Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Shape

Reading

Parts

彡Fur 开Open

Example Word

形態: form. The Japanese noun '形態 (けいたい)' refers to the 'form' or 'shape' of something, often in a structural or abstract sense. It is commonly used in contexts related to biology, art, or systems to describe the arrangement or configuration of elements. For example: The form of this sculpture is unique「この彫刻の形態は独特だ」(このちょうこくのけいたいはどくとくだ). The company is changing its organizational structure「会社はその組織形態を変えている」(かいしゃはそのそしきけいたいをかえている). This word can also be used in philosophical or theoretical discussions to describe the nature or essence of something.

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

経緯: circumstances or details. The Japanese noun '経緯 (けいい)' refers to the sequence of events, details, or circumstances surrounding a situation. It is often used to explain the background or context of how something happened. For example: I want to know the details of the incident「その事件の経緯を知りたい」(そのじけんのけいいをしりたい). The circumstances leading to the decision were complicated「その決定に至った経緯は複雑だった」(そのけっていにいたったけいはふくざつだった). This word is commonly used in formal or explanatory contexts to provide a clear understanding of the progression of events.

Radical

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

305

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Older brother

Reading

Parts

儿Legs 口Mouth

Example Word

兄弟: siblings. The Japanese noun '兄弟 (きょうだい)' refers to siblings, including both brothers and sisters. It is a gender-neutral term that can be used to describe a group of siblings or to refer to one's own brothers and sisters collectively. For example: I have three siblings「私には兄弟が三人います」(わたしにはきょうだいがさんにんいます). My siblings are kind「私の兄弟は優しいです」(わたしのきょうだいはやさしいです). Note that '兄弟' can also be used in a broader sense to refer to close friends or comrades, implying a bond similar to that of siblings, though this usage is less common and context-dependent.

Radical

儿

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

360

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Measure, Plan

Reading

Parts

十Ten 言Say

Example Word

統計: statistics. The Japanese verbal noun '統計 (とうけい)' refers to 'statistics'. It is used to describe the collection, analysis, interpretation, presentation, and organization of data. This term is commonly used in academic, scientific, and business contexts. For example: The statistics show an increase in population「統計は人口の増加を示している」(とうけいはじんこうのぞうかをしめしている). We need to analyze the statistics「統計を分析する必要がある」(とうけいをぶんせきするひつようがある). The word can also be used in compound terms like '統計学 (とうけいがく)' which means 'statistics (as a field of study)'.

Radical

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

422

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Person in charge, Connection

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)系Lineage

Example Word

係: person in charge. The Japanese noun '係 (かかり)' refers to a person who is in charge of a specific task, role, or responsibility. It is often used in workplaces, organizations, or events to designate someone responsible for a particular duty. For example: Please ask the person in charge「係の人に聞いてください」(かかりのひとにきいてください). The person in charge of this project is Tanaka「このプロジェクトの係は田中さんです」(このプロジェクトのかかりはたなかさんです). The term can also be used in contexts like 'customer service representative' (お客様係, おきゃくさまかかり) or 'event coordinator' (イベント係, イベントかかり).

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

469

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Scene

Reading

Parts

日Day, Sun 京Capital

Example Word

不景気: recession. The Japanese adjectival noun '不景気 (ふけいき)' refers to an economic recession or a state of economic downturn. It is commonly used to describe periods when the economy is performing poorly, with decreased business activity, high unemployment, and low consumer spending. For example: The country is in a recession「その国は不景気です」(そのくにはふけいきです). Many companies are struggling due to the recession「多くの会社が不景気で苦しんでいる」(おおくのかいしゃがふけいきでくるしんでいる). This term is often used in news reports, economic discussions, and everyday conversations about financial difficulties.

Radical

日

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

563

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Warn

Reading

Parts

言Say 敬Respect

Example Word

警官: police. The Japanese noun '警官 (けいかん)' refers to a police officer or a member of the police force. It is a formal term used to describe someone who enforces laws and maintains public order. For example: The police officer is directing traffic「警官が交通を整理している」(けいかんがこうつうをせいりしている). I asked the police officer for directions「警官に道を聞いた」(けいかんにみちをきいた). This term is commonly used in both written and spoken Japanese when referring to law enforcement personnel.

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

国境: border. The Japanese noun '国境 (こっきょう)' refers to the boundary or border between two countries. It is commonly used in contexts related to geography, politics, or travel. For example: The border between Japan and Russia is heavily guarded「日本とロシアの国境は厳重に警備されている」(にほんとロシアのこっきょうはげんじゅうにけいびされている). They crossed the border at night「彼らは夜に国境を越えた」(かれらはよるにこっきょうをこえた). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe boundaries or limits in non-physical contexts, such as cultural or ideological borders.

