Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Heart

Reading

Parts

⺃Second (乙)丶Dot 丿Katakana no

Example Word

心強い: reassuring. The Japanese adjective '心強い (こころづよい)' means 'reassuring' or 'heartening'. It is used to describe a feeling of confidence, support, or relief, often because someone or something provides a sense of security or encouragement. This word is commonly used in situations where one feels bolstered by the presence or actions of others. For example: It's reassuring to have you here「あなたがここにいてくれると心強い」(あなたがここにいてくれるとこころづよい). His words were very reassuring「彼の言葉はとても心強かった」(かれのことばはとてもこころづよかった). The nuance of this word often implies emotional support or a sense of being uplifted in challenging situations.

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: body. The Japanese noun '身 (み)' primarily means 'body'. It refers to the physical form of a person or animal. However, it can also be used metaphorically to refer to one's self or one's life. For example: protect your body「身を守りなさい」(みをまもりなさい). He risked his life「彼は身を危険にさらした」(かれはみをきけんにさらした). Additionally, '身' can sometimes refer to the flesh of fruits or the edible part of something, as in 'the flesh of the fruit is sweet「果物の身は甘い」(くだもののみはあまい)'. This word is versatile and context-dependent, so its meaning can shift slightly based on usage.

Radical

身

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

64

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

God

Reading

Parts

礻Cult (示)申Report

Example Word

神話: myth. The Japanese noun '神話 (しんわ)' means 'myth'. It refers to traditional stories or legends, often involving gods, supernatural beings, or ancient heroes, that explain cultural beliefs, natural phenomena, or historical events. This word is commonly used in contexts related to folklore, history, or literature. For example: Greek myths are fascinating「ギリシャの神話は面白い」(ギリシャのしんわはおもしろい). This myth explains the origin of the world「この神話は世界の起源を説明する」(このしんわはせかいのきげんをせつめいする). The term can also be used metaphorically to describe widely held but false beliefs or ideas.

Radical

示

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

99

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

New

Reading

Parts

斤Axe, Catty 亲Parent (親)

Example Word

新: new. The Japanese prefix '新 (しん)' means 'new' and is commonly used to indicate something that is fresh, recent, or innovative. It is often attached to nouns to form compound words, emphasizing the novelty or updated nature of the subject. For example: new product「新製品」(しんせいひん). new employee「新入社員」(しんにゅうしゃいん). This prefix is widely used in various contexts, such as business, technology, and everyday life, to highlight something that is newly introduced or created.

Radical

斤

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

114

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Parent

Reading

Parts

見See 立Stand 木Tree, Wood

Example Word

親族: relatives. The Japanese noun '親族 (しんぞく)' refers to one's relatives or kin. It encompasses family members connected by blood, marriage, or adoption. This term is often used in formal or legal contexts, such as when discussing family relationships or inheritance. For example: I have many relatives「私には親族が多い」(わたしにはしんぞくがおおい). He is my closest relative「彼は私の最も近い親族です」(かれはわたしのいちばんちかいしんぞくです). The word can also appear in compound terms like '親族会議 (しんぞくかいぎ)' (family council).

Radical

見

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

134

Radical Form

亲

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Truth

Reading

Parts

十Ten 具Tool

Example Word

真四角: square. The Japanese adjectival noun '真四角 (ましかく)' means 'square'. It is used to describe something that has a perfectly square shape, with all sides equal and all angles at 90 degrees. This term is often used to describe objects, shapes, or even abstract concepts that resemble a square. For example: The table is square「そのテーブルは真四角だ」(そのテーブルはましかくだ). The room is square「この部屋は真四角です」(このへやはましかくです). The term emphasizes precision and exactness in shape, making it distinct from more general terms like '四角 (しかく)', which can refer to any rectangular shape.

Radical

目

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

142

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Trust

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)言Say

Example Word

迷信: superstition. The Japanese noun '迷信 (めいしん)' refers to 'superstition', which is a belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, or trust in magic or chance. It is often used to describe irrational beliefs that are not based on scientific evidence. For example: Many people still believe in superstitions「多くの人がまだ迷信を信じている」(おおくのひとがまだめいしんをしんじている). Breaking a mirror brings bad luck, according to superstition「迷信によると、鏡を割ると不運が訪れる」(めいしんによると、かがみをわるとふうんがおとずれる). This word is commonly used in discussions about cultural practices, folklore, or irrational beliefs.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

151

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Report

Reading

Parts

日Day, Sun 丨Stick

Example Word

申し訳: apology. The Japanese noun '申し訳 (もうしわけ)' primarily means 'apology' or 'excuse'. It is often used to express regret or to offer an explanation for a mistake or inconvenience. This word is commonly used in formal or polite contexts, such as in business or customer service settings. For example: I offer my deepest apologies「心より申し訳ございません」(こころよりもうしわけございません). There is no excuse for this「これについての申し訳はありません」(これについてのもうしわけはありません). The word can also be used in phrases like '申し訳ない (もうしわけない)', which means 'I'm sorry' or 'I have no excuse'.

