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Nihongo

Classroom

Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

けい kei

 

    kanji

    Meaning

    Shape

    Reading

    kunyomiかた

    kata

    かたち

    katachi

    onyomiけい

    kei

    ぎょう

    gyou

    Parts

    Fur Open

    Example Word

    形: shape. The Japanese noun '形 (かたち)' primarily means 'shape'. It refers to the physical form or outline of an object. This word is often used to describe the appearance or structure of something, whether it's a tangible object or an abstract concept. For example: The shape of the mountain is beautiful「山の形が美しい」(やまのかたちがうつくしい). I want to preserve the shape of this tradition「この伝統の形を守りたい」(このでんとうのかたちをまもりたい). Additionally, '形' can sometimes imply the 'form' or 'state' of something, such as in the phrase '形になる' (かたちになる), which means 'to take shape' or 'to materialize'.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    7

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    2

    Frequency

    201

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Capital

    Reading

    kunyomiみやこ

    miyako

    onyomiけい

    kei

    きょう

    kyou

    Parts

    Lid Mouth Small

    Example Word

    京: Kyoto. The Japanese proper noun '京 (きょう)' primarily refers to Kyoto, a city in Japan known for its historical and cultural significance. Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over a thousand years before the capital moved to Tokyo. The term can also be used in historical contexts or literary works to evoke the image of Kyoto. Example sentences: I visited Kyoto last year「去年、京を訪れました」(きょねん、きょうをおとずれました). Kyoto is famous for its temples「京はお寺で有名です」(きょうはおてらでゆうめいです).

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    8

    JLPT

    N4

    Grade

    2

    Frequency

    275

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Manage, Elapse

    Reading

    kunyomi

    ta

    he

    onyomiけい

    kei

    きょう

    kyou

    Parts

    Thread Holy

    Example Word

    経: sutra. The Japanese noun '経 (きょう)' refers to 'sutra', which are sacred texts or scriptures in Buddhism. These texts often contain teachings, doctrines, or discourses attributed to the Buddha. The term is commonly used in religious contexts and is an essential part of Buddhist practice. For example: I read a sutra「経を読みました」(きょうをよみました). The monk chanted the sutra「僧侶が経を唱えました」(そうりょがきょうをとなえました). Note that '経' can also refer to the passage of time or longitude in other contexts, but its primary and most common meaning is 'sutra' in religious contexts.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    11

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    5

    Frequency

    305

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Older brother

    Reading

    kunyomiあに

    ani

    にい

    nii

    onyomiけい

    kei

    きょう

    kyou

    Parts

    Legs Mouth

    Example Word

    兄さん: older brother. The Japanese noun '兄さん (にいさん)' refers to an older brother. It is a respectful and affectionate term used to address or refer to one's own older brother or someone else's older brother. This term is commonly used in casual and familial settings. For example: My older brother is kind「私の兄さんは優しい」(わたしのにいさんはやさしい). Your older brother is tall「あなたの兄さんは背が高い」(あなたのにいさんはせがたかい). Note that '兄さん' is more casual and affectionate compared to the formal term '兄 (あに)', which is used in more formal contexts or when speaking about one's own older brother in a respectful manner.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    5

    JLPT

    N4

    Grade

    2

    Frequency

    360

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Measure, Plan

    Reading

    kunyomiはか

    haka

    onyomiけい

    kei

    Parts

    Ten Say

    Example Word

    家計: budget or household. The Japanese noun '家計 (かけい)' refers to the financial affairs or budget of a household. It is commonly used to describe the income, expenses, and overall financial management of a family or household. For example: managing the household budget「家計を管理する」(かけいをかんりする). The household finances are tight this month「今月の家計は厳しい」(こんげつのかけいときびしい). This word is often used in discussions about personal finance, savings, and economic planning.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    9

    JLPT

    N4

    Grade

    2

    Frequency

    422

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Person in charge, Connection

    Reading

    kunyomiかか

    kaka

    かかり

    kakari

    onyomiけい

    kei

    Parts

    Person (人)Lineage

    Example Word

    関係: relation. The Japanese verbal noun '関係 (かんけい)' means 'relation' or 'connection'. It is used to describe the relationship or connection between two or more things, people, or concepts. This word is often used in both formal and informal contexts to discuss relationships, whether they are personal, professional, or abstract. For example: There is no relation between the two events「その二つの出来事には関係がない」(そのふたつのできごとにはかんけいがない). I have a good relationship with my boss「私は上司と良い関係を持っている」(わたしはじょうしとよいかんけいをもっている). The word can also be used in compound forms, such as '人間関係 (にんげんかんけい)' (human relationships) or '因果関係 (いんがかんけい)' (causal relationship).