Radical

土

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

722

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Incline, Lean

Reading

Parts

化Change 頁Page

Example Word

傾向: tendency or trend. The Japanese noun '傾向 (けいこう)' refers to a general direction in which something is developing or changing, or a likelihood of behaving in a particular way. It is often used in discussions about patterns, behaviors, or statistical data. For example: There is a trend towards healthier eating「健康的な食事に向かう傾向がある」(けんこうてきなしょくじにむかうけいこうがある). He has a tendency to be late「彼は遅れる傾向がある」(かれはおくれるけいこうがある). The word can be used in both formal and informal contexts, and it is commonly seen in news articles, reports, and everyday conversation.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

863

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Respect

Reading

Parts

苟 攵Strike

Example Word

敬語: honorifics. The Japanese noun '敬語 (けいご)' refers to 'honorifics', which are a system of linguistic expressions used to show respect, politeness, or social distance. It is a crucial aspect of Japanese language and culture, often used in formal settings, business interactions, or when speaking to someone of higher status. There are three main types of 敬語: 尊敬語 (そんけいご, respectful language), 謙譲語 (けんじょうご, humble language), and 丁寧語 (ていねいご, polite language). For example: Please use honorifics when speaking to the teacher「先生には敬語を使ってください」(せんせいにはけいごをつかってください). I struggle with using honorifics correctly「敬語を正しく使うのが難しい」(けいごをただしくつかうのがむずかしい). Mastering 敬語 is essential for navigating Japanese social hierarchies and maintaining proper etiquette.

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

刑: punishment. The Japanese noun '刑 (けい)' refers to 'punishment' in the context of legal or judicial penalties. It is commonly used in legal terminology to describe the consequences imposed by law for committing a crime. For example: he received a severe punishment「彼は重い刑を受けた」(かれはおもいけいをうけた). The punishment for theft is imprisonment「窃盗の刑は懲役です」(せっとうのけいはちょうえきです). This word is often seen in compounds like '死刑 (しけい)' (death penalty) or '無期懲役刑 (むきちょうえきけい)' (life imprisonment).

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

980

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Favor, Bestow a favor

Reading

Parts

叀 心Heart

Example Word

知恵: wisdom. The Japanese noun '知恵 (ちえ)' refers to 'wisdom' or 'intelligence'. It is used to describe the ability to make sound judgments and decisions based on knowledge, experience, and understanding. This word often carries a positive connotation, implying practical or insightful knowledge. For example: Wisdom comes with age「年を取ると知恵がつく」(としをとるとちえがつく). He used his wisdom to solve the problem「彼は知恵を使って問題を解決した」(かれはちえをつかってもんだいをかいけつした). The term can also be used in idiomatic expressions, such as '知恵を絞る (ちえをしぼる)', which means 'to rack one's brains'.

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

系列: series or affiliation. The Japanese noun '系列 (けいれつ)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'series', referring to a sequence or succession of related things. For example: This is the latest in the series「これは系列の最新作です」(これはけいれつのさいしんさくです). The second meaning is 'affiliation', referring to a group or organization that is connected or associated with another. For example: The company is part of a larger affiliation「その会社は大きな系列に属しています」(そのかいしゃはおおきなけいれつにぞくしています). The word is often used in business contexts to describe subsidiaries or related companies within a corporate group.

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

継承: inheritance. The Japanese noun '継承 (けいしょう)' primarily means 'inheritance'. It refers to the act of receiving or taking over something, such as property, rights, responsibilities, or traditions, from a predecessor. This term is commonly used in legal, cultural, and familial contexts. For example: He received the inheritance from his father「彼は父親から継承を受けた」(かれはちちおやからけいしょうをうけた). The company is focused on the inheritance of traditional craftsmanship「その会社は伝統工芸の継承に力を入れている」(そのかいしゃはでんとうこうげいのけいしょうにちからをいれている). In a broader sense, '継承' can also imply the continuation or preservation of ideas, values, or practices across generations.

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

掲載: publication. The Japanese noun '掲載 (けいさい)' refers to the act of publishing or posting something, such as an article, advertisement, or information, in a medium like a newspaper, magazine, website, or bulletin board. It is commonly used in contexts where content is made publicly available. For example: The article was published in the newspaper「その記事は新聞に掲載された」(そのきじはしんぶんにけいさいされた). The advertisement will be posted on the website「その広告はウェブサイトに掲載されます」(そのこうこくはウェブサイトにけいさいされます). Note that '掲載' emphasizes the act of making something visible or accessible to the public.

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

携わる: involve. The Japanese verb '携わる (たずさわる)' means 'to be involved in' or 'to engage in'. It is used to describe participation or involvement in a specific activity, project, or field. This verb often implies a sense of responsibility or active participation. For example: He is involved in education「彼は教育に携わっている」(かれはきょういくにたずさわっている). She engages in research「彼女は研究に携わっている」(かのじょはけんきゅうにたずさわっている). The verb is typically used in formal or professional contexts, emphasizing a deeper level of involvement rather than casual participation.

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1750

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Path, Diameter

Reading

Parts

彳Stop 圣Holy

Example Word

半径: radius. The Japanese noun '半径 (はんけい)' means 'radius'. It is used in mathematics and geometry to describe the distance from the center of a circle to its circumference. This term is also used in everyday contexts to describe the range or extent of something circular or spherical. For example: the radius of the circle is 5 meters「円の半径は5メートルです」(えんのはんけいはごメートルです). The explosion affected everything within a 10-kilometer radius「爆発は半径10キロメートル以内に影響を及ぼした」(ばくはつははんけいじゅっキロメートルいないにえいきょうをおよぼした).

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