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

神経: nerve. The Japanese noun '神経 (しんけい)' primarily means 'nerve' in the biological sense, referring to the fibers that transmit impulses of sensation and motion between the brain or spinal cord and other parts of the body. It can also be used metaphorically to describe sensitivity or attention to detail in various contexts. For example: He has a lot of nerve「彼は神経が太い」(かれはしんけいがふとい). She is very sensitive to noise「彼女は音に神経が細い」(かのじょはおとにしんけいがほそい). In medical contexts, it is often used to discuss conditions or treatments related to the nervous system, such as '神経痛 (しんけいつう)' which means 'neuralgia'.

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

時計: watch or clock. The Japanese noun '時計 (とけい)' refers to devices that measure and indicate time. It can mean both 'clock' (a device typically found on walls or desks) and 'watch' (a portable timepiece worn on the wrist). This word is commonly used in everyday contexts to refer to timekeeping devices. For example: The clock is on the wall「時計は壁にあります」(とけいはかべにあります). I bought a new watch「新しい時計を買いました」(あたらしいとけいをかいました). The context usually clarifies whether it refers to a clock or a watch, but both meanings are widely understood.

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

景気: economy or mood. The Japanese noun '景気 (けいき)' has two primary meanings. The first and most common meaning refers to the state of the economy, such as economic conditions or business climate. For example: The economy is booming「景気がいい」(けいきがいい). The second meaning refers to a person's mood or spirit, often used in a more casual or colloquial context. For example: He's in high spirits today「彼は今日景気がいい」(かれはきょうけいきがいい). The word is versatile and context-dependent, so it's important to pay attention to the surrounding words to determine which meaning is intended.

Radical

日

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

563

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Warn

Reading

Parts

言Say 敬Respect

Example Word

警部: inspector. The Japanese noun '警部 (けいぶ)' refers to a police inspector, a specific rank within the Japanese police force. This term is used to denote a senior officer who typically oversees investigations or commands a police station. For example: The inspector solved the case「警部が事件を解決した」(けいぶがじけんをかいけつした). He was promoted to inspector「彼は警部に昇進した」(かれはけいぶにしょうしんした). The rank of '警部' is above '警部補 (けいぶほ)' and below '警視 (けいし)' in the Japanese police hierarchy.

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

刑務所: prison. The Japanese noun '刑務所 (けいむしょ)' refers to a 'prison' or 'penitentiary', a facility where individuals convicted of crimes are incarcerated. This term is specifically used for institutions that house individuals serving sentences for criminal offenses. It is a formal term and is commonly used in legal and official contexts. For example: He was sent to prison「彼は刑務所に送られた」(かれはけいむしょにおくられた). The prison is located outside the city「その刑務所は市の外にあります」(そのけいむしょはしのそとにあります). Note that '刑務所' is distinct from other terms like '拘置所 (こうちしょ)', which refers to a detention center for individuals awaiting trial.

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

文系: humanities. The Japanese noun '文系 (ぶんけい)' refers to the humanities or liberal arts field of study. It is commonly used in academic contexts to distinguish between humanities and sciences. For example: I am studying humanities「私は文系を勉強しています」(わたしはぶんけいをべんきょうしています). He chose the humanities track in high school「彼は高校で文系を選びました」(かれはこうこうでぶんけいをえらびました). This term is often contrasted with '理系 (りけい)', which refers to the sciences.

Radical

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1305

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Compete

Reading

Parts

立Stand 兄Older brother

Example Word

競技: competition. The Japanese verbal noun '競技 (きょうぎ)' refers to a 'competition' or 'contest', typically in the context of sports, games, or other structured activities where participants compete against each other. It is often used to describe organized events such as athletic competitions, tournaments, or matches. For example: The swimming competition was exciting「水泳の競技は興奮した」(すいえいのきょうぎはこうふんした). They participated in a chess competition「彼らはチェスの競技に参加した」(かれらはチェスのきょうぎにさんかした). The word can also be used more broadly to describe any kind of competitive activity, not limited to physical sports.

Radical

立

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1336

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Succeed, Inherit

Reading

Parts

糸Thread 米Rice

Example Word

中継: broadcast or relay. The Japanese verbal noun '中継 (ちゅうけい)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'relay', which refers to the act of passing something along from one place or person to another, such as in a relay race or a relay of information. The second meaning is 'broadcast', specifically referring to the live transmission of events, such as sports or news, over television, radio, or the internet. For example: The game was broadcast live「試合は生中継された」(しあいはなまちゅうけいされた). The news was relayed to the station「ニュースが中継局に中継された」(ニュースがちゅうけいきょくにちゅうけいされた). Note that the context often determines which meaning is intended, as both are commonly used in modern Japanese.

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