Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Long, Leader

Reading

Parts

衣Clothes 丨Stick 三Three

Example Word

課長: manager. The Japanese noun '課長 (かちょう)' refers to a 'section manager' or 'department manager' in a company or organization. This is a mid-level managerial position, typically overseeing a specific section or department. The term is commonly used in business settings and reflects the hierarchical structure of Japanese workplaces. For example: The manager is busy「課長は忙しい」(かちょうはいそがしい). I reported to the manager「課長に報告した」(かちょうにほうこくした). The term '課長' is often preceded by the name of the department, such as '営業課長 (えいぎょうかちょう)' (sales manager).

Radical

長

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

71

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Heavy

Reading

Parts

里Hometown 千Thousand

Example Word

重: weight. The Japanese noun '重 (じゅう)' primarily means 'weight'. It is used to refer to the physical weight of an object or the heaviness of something. This term can also be used metaphorically to describe the weight or burden of responsibilities or emotions. For example: The weight of the box is heavy「箱の重は重い」(はこのじゅうはおもい). The weight of responsibility is heavy「責任の重は重い」(せきにんのじゅうはおもい). It's important to note that '重' can also be part of compound words, such as '体重 (たいじゅう)' meaning 'body weight'.

Radical

里

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

179

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Morning

Reading

Parts

月Moon, Month 龺Eminent (卓)

Example Word

翌朝: next morning. The Japanese noun '翌朝 (よくあさ)' refers to 'the next morning' or 'the following morning'. It is used to indicate the morning of the day after a specific event or day. This word is often used in narratives or descriptions to denote the passage of time. For example: I woke up early the next morning「翌朝、早く起きた」(よくあさ、はやくおきた). The next morning, the weather was clear「翌朝、天気は晴れていた」(よくあさ、てんきははれていた). It is important to note that '翌朝' is a formal or literary term, and in casual conversation, people might use '次の朝 (つぎのあさ)' instead.

Radical

月

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

210

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Town

Reading

Parts

田Rice field 丁Street

Example Word

下町: downtown. The Japanese noun '下町 (したまち)' refers to the traditional downtown or lower-lying areas of a city, often associated with older neighborhoods, working-class communities, and a sense of local culture and history. These areas are typically contrasted with more modern or upscale districts. For example: I live in the downtown area「私は下町に住んでいます」(わたしはしたまちにすんでいます). The downtown has a nostalgic atmosphere「下町は懐かしい雰囲気があります」(したまちはなつかしいふんいきがあります). The term often evokes images of narrow streets, small shops, and a close-knit community.

Radical

田

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

211

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Spread, Stretch

Reading

Parts

弓Bow 長Long, Leader

Example Word

出張: business trip. The Japanese verbal noun '出張 (しゅっちょう)' refers to a 'business trip'. It is used to describe traveling for work-related purposes, such as attending meetings, conferences, or other professional duties. This term is commonly used in professional settings and implies that the trip is work-related rather than personal. For example: I have a business trip tomorrow「明日は出張です」(あしたはしゅっちょうです). He went on a business trip to Osaka「彼は大阪に出張しました」(かれはおおさかにしゅっちょうしました). Note that '出張' is often used with verbs like する (to do) or 行く (to go) to indicate the action of going on a business trip.

Radical

弓

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

255

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Investigate, Tune

Reading

Parts

言Say 周Circumference

Example Word

調べ: investigation. The Japanese noun '調べ (しらべ)' primarily means 'investigation' or 'inquiry'. It refers to the act of examining or researching something thoroughly to uncover facts or details. This word is often used in formal or official contexts, such as police investigations or academic research. For example: The police are conducting an investigation「警察が調べを進めています」(けいさつがしらべをすすめています). I need to do some research on this topic「このテーマについて調べが必要です」(このテーマについてしらべがひつようです). Additionally, '調べ' can also refer to a musical 'tune' or 'melody', but this usage is less common and context-dependent.

