kanji

Meaning

Thing

Reading

Parts

⺕Hand 亅Barb 一One 口Mouth

Example Word

行事: event. The Japanese noun '行事 (ぎょうじ)' refers to an event, ceremony, or function, often one that is organized or traditional. It is commonly used to describe school events, festivals, or official ceremonies. For example: The school festival is a big event「学校の行事は大きなイベントです」(がっこうのぎょうじはおおきなイベントです). We have a traditional event every year「毎年伝統的な行事があります」(まいとしでんとうてきなぎょうじがあります). This word is often used in contexts where the event has a formal or customary significance.

Radical

亅

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

16

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Hand

Reading

Parts

丿Katakana no 二Two 亅Barb

Example Word

手伝い: help. The Japanese noun '手伝い (てつだい)' means 'help' or 'assistance'. It refers to the act of helping someone with a task or chore. This word is often used in contexts where someone is providing physical or practical assistance, such as helping with household chores or work tasks. For example: I need help with cleaning「掃除の手伝いが必要です」(そうじのてつだいがひつようです). She gave me help with my homework「彼女は私の宿題の手伝いをしてくれた」(かのじょはわたしのしゅくだいのてつだいをしてくれた). The word can also refer to a person who helps, such as a helper or assistant, but this usage is less common.

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

23

Radical Form

扌

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Head

Reading

Parts

豆Beans 𦣻Neck (首)八Eight

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

囗Box 斗Ladle, Dipper

Example Word

図: diagram. The Japanese noun '図 (ず)' primarily means 'diagram'. It refers to a visual representation of information, such as a chart, map, or schematic. This word is commonly used in contexts like education, engineering, and design. For example: Please look at this diagram「この図を見てください」(このずをみてください). The diagram explains the process「その図はプロセスを説明しています」(そのずはぷろせすをせつめいしています). Additionally, '図' can sometimes imply a plan or intention, though this usage is less common and typically context-dependent.

Radical

囗

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

576

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Beans

Reading

Parts

一One 口Mouth 䒑Herbs

Example Word

大豆: soybean. The Japanese noun '大豆 (だいず)' refers to 'soybean', a type of legume widely used in Japanese cuisine. Soybeans are a staple ingredient in many traditional dishes, such as tofu, miso, and soy sauce. They are also consumed in their whole form, often boiled or roasted. For example: I bought soybeans at the market「市場で大豆を買いました」(いちばでだいずをかいました). Soybeans are rich in protein「大豆はタンパク質が豊富です」(だいずはタンパクしつがほうふです). The word '大豆' is commonly used in both everyday conversation and cooking contexts.

Radical

豆

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1155

Handwriting