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    9

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    3

    Frequency

    469

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Scene

    Reading

    onyomiけい

    kei

    Parts

    Day, Sun Capital

    Example Word

    光景: scene. The Japanese noun '光景 (こうけい)' refers to a 'scene' or 'sight', often used to describe a visual impression or a specific view that is observed. It can be used for both natural and man-made scenes, and often carries a sense of the scene being noteworthy or memorable. For example: The scene of the sunset was beautiful「夕日の光景は美しかった」(ゆうひのこうけいはうつくしかった). I will never forget the scene of the accident「事故の光景は忘れられない」(じこのこうけいはわすれられない). This word is commonly used in both everyday conversation and literary contexts to evoke vivid imagery.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    12

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    4

    Frequency

    563

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Warn

    Reading

    onyomiけい

    kei

    Parts

    Say Respect

    Example Word

    警備: security. The Japanese noun '警備 (けいび)' refers to 'security' or 'guarding'. It is commonly used to describe the act of protecting or guarding a place, event, or person. This term is often associated with professional security services, such as those employed at events, buildings, or public spaces. For example: The security at the event was tight「イベントの警備は厳しかった」(イベントのけいびはきびしかった). We need to increase security for the building「建物の警備を強化する必要がある」(たてもののけいびをきょうかするひつようがある). The word can also imply vigilance and preparedness to prevent potential threats or disturbances.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    19

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    6

    Frequency

    592

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Lightly

    Reading

    kunyomiかる

    karu

    かろ

    karo

    onyomiけい

    kei

    Parts

    Car Holy

    Example Word

    気軽: casual. The Japanese adjectival noun '気軽 (きがる)' means 'casual' or 'easygoing'. It describes a relaxed, informal, or carefree attitude or manner. This word is often used to describe someone's demeanor, approach to tasks, or the atmosphere of a situation. For example: He is very casual about everything「彼は何でも気軽だ」(かれはなんでもきがるだ). Let's have a casual chat「気軽に話しましょう」(きがるにはなしましょう). The word can also imply a lack of pressure or formality, making it suitable for describing situations where people feel at ease.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    12

    JLPT

    N2

    Grade

    3

    Frequency

    593

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Boundary, Border

    Reading

    kunyomiさかい

    sakai

    onyomiけい

    kei

    きょう

    kyou

    Parts

    Soil

    Example Word

    環境: environment. The Japanese noun '環境 (かんきょう)' primarily means 'environment'. It refers to the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates. This term is widely used in discussions about nature, ecology, and living conditions. For example: We need to protect the environment「環境を守る必要がある」(かんきょうをまもるひつようがある). The work environment is very important「仕事の環境はとても重要だ」(しごとのかんきょうはとてもじゅうようだ). It can also refer to the setting or context in which something exists or operates, such as a social or technological environment.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    14

    JLPT

    N2

    Grade

    5

    Frequency

    722

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Incline, Lean

    Reading

    kunyomiかたむ

    katamu

    onyomiけい

    kei

    Parts

    Change Page

    Example Word

    傾ける: tilt. The Japanese verb '傾ける (かたむける)' primarily means 'to tilt' or 'to incline'. It is used to describe the action of causing something to lean or slant in a particular direction. This verb can be applied to physical objects, such as tilting a glass, or metaphorically, such as tilting one's attention or efforts towards something. For example: He tilted his head「彼は頭を傾けた」(かれはあたまをかたむけた). She is tilting her efforts towards the project「彼女はそのプロジェクトに力を傾けている」(かのじょはそのプロジェクトにちからをかたむけている). The verb can also imply a sense of dedication or focus, as in dedicating one's heart or mind to a task.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    13

    JLPT

    N2

    Grade

    7

    Frequency

    863

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Respect

    Reading

    kunyomiうやま

    uyama

    onyomiけい

    kei

    Parts

    Strike

    Example Word

    尊敬: respect. The Japanese verbal noun '尊敬 (そんけい)' means 'respect'. It is used to express a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something due to their abilities, qualities, or achievements. This term is often used in formal or polite contexts, such as when discussing elders, superiors, or individuals who have earned admiration. For example: I respect my teacher「私は先生を尊敬しています」(わたしはせんせいをそんけいしています). Respect is important in Japanese culture「尊敬は日本の文化で重要です」(そんけいはにほんのぶんかでじゅうようです). Note that '尊敬' can also be used as a verb in the form '尊敬する (そんけいする)', meaning 'to respect'.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    12