Radical

田

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

221

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Deep

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)罙Deep

Example Word

深める: deepen. The Japanese verb '深める (ふかめる)' means 'to deepen'. It is used to describe the act of making something deeper, whether it be a physical depth, a relationship, knowledge, or understanding. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as deepening a friendship, deepening one's knowledge on a subject, or even deepening a hole. For example: I want to deepen my understanding of Japanese culture「日本の文化への理解を深めたい」(にほんのぶんかへのりかいをふかめたい). They are working to deepen their relationship「彼らは関係を深めようとしている」(かれらはかんけいをふかめようとしている). The verb is often used in both literal and metaphorical senses, making it versatile in conversation.

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

248

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Advance

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 隹Bird

Example Word

進学: advancement. The Japanese verbal noun '進学 (しんがく)' refers to the act of advancing to a higher level of education, such as moving from high school to university. It is commonly used in the context of academic progression. For example: I plan to advance to university「私は大学に進学する予定です」(わたしはだいがくにしんがくするよていです). He advanced to graduate school「彼は大学院に進学しました」(かれはだいがくいんにしんがくしました). The term emphasizes the transition to a more advanced educational stage.

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

寝る: sleep. The Japanese verb '寝る (ねる)' means 'to sleep'. It is used to describe the act of lying down to rest or sleep. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as going to bed at night or taking a nap. For example: I will sleep early tonight「今夜は早く寝る」(こんやははやくねる). He is sleeping in his room「彼は部屋で寝ている」(かれはへやでねている). The verb can also imply lying down without necessarily sleeping, depending on the context. It is a common and essential verb in daily conversation.

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

身振り: gesture. The Japanese noun '身振り (みぶり)' refers to a physical gesture or movement of the body, often used to convey meaning or emotion. It is commonly used in situations where verbal communication is limited or when emphasizing a point. For example: He explained with gestures「彼は身振りで説明した」(かれはみぶりでせつめいした). Her gestures were very expressive「彼女の身振りはとても表現的だった」(かのじょのみぶりはとてもひょうげんてきだった). This word is often used in contexts involving non-verbal communication or body language.

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

350

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Stretch

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)申Report

Example Word

伸びる: stretch or grow. The Japanese verb '伸びる (のびる)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'to stretch', which refers to the physical act of extending something, such as a rubber band or one's body. For example: the rubber band stretched「ゴムが伸びた」(ゴムがのびた). The second meaning is 'to grow', which can refer to physical growth, such as a plant or a child, or abstract growth, such as skills or profits. For example: the plant grew「植物が伸びた」(しょくぶつがのびた). This verb is often used in contexts where something extends or increases over time. Note that the nuance of 'stretch' is more about physical extension, while 'grow' implies development or increase.

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

震度: intensity. The Japanese noun '震度 (しんど)' refers to the intensity of an earthquake, specifically as measured on the Japanese seismic intensity scale. This scale ranges from 0 to 7, with higher numbers indicating stronger shaking. For example: The earthquake had an intensity of 5「地震の震度は5でした」(じしんのしんどはごでした). The intensity of the tremor was quite high「震度がかなり高かった」(しんどがかなりたかかった). It's important to note that '震度' is specifically used in the context of earthquakes and should not be confused with other types of intensity measurements.

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

針: hand or needle. The Japanese noun '針 (はり)' has two primary meanings. The first meaning is 'needle', referring to a thin, pointed object used for sewing or medical purposes. For example: She sewed with a needle「彼女は針で縫った」(かのじょははりでぬった). The second meaning is 'hand', specifically the hour or minute hand of a clock. For example: The clock's minute hand is broken「時計の針が壊れている」(とけいのはりがこわれている). The context usually makes it clear which meaning is intended, as the usage differs significantly between the two.

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

診断: diagnosis. The Japanese verbal noun '診断 (しんだん)' means 'diagnosis'. It refers to the process of identifying a disease, condition, or problem by examining the symptoms or characteristics. This term is commonly used in medical contexts but can also be applied in other fields like technology or business. For example: The doctor made a diagnosis「医師が診断を下した」(いしがしんだんをくだした). We need a system diagnosis「システムの診断が必要です」(システムのしんだんがひつようです).

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