字Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Thing

Reading

Parts

口Mouth ⺕Hand 亅Barb 一One

Example Word

事: thing or matter. The Japanese noun '事 (こと)' is a versatile word that can mean 'thing' or 'matter'. It is often used to refer to abstract concepts, events, or situations rather than physical objects. For example: That is an important matter「それは大事な事です」(それはだいじなことです). I have something to tell you「あなたに言いたい事があります」(あなたにいいたいことがあります). The word '事' is commonly used in various expressions and idioms, such as '事にする (ことにする)' meaning 'to decide to do something' or '事になる (ことになる)' meaning 'it has been decided that'. It is important to note that '事' is often used in formal or written contexts, while '物 (もの)' is more commonly used for physical objects in everyday speech.

Radical

亅

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

16

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Hand

Reading

Parts

二Two 丿Katakana no 亅Barb

Example Word

手: hand. The Japanese noun '手 (て)' primarily means 'hand'. It refers to the physical part of the body, but it can also be used metaphorically to indicate involvement, skill, or possession. For example: I washed my hands「手を洗った」(てをあらった). He has a skilled hand「彼は手が器用だ」(かれはてがきようだ). Additionally, '手' can be part of compound words to denote different types of hands or actions involving hands, such as '手紙 (てがみ)' meaning 'letter' (literally 'hand paper').

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

23

Radical Form

扌

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Head

Reading

Parts

豆Beans 八Eight 𦣻Neck (首)

Example Word

頭: head. The Japanese noun '頭 (あたま)' primarily means 'head'. It refers to the physical head of a person or animal, but it can also be used metaphorically to refer to intelligence or leadership. For example: my head hurts「頭が痛い」(あたまがいたい). He is the head of the company「彼は会社の頭だ」(かれはかいしゃのあたまだ). Additionally, '頭' can be used in idiomatic expressions, such as '頭がいい (あたまがいい)' meaning 'smart' or 'intelligent'.

Radical

頁

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

129

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Map

Reading

Parts

斗Ladle, Dipper 囗Box

Example Word

図書館: library. The Japanese noun '図書館 (としょかん)' refers to a 'library', a place where books, magazines, and other materials are kept for reading, studying, or borrowing. It is a common word used in everyday conversation and formal contexts. For example: I went to the library「図書館に行きました」(としょかんにいきました). The library is quiet「図書館は静かです」(としょかんはしずかです). This word is often used in combination with other words to specify the type of library, such as 'public library' (公立図書館, こうりつとしょかん) or 'university library' (大学図書館, だいがくとしょかん).

Radical

囗

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

576

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Beans

Reading

Parts

口Mouth 䒑Herbs 一One

Example Word

納豆: natto. The Japanese noun '納豆 (なっとう)' refers to 'natto', a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans. It is known for its strong smell, sticky texture, and unique flavor. Natto is often eaten for breakfast and is considered a healthy food due to its high protein and probiotic content. It is typically served with rice, mustard, and soy sauce. Example sentences: I eat natto every morning「毎朝納豆を食べます」(まいあさなっとうをたべます). Natto is good for your health「納豆は健康に良いです」(なっとうはけんこうにいいです).

Radical

豆

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1155

Handwriting