    JLPT

    N2

    Grade

    6

    Frequency

    906

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Model, Type

    Reading

    kunyomiかた

    kata

    onyomiけい

    kei

    Parts

    Punish Soil

    Example Word

    小型: small size. The Japanese noun '小型 (こがた)' refers to something being of a small size or compact form. It is commonly used to describe objects, devices, or machinery that are designed to be smaller than the standard size. For example: This is a small-sized car「これは小型の車です」(これはこがたのくるまです). The company produces small-sized appliances「その会社は小型の家電を製造しています」(そのかいしゃはこがたのかでんをせいぞうしています). The term emphasizes the compactness or portability of the item in question.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    9

    JLPT

    N2

    Grade

    4

    Frequency

    977

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Punish

    Reading

    onyomiけい

    kei

    Parts

    Open Sword (刀)

    Example Word

    死刑: death penalty. The Japanese noun '死刑 (しけい)' refers to the 'death penalty' or 'capital punishment'. It is a legal term used to describe the sentence of execution for a crime, typically for severe offenses like murder. This word is often used in legal, political, or ethical discussions. For example: The criminal received the death penalty「その犯罪者は死刑を宣告された」(そのはんざいしゃはしけいをせんこくされた). Some countries have abolished the death penalty「いくつかの国は死刑を廃止した」(いくつかのくにはしけいをはいしした). The word carries a heavy and serious connotation, as it involves the ultimate punishment.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    6

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    8

    Frequency

    980

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Favor, Bestow a favor

    Reading

    kunyomiめぐ

    megu

    onyomiけい

    kei

    e

    Parts

    Heart

    Example Word

    恵まれる: blessed. The Japanese verb '恵まれる (めぐまれる)' means 'to be blessed' or 'to be endowed with'. It is used to express that someone has been fortunate to receive something valuable, such as talent, resources, or favorable conditions. This verb often conveys a sense of gratitude or acknowledgment of good fortune. For example: She is blessed with a beautiful voice「彼女は美しい声に恵まれている」(かのじょはうつくしいこえにめぐまれている). We are blessed with good weather today「今日は良い天気に恵まれている」(きょうはいいてんきにめぐまれている). Note that this verb is often used in passive form, as it implies receiving something from an external source, such as nature, fate, or a higher power.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    10

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    7

    Frequency

    1197

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Think, Consider

    Reading

    kunyomiかんが

    kanga

    とど

    todo

    onyomiけい

    kei

    Parts

    Cereal Purport, Delicious

    Example Word

    稽古: practice. The Japanese verbal noun '稽古 (けいこ)' primarily means 'practice' or 'training'. It is commonly used in contexts related to learning or perfecting a skill, such as martial arts, traditional arts, or performing arts. For example: I have kendo practice today「今日は剣道の稽古があります」(きょうはけんどうのけいこがあります). She is practicing the tea ceremony「彼女は茶道の稽古をしています」(かのじょはさどうのけいこをしています). The word often carries a nuance of disciplined, repetitive training aimed at mastery, and it is frequently used in traditional or artistic contexts.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    15

    Grade

    10

    Frequency

    1267

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Lineage

    Reading

    onyomiけい

    kei

    Parts

    Thread

    Example Word

    理系: science. The Japanese noun '理系 (りけい)' refers to the field of science or scientific disciplines. It is commonly used in educational and professional contexts to differentiate between science-related fields (理系) and humanities or arts-related fields (文系, ぶんけい). For example: He is studying in the science field「彼は理系を勉強しています」(かれはりけいをべんきょうしています). I want to work in a science-related job「理系の仕事がしたいです」(りけいのしごとがしたいです). The term is often used to describe academic tracks, career paths, or areas of expertise.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    7

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    6

    Frequency

    1305

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Compete

    Reading

    kunyomi

    se

    きそ

    kiso

    onyomiけい

    kei

    きょう

    kyou

    Parts

    Stand Older brother

    Example Word

    競争: competition. The Japanese verbal noun '競争 (きょうそう)' means 'competition'. It refers to a situation in which individuals or groups strive to outperform each other, often in a specific activity or field. This word is commonly used in contexts such as sports, business, academics, or any scenario where rivalry or striving for superiority is involved. For example: The competition was fierce「競争は激しかった」(きょうそうははげしかった). They are in competition for the top position「彼らはトップの座を競争している」(かれらはトップのざをきょうそうしている). Note that '競争' can also imply a sense of striving or effort, not just direct rivalry.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    20

