kanji

Meaning

Heart

Reading

Parts

⺃Second (乙)丶Dot 丿Katakana no

Example Word

心身: mind body. The Japanese noun '心身 (しんしん)' refers to the combination of the mind and body, often used to describe the holistic state of a person's mental and physical well-being. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of mental and physical health. For example: maintaining mind-body balance is important「心身のバランスを保つことは大切です」(しんしんのバランスをたもつことはたいせつです). The retreat focuses on mind-body healing「そのリトリートは心身の癒しに焦点を当てています」(そのリトリートはしんしんのいやしにしょうてんをあてています). This term is commonly used in contexts related to health, wellness, and self-care.

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

33

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Body, Self

Reading

Parts

自Self 亅Barb 丿Katakana no

Example Word

身なり: appearance. The Japanese noun '身なり (みなり)' refers to one's appearance, particularly in terms of clothing and overall presentation. It is often used to describe how someone is dressed or how they present themselves in public. For example: His appearance is neat「彼の身なりはきちんとしている」(かれのみなりはきちんとしている). She always pays attention to her appearance「彼女はいつも身なりに気をつけている」(かのじょはいつもみなりにきをつけている). The word can also imply a sense of social appropriateness or conformity in one's attire.

Radical

身

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

64

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

God

Reading

Parts

礻Cult (示)申Report

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

示

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

99

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

New

Reading

Parts

斤Axe, Catty 亲Parent (親)

Example Word

新幹線: bullet train. The Japanese noun '新幹線 (しんかんせん)' refers to the high-speed railway system in Japan, commonly known as the 'bullet train'. It is a network of trains that operate at very high speeds, connecting major cities across Japan. The term is often used to describe the trains themselves, as well as the system as a whole. For example: I took the bullet train to Osaka「新幹線で大阪に行きました」(しんかんせんでおおさかにいきました). The bullet train is very fast「新幹線はとても速いです」(しんかんせんはとてもはやいです). The 新幹線 is a symbol of Japan's technological advancement and efficiency in transportation.

Radical

斤

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

114

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Parent

Reading

Parts

見See 立Stand 木Tree, Wood

Example Word

親子: parent child. The Japanese noun '親子 (おやこ)' refers to the relationship or pair of a parent and child. It is commonly used to describe the bond or connection between a parent and their offspring, and can also refer to things that are related in a parent-child manner, such as a dish that includes both chicken and egg (親子丼 - おやこどん). For example: The parent and child went to the park「親子は公園に行った」(おやこはこうえんにいった). This restaurant is famous for its parent-child bowl「このレストランは親子丼で有名です」(このレストランはおやこどんでゆうめいです).

Radical

見

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

134

Radical Form

亲

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Truth

Reading

Parts

十Ten 具Tool

Example Word

真心: sincerity. The Japanese noun '真心 (まごころ)' refers to 'sincerity' or 'genuine heart'. It conveys a deep sense of honesty, purity, and heartfelt emotion. This word is often used to describe actions or feelings that come from a place of true intention and goodwill, without any ulterior motives. For example: She accepted his sincerity「彼女は彼の真心を受け入れた」(かのじょはかれのまごころをうけいれた). His sincerity moved everyone「彼の真心はみんなを感動させた」(かれのまごころはみんなをかんどうさせた). The term is commonly used in contexts emphasizing genuine care, such as in relationships, art, or acts of kindness.

Radical

目

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

142

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Trust

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)言Say

Example Word

信仰: faith. The Japanese verbal noun '信仰 (しんこう)' means 'faith' or 'belief'. It refers to a strong belief in a religion, deity, or spiritual practice. This word is often used in contexts related to religious devotion or trust in a higher power. For example: he has strong faith in Buddhism「彼は仏教に強い信仰を持っている」(かれはぶっきょうにつよいしんこうをもっている). Faith can move mountains「信仰は山をも動かす」(しんこうはやまをもうごかす). The word is commonly used in both formal and informal settings to discuss religious or spiritual matters.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

151

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Report

Reading

Parts

日Day, Sun 丨Stick

Example Word

申請: application. The Japanese verbal noun '申請 (しんせい)' means 'application' and refers to the act of formally requesting or applying for something, such as a permit, license, or approval. It is commonly used in administrative, legal, or bureaucratic contexts. For example: I submitted an application for a visa「ビザの申請を提出しました」(びざのしんせいをていしゅつしました). The company filed an application for a patent「会社は特許の申請を出しました」(かいしゃはとっきょのしんせいをだしました). Note that '申請' is often paired with verbs like する (to do) or 提出する (to submit) to indicate the action of applying.