Radical

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

274

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Bird

Reading

Parts

白White 一One 灬Fire (火)勹Wrap

Example Word

小鳥: bird. The Japanese noun '小鳥 (ことり)' refers to a small bird, often a songbird or a bird kept as a pet. It is a compound of '小 (こ)', meaning 'small', and '鳥 (とり)', meaning 'bird'. This word is commonly used to describe small, delicate birds, and it carries a gentle, endearing connotation. Example sentences: I saw a small bird in the garden「庭で小鳥を見た」(にわでことりをみた). The small bird is singing「小鳥が鳴いている」(ことりがないている).

Radical

鳥

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

491

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Street

Reading

Parts

一One 亅Barb

Example Word

丁度: exactly. The Japanese adverb '丁度 (ちょうど)' means 'exactly' or 'just'. It is used to indicate precision in time, quantity, or condition. It can also imply that something happens at the perfect moment or fits perfectly. For example: It's exactly 3 o'clock「ちょうど3時です」(ちょうどさんじです). This shirt fits me just right「このシャツはちょうどいい」(このシャツはちょうどいい). The train arrived exactly on time「電車はちょうど時間通りに到着した」(でんしゃはちょうどじかんどおりにとうちゃくした). Note that 'ちょうど' is often used in casual and formal contexts alike, making it a versatile word in Japanese.

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

594

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Stare, Look out over

Reading

Parts

目Eye 兆Omen, Trillion

Example Word

眺め: view. The Japanese noun '眺め (ながめ)' refers to a 'view' or 'scene'. It is used to describe what one sees when looking at something, often from a distance or a specific vantage point. This word can be used for natural landscapes, cityscapes, or even abstract views. For example: the view from the mountain is beautiful「山からの眺めは美しい」(やまからのながめはうつくしい). I enjoy the view of the ocean「海の眺めを楽しむ」(うみのながめをたのしむ). The word can also imply a sense of contemplation or appreciation of the scene.

Radical

目

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

631

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Listen

Reading

Parts

耳Ear 十Ten 罒Net 心Heart

Example Word

視聴: viewing. The Japanese noun '視聴 (しちょう)' refers to the act of watching or viewing something, often used in the context of media such as TV programs, videos, or broadcasts. It can also imply listening, especially in contexts where both visual and auditory elements are involved. For example: The viewing rate of the program was high「その番組の視聴率は高かった」(そのばんぐみのしちょうりつはたかかった). I watched the live broadcast「生放送を視聴した」(なまほうそうをしちょうした). This term is commonly used in discussions about media consumption and audience metrics.

Radical

耳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

802

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Crown, Accept

Reading

Parts

丁Street 頁Page

Example Word

頂く: eat or receive. The Japanese verb '頂く (いただく)' is a humble form of 'もらう' (to receive) and '食べる' (to eat). It is used to express receiving something from someone of higher status or to humbly express eating or drinking. This verb conveys respect and gratitude towards the giver or the act of consuming. For example: I received a gift from the teacher「先生からプレゼントを頂きました」(せんせいからぷれぜんとをいただきました). I will eat this meal「この食事を頂きます」(このしょくじをいただきます). The verb is often used in formal situations or when showing politeness.

Radical

頁

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

819

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fish, Fishing

Reading

Parts

釒Gold (金)

Example Word

お釣り: change. The Japanese noun 'お釣り (おつり)' refers to the 'change' received back after making a purchase. It is commonly used in everyday transactions, such as when shopping or paying for services. The term is polite and often used in customer service contexts. For example: Here is your change「お釣りです」(おつりです). I received 500 yen in change「500円のお釣りをもらいました」(ごひゃくえんのおつりをもらいました). The prefix 'お' adds politeness, making it suitable for formal situations.

