Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Shape

Reading

Parts

彡Fur 开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

彡

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

201

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Capital

Reading

Parts

亠Lid 口Mouth 小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

亠

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

275

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Manage, Elapse

Reading

Parts

糸Thread 圣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

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

305

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Older brother

Reading

Parts

儿Legs 口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

儿

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

360

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Measure, Plan

Reading

Parts

十Ten 言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

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

422

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Person in charge, Connection

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)系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

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

469

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Scene

Reading

Parts

日Day, Sun 京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

日

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

563

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Warn

Reading

Parts

言Say 敬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

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

592

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Lightly

Reading

Parts

車Car 圣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

車

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

593

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Boundary, Border

Reading

Parts

土Soil 竟

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

土

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

722

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Incline, Lean

Reading

Parts

化Change 頁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

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

863

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Respect

Reading

Parts

苟 攵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

攴

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

906

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Model, Type

Reading

Parts

刑Punish 土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

土

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

977

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Punish

Reading

Parts

开Open 刂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

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

980

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Favor, Bestow a favor

Reading

Parts

叀 心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

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1197

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Think, Consider

Reading

Parts

禾Cereal 尤 旨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

禾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1267

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Lineage

Reading

Parts

糸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

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1305

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Compete

Reading

Parts

立Stand 兄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

立

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1336

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Succeed, Inherit

Reading

Parts

糸Thread 米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

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1339

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Congratulate, Congratulations

Reading

Parts

心Heart 夂Late

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1404

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Chicken, Hen, Cock

Reading

Parts

爫 夫Man, Husband 鳥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

鳥

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1434

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Enlighten, State respectfully

Reading

Parts

口Mouth 戸Door 攵Strike

Radical

口

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1623

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Visit a shrine

Reading

Parts

訁Say (言)旨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

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1627

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Hoist, Display, Hold up

Reading

Parts

扌Hand (手)匂Fragrance, Scent 日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

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1671

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Valley, Ravine

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)爫 夫Man, Husband

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1734

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Carry with, Portable

Reading

Parts

扌Hand (手)隽

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

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1750

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Path, Diameter

Reading

Parts

彳Stop 圣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

彳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1755

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Pledge

Reading

Parts

㓞 大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

大

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1778

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Stem

Reading

Parts

艹Grass 圣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

艸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1947

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Rest

Reading

Parts

心Heart 舌Tongue 自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

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2002

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Firefly

Reading

Parts

⺍Small 冖Crown 虫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

虫

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2048

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Desire, Hanker

Reading

Parts

忄 景Scene

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2051

Handwriting