    JLPT

    N2

    Grade

    4

    Frequency

    1336

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Succeed, Inherit

    Reading

    kunyomi

    tsu

    onyomiけい

    kei

    Parts

    Thread Rice

    Example Word

    継続: continuation. The Japanese verbal noun '継続 (けいぞく)' means 'continuation' or 'continuity'. It refers to the act of continuing something without interruption, maintaining a state or activity over time. This word is often used in formal or professional contexts, such as business, education, or personal goals. For example: The continuation of this project is essential「このプロジェクトの継続は重要です」(このぷろじぇくとのけいぞくはじゅうようです). We need to maintain the continuity of our efforts「私たちの努力の継続が必要です」(わたしたちのどりょくのけいぞくがひつようです). It can also be used in compound words like '継続性 (けいぞくせい)' (continuity) or '継続的 (けいぞくてき)' (continuous).

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    13

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    7

    Frequency

    1339

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Congratulate, Congratulations

    Reading

    kunyomiよろこ

    yoroko

    onyomiけい

    kei

    Parts

    Heart Late

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    15

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    9

    Frequency

    1404

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Chicken, Hen, Cock

    Reading

    kunyomiとり

    tori

    にわとり

    niwatori

    onyomiけい

    kei

    Parts

    Man, Husband Bird

    Example Word

    鶏: chicken. The Japanese noun '鶏 (にわとり)' refers to a chicken, specifically the domesticated bird commonly raised for its meat and eggs. It is often used in everyday conversation and cooking contexts. For example: I bought a chicken at the market「市場で鶏を買いました」(いちばでにわとりをかいました). The chicken is delicious「その鶏は美味しいです」(そのにわとりはおいしいです). Note that '鶏' specifically refers to the bird itself, while '鶏肉 (とりにく)' refers to chicken meat.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    19

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    8

    Frequency

    1434

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Enlighten, State respectfully

    Reading

    kunyomiさと

    sato

    ひら

    hira

    onyomiけい

    kei

    Parts

    Mouth Door Strike

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    11

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    8

    Frequency

    1623

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Visit a shrine

    Reading

    kunyomiいた

    ita

    まい

    mai

    けい

    kei

    onyomiけい

    kei

    げい

    gei

    Parts

    Say (言)Purport, Delicious

    Example Word

    初詣で: first shrine visit. The Japanese verbal noun '初詣で (はつもうで)' refers to the first shrine or temple visit of the New Year, a traditional practice in Japan. It is a cultural custom where people visit shrines or temples to pray for good fortune, health, and happiness in the coming year. This visit typically occurs during the first few days of January. For example: We went for our first shrine visit on New Year's Day「私たちは元旦に初詣でに行きました」(わたしたちはがんたんにはつもうでにいきました). Many people do their first shrine visit at midnight「多くの人が深夜に初詣でをします」(おおくのひとがしんやにはつもうでをします). The term is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and reflects the importance of spirituality and tradition in welcoming the New Year.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    13

    Grade

    10

    Frequency

    1627

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Hoist, Display, Hold up

    Reading

    kunyomiかか

    kaka

    onyomiけい

    kei

    Parts

    Hand (手)Fragrance, Scent Day, Sun

    Example Word

    前掲: aforementioned. The Japanese noun '前掲 (ぜんけい)' means 'aforementioned' or 'previously mentioned'. It is often used in formal or written contexts to refer to something that has already been stated or listed earlier in a document, text, or discussion. For example: as mentioned in the aforementioned document「前掲の文書に記載されている通り」(ぜんけいのぶんしょにきさいされているとおり). The aforementioned points are crucial「前掲のポイントは重要です」(ぜんけいのポイントはじゅうようです). This term is typically used in academic, legal, or professional settings to avoid repetition and maintain clarity.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    11

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    8

    Frequency

    1671

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Valley, Ravine

    Reading

    kunyomiたに

    tani

    たにがわ

    tanigawa

    onyomiけい

    kei

    Parts

    Water (水) Man, Husband

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    11

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    9

    Frequency

    1734

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Carry with, Portable

    Reading

    kunyomiたずさ

    tazusa

    onyomiけい

    kei

    Parts

    Hand (手)

    Example Word

    携帯: mobile. The Japanese noun '携帯 (けいたい)' primarily refers to a mobile phone or cellphone. It is a commonly used term in everyday conversation and is often shortened to 'ケータイ' in casual contexts. The word can also imply portability or something that is carried around, but in modern usage, it is overwhelmingly associated with mobile phones. Example sentences: I forgot my mobile phone at home「携帯を家に忘れた」(けいたいをいえにわすれた). Can I have your mobile number?「携帯番号を教えてもらえますか?」(けいたいばんごをおしえてもらえますか?).