Radical

田

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

221

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Deep

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)罙Deep

Example Word

深刻: serious. The Japanese adjective '深刻 (しんこく)' means 'serious'. It is used to describe situations, problems, or emotions that are grave, severe, or deeply concerning. This word often conveys a sense of urgency or importance. For example: The situation is serious「状況は深刻だ」(じょうきょうはしんこくだ). He has a serious expression「彼は深刻な表情をしている」(かれはしんこくなひょうじょうをしている). The problem is becoming more serious「問題は深刻化している」(もんだいはしんこくかしている). Note that '深刻' is often used in contexts involving societal issues, personal dilemmas, or critical circumstances.

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

248

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Advance

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 隹Bird

Example Word

進行: advance or progress. The Japanese verbal noun '進行 (しんこう)' primarily means 'progress' or 'advance'. It is used to describe the forward movement or development of something, such as a project, event, or situation. For example: The meeting is progressing smoothly「会議が順調に進行している」(かいぎがじゅんちょうにしんこうしている). The disease is advancing rapidly「病気が急速に進行している」(びょうきがきゅうそくにしんこうしている). This word is often used in formal or technical contexts to indicate the ongoing nature of an activity or process.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

301

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Lie down, Go to sleep

Reading

Parts

丬 冖Crown 又Again ⺕Hand 宀Roof

Example Word

寝かす: lay. The Japanese verb '寝かす (ねかす)' means 'to lay something/someone down' or 'to put something/someone to sleep'. It is often used when referring to laying a child or an object down, such as placing a baby in a crib or setting something flat. For example: I laid the baby down in the crib「赤ちゃんをベッドに寝かした」(あかちゃんをベッドにねかした). She laid the book on the table「彼女は本をテーブルに寝かした」(かのじょはほんをテーブルにねかした). Additionally, '寝かす' can also be used metaphorically, such as letting dough rest or allowing an idea to mature. For example: Let the dough rest for an hour「生地を1時間寝かす」(きじを1じかんねかす).

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

325

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Shake, Swing

Reading

Parts

扌Hand (手)辰Sign of the dragon

Example Word

振り込み: transfer. The Japanese noun '振り込み (ふりこみ)' refers to the act of transferring money, typically from one bank account to another. It is commonly used in contexts involving financial transactions, such as paying bills, sending money to someone, or making payments. For example: I made a bank transfer「銀行振り込みをしました」(ぎんこうふりこみをしました). Please make a transfer by tomorrow「明日までに振り込みをお願いします」(あしたまでにふりこみをおねがいします). This term is often used in formal or business settings and is essential for discussing financial matters in Japanese.

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

350

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Stretch

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)申Report

Example Word

追伸: postscript. The Japanese noun '追伸 (ついしん)' means 'postscript'. It is commonly used in letters or emails to add additional information after the main body of the text. This word is often abbreviated as 'P.S.' in informal contexts, similar to English usage. For example: I forgot to mention, I will be late「追伸、遅れることを忘れていました」(ついしん、おくれることをわすれていました). Please send me the details「追伸、詳細を送ってください」(ついしん、しょうさいをおくってください). The term is typically placed at the end of a message to highlight an afterthought or additional note.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

680

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Forest

Reading

Parts

木Tree, Wood 林Grove

Example Word

森: forest. The Japanese noun '森 (もり)' means 'forest'. It refers to a large area covered with trees and undergrowth, typically larger than a grove but smaller than a jungle. This word is often used to describe natural landscapes and is commonly found in place names. For example: there is a big forest near my house「私の家の近くに大きな森があります」(わたしのいえのちかくにおおきなもりがあります). We went hiking in the forest「森にハイキングに行きました」(もりにはいきんぐにいきました). The word '森' can also evoke a sense of tranquility and natural beauty, often used in poetry and literature to describe serene and lush environments.

Radical

木

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

733

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Harbor, Haven

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)聿Brush

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

760

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Servant, Retainer

Reading

Example Word

総理大臣: Prime Minister. The Japanese noun '総理大臣 (そうりだいじん)' means 'Prime Minister.' This term refers to the head of government in Japan, who is responsible for leading the cabinet and implementing national policies. The Prime Minister is appointed by the Emperor after being designated by the National Diet. Example usage: The meeting was attended by the Prime Minister 「その会議には総理大臣が出席した」 (そのかいぎにはそうりだいじんがしゅっせきした). The Prime Minister announced new policies 「総理大臣が新しい政策を発表した」 (そうりだいじんがあたらしいせいさくをはっぴょうした).

