Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Exist

Reading

Parts

𠂇Cliff (厂)月Moon, Month

Example Word

有り難い: rare or grateful. The Japanese adjective '有り難い (ありがたい)' has two primary meanings. The first and most common meaning is 'grateful' or 'thankful', expressing deep appreciation for something received or experienced. For example: I am grateful for your help「あなたの助けは有り難い」(あなたのたすけはありがたい). The second meaning is 'rare' or 'precious', referring to something that is uncommon or hard to come by. For example: Such kindness is rare「そのような親切は有り難い」(そのようなしんせつはありがたい). The word originates from the idea that something is so rare or precious that it feels like a blessing, hence the dual meanings. It is often used in formal or heartfelt contexts to express gratitude or acknowledge the rarity of a situation.

Radical

月

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

165

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Right

Reading

Parts

𠂇Cliff (厂)口Mouth

Example Word

右側: right side. The Japanese noun '右側 (みぎがわ)' means 'rightside' or 'right side'. It refers to the side that is to the right of a person or object. This word is commonly used in directions, descriptions of locations, or when giving instructions. For example: Please stand on the right side「右側に立ってください」(みぎがわにたってください). The store is on the right side of the street「その店は通りの右側にあります」(そのみせはとおりのみぎがわにあります). It is important to note that '右側' is often used in contrast to '左側 (ひだりがわ)' (left side).

Radical

口

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

272

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Rain

Reading

Parts

丶Dot 冂Enclosure 丅Down (下)

Example Word

雨具: rainwear. The Japanese noun '雨具 (あまぐ)' refers to 'rainwear' or items used to protect oneself from rain. This includes items like raincoats, umbrellas, and waterproof boots. It is a compound word combining '雨 (あめ)' meaning 'rain' and '具 (ぐ)' meaning 'equipment' or 'gear'. Example sentences: Don't forget your rainwear「雨具を忘れないで」(あまぐをわすれないで). I bought new rainwear for the rainy season「梅雨に備えて新しい雨具を買った」(つゆにそなえてあたらしいあまぐをかった).

Radical

雨

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

383

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Feather

Reading

Parts

𠃌Enclosure 冫Ice (水)

Example Word

羽: feather. The Japanese noun '羽 (はね)' primarily means 'feather'. It refers to the natural growth on birds that helps them fly. This word can also be used metaphorically or in compound words to describe things that resemble feathers in shape or function. For example: a bird's feather「鳥の羽」(とりのはね). The angel has beautiful feathers「天使は美しい羽を持っている」(てんしはうつくしいはねをもっている). Note that '羽' can also refer to wings in some contexts, but the primary and most common meaning is 'feather'.

Radical

羽

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

624

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Eaves, Universe

Reading

Parts

扌Hand (手)于

Example Word

宇宙: universe. The Japanese noun '宇宙 (うちゅう)' means 'universe'. It refers to the entirety of space, including all matter, energy, planets, stars, galaxies, and the contents of intergalactic space. This word is often used in scientific, philosophical, and everyday contexts to describe the vast expanse of the cosmos. For example: the universe is infinite「宇宙は無限だ」(うちゅうはむげんだ). I want to explore the universe「宇宙を探検したい」(うちゅうをたんけんしたい). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something vast or boundless, such as 'a universe of possibilities'.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1032

Handwriting