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    13

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    8

    Frequency

    1750

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Path, Diameter

    Reading

    onyomiけい

    kei

    Parts

    Stop Holy

    Example Word

    直径: diameter. The Japanese noun '直径 (ちょっけい)' refers to the 'diameter' of a circle or sphere, which is the length of a straight line passing from one side to the other through the center. It is commonly used in mathematical, engineering, and everyday contexts. For example: The diameter of this circle is 10 cm「この円の直径は10センチです」(このえんのちょっけいは10センチです). Please measure the diameter of the pipe「パイプの直径を測ってください」(パイプのちょっけいをはかってください). This word is specific to the concept of diameter and does not have unrelated meanings.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    8

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    4

    Frequency

    1755

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Pledge

    Reading

    kunyomiちぎ

    chigi

    onyomiけい

    kei

    Parts

    Big

    Example Word

    契約: contract. The Japanese verbal noun '契約 (けいやく)' refers to a formal agreement or contract between parties. It is commonly used in legal, business, and personal contexts to describe binding agreements. For example: We signed a contract「契約を結びました」(けいやくをむすびました). The contract has been terminated「契約は解除されました」(けいやくはかいじょされました). This term is often paired with verbs like '結ぶ (むすぶ)' (to conclude) or '解除する (かいじょする)' (to cancel) to describe the act of making or ending a contract.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    9

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    8

    Frequency

    1778

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Stem

    Reading

    kunyomiくき

    kuki

    onyomiけい

    kei

    きょう

    kyou

    Parts

    Grass Holy

    Example Word

    茎: stem. The Japanese noun '茎 (くき)' refers to the 'stem' of a plant. It is the main structural part that supports leaves, flowers, and fruits, and transports nutrients and water. This word is commonly used in botanical contexts or when describing plants. For example: The stem of this flower is long「この花の茎は長い」(このはなのくきはながい). Please cut the stems of the vegetables「野菜の茎を切ってください」(やさいのくきをきってください). The term is straightforward and primarily used in contexts related to plants and gardening.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    8

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    9

    Frequency

    1947

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Rest

    Reading

    kunyomiいこ

    iko

    onyomiけい

    kei

    Parts

    Heart Tongue Self

    Example Word

    休憩: break. The Japanese verbal noun '休憩 (きゅうけい)' means 'break'. It refers to a short period of rest or pause, often taken during work, study, or other activities. This word is commonly used in contexts like taking a break at work or during a long journey. For example: Let's take a break「休憩しましょう」(きゅうけいしましょう). We took a break after two hours of work「2時間働いた後、休憩しました」(にじかんはたらいたあと、きゅうけいしました). It's important to note that '休憩' is often used in formal or semi-formal settings, and it implies a temporary pause with the intention to resume the activity afterward.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    16

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    8

    Frequency

    2002

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Firefly

    Reading

    kunyomiほたる

    hotaru

    onyomiけい

    kei

    Parts

    Small Crown Insect

    Example Word

    蛍光灯: lamp or fluorescent. The Japanese noun '蛍光灯 (けいこうとう)' refers to a 'fluorescent lamp'. This term is commonly used to describe the type of lighting that uses fluorescence to produce visible light. It is often found in offices, schools, and homes due to its energy efficiency. For example: The fluorescent lamp is bright「蛍光灯が明るい」(けいこうとうがあかるい). I replaced the fluorescent lamp「蛍光灯を交換した」(けいこうとうをこうかんした). Note that while '蛍光灯' specifically refers to fluorescent lamps, it can sometimes be shortened to just '蛍光灯' in casual conversation, but the full term is more precise.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    11

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    9

    Frequency

    2048

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Desire, Hanker

    Reading

    kunyomiあこが

    akoga

    onyomiけい

    kei

    Parts

    Scene

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    15

    Grade

    10

    Frequency

    2051

    Handwriting

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Onyomi reading Groups

Group 13 of 305