Radical

臣

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

864

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Quake

Reading

Parts

雨Rain 辰Sign of the dragon

Example Word

震災: earthquake. The Japanese noun '震災 (しんさい)' refers to a disaster caused by an earthquake. It is a compound of '震' (しん), meaning 'quake' or 'tremor,' and '災' (さい), meaning 'disaster.' This term is often used in the context of significant earthquake events that result in widespread damage or loss. For example: The Great East Japan Earthquake was a major disaster「東日本大震災は大きな災害だった」(ひがしにほんだいしんさいはおおきなさいがいだった). Many people lost their homes in the earthquake disaster「多くの人が震災で家を失った」(おおくのひとがしんさいでいえをうしなった).

Radical

雨

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

969

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Hard, Spicy

Reading

Parts

立Stand 十Ten

Example Word

塩辛い: salty. The Japanese adjective '塩辛い (しおからい)' means 'salty'. It is used to describe food or dishes that have a strong or pronounced saltiness. This word can also carry a nuance of being overly salty or having a sharp, briny taste. For example: this soup is salty「このスープは塩辛い」(このスープはしおからい). The pickles are too salty「漬物が塩辛すぎる」(つけものがしおからすぎる). Note that '塩辛い' is often used to describe food, but it can also be used metaphorically to describe situations or emotions that feel 'sharp' or 'intense'.

Radical

辛

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1052

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Lips, Lip

Reading

Parts

口Mouth 辰Sign of the dragon

Example Word

唇: lips. The Japanese noun '唇 (くちびる)' refers to the 'lips', the soft, movable parts forming the opening of the mouth. This word is commonly used in both everyday conversation and literature to describe the physical feature or to express emotions metaphorically. For example: Her lips are red「彼女の唇は赤い」(かのじょのくちびるはあかい). He bit his lips nervously「彼は緊張して唇を噛んだ」(かれはきんちょうしてくちびるをかんだ). The word can also appear in idiomatic expressions or poetic contexts, emphasizing beauty, emotion, or communication.

Radical

口

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1103

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Pillow

Reading

Parts

木Tree, Wood 冘

Example Word

枕: pillow. The Japanese noun '枕 (まくら)' refers to a 'pillow', which is a cushion used to support the head while sleeping. It is a common household item and is essential for comfort during rest. The word can also be used metaphorically or in idiomatic expressions, such as '枕を高くして寝る (まくらをたかくしてねる)', which means 'to sleep soundly without worries'. Example sentences: I bought a new pillow「新しい枕を買いました」(あたらしいまくらをかいました). This pillow is very soft「この枕はとても柔らかいです」(このまくらはとてもやわらかいです).

Radical

木

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1117

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Needle

Reading

Parts

釒Gold (金)十Ten

Example Word

方針: policy. The Japanese noun '方針 (ほうしん)' refers to a 'policy', 'plan', or 'course of action' that is established to guide decisions or actions. It is often used in formal or organizational contexts to describe a set of principles or strategies. For example: The company's policy is clear「会社の方針は明確です」(かいしゃのほうしんはめいかくです). We need to decide on a course of action「方針を決める必要があります」(ほうしんをきめるひつようがあります). This word is commonly used in business, government, and other structured environments to outline a clear direction or approach.

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1138

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Request

Reading

Parts

訁Say (言)青Blue

Example Word

申請: application. The Japanese verbal noun '申請 (しんせい)' means 'application' and refers to the act of formally requesting or applying for something, such as a permit, license, or approval. It is commonly used in administrative, legal, or bureaucratic contexts. For example: I submitted an application for a visa「ビザの申請を提出しました」(びざのしんせいをていしゅつしました). The company filed an application for a patent「会社は特許の申請を出しました」(かいしゃはとっきょのしんせいをだしました). Note that '申請' is often paired with verbs like する (to do) or 提出する (to submit) to indicate the action of applying.

Radical

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1311

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Investigate, Judge

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 番Turn

Example Word

審査: inspection or screening. The Japanese noun '審査 (しんさ)' refers to the process of examining or evaluating something carefully. It is commonly used in contexts such as quality checks, application reviews, or competition judging. For example: The inspection of the documents is complete「書類の審査が終わりました」(しょるいのしんさがおわりました). The screening process for the job applications is strict「求人の審査は厳しいです」(きゅうじんのしんさはきびしいです). This noun is often used in formal or professional settings to describe a thorough evaluation process.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1366

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Belt, Gentleman

Reading

Parts

糸Thread 申Report

Example Word

紳士: gentleman. The Japanese noun '紳士 (しんし)' refers to a 'gentleman'. This term is used to describe a man who is polite, well-mannered, and refined, often adhering to traditional standards of behavior and appearance. It is commonly used in formal contexts, such as in the names of establishments (e.g., '紳士服 (しんしふく)' meaning 'men's clothing') or to address a group of men respectfully. For example: The gentleman is waiting「紳士が待っています」(しんしがまっています). This is a gentlemen's club「ここは紳士のクラブです」(ここはしんしのクラブです). The word carries a connotation of sophistication and respectability.

