday contexts to describe conflicting elements. For example: there is a contradiction in his story「彼の話には矛盾がある」(かれのはなしにはむじゅんがある). The policy is full of contradictions「その政策は矛盾だらけだ」(そのせいさくはむじゅんだらけだ). The word originates from an ancient Chinese fable about a spear that could pierce any shield and a shield that could block any spear, highlighting the inherent contradiction.

Radical

矛

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1538

Handwriting