Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Nothing

Reading

Example Word

無理矢理: forcibly. The Japanese adverb '無理矢理 (むりやり)' means 'forcibly' or 'against one's will'. It is used to describe actions that are done by force, compulsion, or without considering the other person's wishes. This word often carries a negative connotation, implying that the action is unreasonable or excessive. For example: He forcibly took my bag「彼は無理矢理私のバッグを取った」(かれはむりやりわたしのバッグをとった). She made me eat the food forcibly「彼女は無理矢理私にその食べ物を食べさせた」(かのじょはむりやりわたしにそのたべものをたべさせた). The word can also imply a sense of desperation or urgency in the action.

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: dream. The Japanese noun '夢 (ゆめ)' primarily means 'dream'. It can refer to the dreams one experiences while sleeping, as well as aspirations or hopes for the future. For example: I had a strange dream last night「昨夜、変な夢を見た」(さくや、へんなゆめをみた). Her dream is to become a doctor「彼女の夢は医者になることです」(かのじょのゆめはいしゃになることです). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something that feels unreal or fantastical, such as 'a dreamlike scenery' (夢のような景色 - ゆめのようなけしき).

Radical

夕

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

405

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Duty, Task

Reading

Parts

矛Halberd 务

Example Word

務め: duty. The Japanese noun '務め (つとめ)' refers to a duty, task, or responsibility that one is expected to fulfill. It often implies a sense of obligation or a role that one must perform, whether in a professional, social, or personal context. For example: It is my duty to protect the environment「環境を守るのが私の務めです」(かんきょうをまもるのがわたしのつとめです). His duty is to lead the team「彼の務めはチームを率いることです」(かれのつとめはチームをひきいることです). This word is commonly used in formal or serious contexts to emphasize the importance of fulfilling one's responsibilities.

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