Radical

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1382

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Examine a patient, Diagnose

Reading

Parts

訁Say (言)㐱

Example Word

受診: consultation. The Japanese noun '受診 (じゅしん)' refers to the act of receiving a medical consultation or examination. It is commonly used in contexts related to healthcare, such as visiting a doctor or undergoing a medical check-up. For example: I had a medical consultation today「今日は受診しました」(きょうはじゅしんしました). It's important to schedule a consultation「受診の予約を取ることが大切です」(じゅしんのよやくをとることがたいせつです). This term is often used in formal or medical settings and emphasizes the patient's action of seeking medical attention.

Radical

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1587

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Soak, Immersed

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)冖Crown 又Again ⺕Hand

Example Word

浸透: penetration. The Japanese noun '浸透 (しんとう)' means 'penetration'. This term is often used to describe the process of a substance permeating or spreading through another material, such as water soaking into soil or a liquid diffusing through a membrane. It can also be used metaphorically to describe the spread of ideas, culture, or influence. For example: The water penetrated the soil「水が土に浸透した」(みずがつちにしんとうした). The new policy is gradually penetrating society「新しい政策が社会に浸透しつつある」(あたらしいせいさくがしゃかいにしんとうしつつある).

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1612

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Prudent, Humility

Reading

Parts

忄 真Truth

Example Word

慎重: careful. The Japanese adjectival noun '慎重 (しんちょう)' means 'careful' or 'cautious'. It describes a state of being deliberate, thoughtful, and avoiding unnecessary risks. This word is often used to describe someone's behavior, approach, or decision-making process. For example: He is very careful when making decisions「彼は決定を下す時に非常に慎重です」(かれはけっていをくだすときにひじょうにしんちょうです). Please handle this matter carefully「この件を慎重に扱ってください」(このけんをしんちょうにあつかってください). The word can also be used to describe actions, such as '慎重な計画 (しんちょうなけいかく)' (careful planning).

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1667

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Invade

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)冖Crown 又Again ⺕Hand

Example Word

侵略: invasion. The Japanese noun '侵略 (しんりゃく)' means 'invasion'. It refers to the act of forcefully entering and taking control of a territory, often by military force. This term is commonly used in historical, political, or military contexts. For example: The country suffered from foreign invasion「その国は外国の侵略に苦しんだ」(そのくにはがいこくのしんりゃくにくるしんだ). The invasion caused widespread destruction「侵略は広範囲な破壊を引き起こした」(しんりゃくはこうはんいなはかいをひきおこした). It can also be used metaphorically to describe non-physical intrusions, such as cultural or economic invasions.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1737

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fuel, Firewood

Reading

Parts

新New 艹Grass

Radical

艸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1792

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Pregnant, Pregnancy

Reading

Parts

女Woman 辰Sign of the dragon

Example Word

妊娠: pregnancy. The Japanese verbal noun '妊娠 (にんしん)' refers to the state of being pregnant. It is used to describe the condition of a woman carrying a developing embryo or fetus within her body. This term is commonly used in medical, personal, and formal contexts. For example: She is happy about her pregnancy「彼女は妊娠を喜んでいる」(かのじょはにんしんをよろこんでいる). The doctor confirmed the pregnancy「医者が妊娠を確認した」(いしゃがにんしんをかくにんした). It is important to note that '妊娠' is a noun and is often used with verbs like 'する' to indicate the act of becoming pregnant, as in '妊娠する (にんしんする)' (to become pregnant).

Radical

女

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2047

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Wick

Reading

Parts

艹Grass 心Heart

Example Word

芯: core. The Japanese noun '芯 (しん)' refers to the core or central part of something. It can be used literally, such as the core of a fruit or the wick of a candle, or metaphorically, to describe the central or essential part of an idea or concept. For example: the core of an apple「リンゴの芯」(りんごのしん). The wick of a candle「ろうそくの芯」(ろうそくのしん). In a metaphorical sense, it can describe the essence or heart of a matter, such as 'the core of the problem'「問題の芯」(もんだいのしん). This word is often used in both everyday and technical contexts.

Radical

艸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2088

Handwriting