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

988

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Notebook

Reading

Parts

巾Towel 長Long, Leader

Example Word

手帳: notebook. The Japanese noun '手帳 (てちょう)' refers to a small notebook or planner, often used for keeping track of schedules, notes, or personal information. It is a common item carried by many people in Japan for daily organization. Example sentences: I bought a new notebook「新しい手帳を買いました」(あたらいてちょうをかいました). Please write it in your notebook「手帳に書いてください」(てちょうにかいてください). The word can also imply a sense of personal organization and planning, as it is often used to manage daily tasks and appointments.

Radical

巾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1048

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Limpid, Lucidity

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)登Ascend

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1171

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Tide

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)朝Morning

Example Word

潮: tide. The Japanese noun '潮 (しお)' primarily means 'tide', referring to the rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational forces exerted by the moon and the sun. It can also metaphorically represent the flow or trend of events. For example: The tide is coming in「潮が満ちてきている」(しおがみちてきている). He went with the tide of public opinion「彼は世論の潮に乗った」(かれはよろんのしおにのった). Additionally, '潮' can sometimes refer to seawater or the sea itself in certain contexts, though this usage is less common.

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1234

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Levy, Symptom

Reading

Parts

彳Stop 山Mountain 王King 攵Strike

Example Word

特徴: feature. The Japanese noun '特徴 (とくちょう)' means 'feature' or 'characteristic'. It refers to a distinctive attribute or quality of something or someone. This word is often used to describe what makes something unique or different. For example: The main feature of this product is its durability「この製品の特徴は耐久性です」(このせいひんのとくちょうはたいきゅうせいです). Another example: The characteristic of this region is its rich culture「この地域の特徴は豊かな文化です」(このちいきのとくちょうはゆたかなぶんかです). The word is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to highlight specific traits or aspects.

Radical

彳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1266

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Carve

Reading

Parts

周Circumference 彡Fur

Example Word

彫刻: sculpture. The Japanese noun '彫刻 (ちょうこく)' refers to 'sculpture'. It is used to describe the art of creating three-dimensional forms by carving, modeling, or assembling materials. This term can refer to both the process of creating sculptures and the finished artwork itself. For example: This museum has many sculptures「この博物館には彫刻がたくさんある」(このはくぶつかんにはちょうこくがたくさんある). He is famous for his sculptures「彼は彫刻で有名だ」(かれはちょうこくでゆうめいだ). The word is often used in contexts related to art, museums, and craftsmanship.

Radical

彡

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1346

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Surpass, Transcend

Reading

Parts

走Run 召Seduce, Summon

Example Word

超過: excess. The Japanese verbal noun '超過 (ちょうか)' means 'excess' or 'going beyond a limit'. It is commonly used to describe situations where something exceeds a set standard, limit, or capacity. For example: The train was overcrowded due to excess passengers「乗客の超過で電車が混雑した」(じょうきゃくのちょうかででんしゃがこんざつした). The project exceeded the budget「プロジェクトが予算を超過した」(ぷろじぇくとがよさんをちょうかした). This term is often used in formal or technical contexts, such as in business, transportation, or regulations.

Radical

走

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1369

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Mound, Tumulus

Reading

Parts

土Soil 冖Crown 豕Pig

Radical

土

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1385

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Jump, Hop

Reading

Parts

⻊Foot (足)兆Omen, Trillion

Example Word

跳ねる: jump. The Japanese verb '跳ねる (はねる)' primarily means 'to jump'. It is used to describe the action of leaping or springing off the ground or a surface. This verb can be used for both living beings and objects. For example: The rabbit jumps「うさぎが跳ねる」(うさぎがはねる). Water splashes up「水が跳ねる」(みずがはねる). Additionally, '跳ねる' can sometimes imply a sudden or energetic movement, such as when something bursts or springs out unexpectedly. It is important to note that this verb is often used in contexts involving lively or dynamic actions.

Radical

足

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1511

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ridicule, Insult

Reading

Parts

口Mouth 朝Morning

Radical

口

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1595

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Government office, Agency

Reading

Parts

广Dotted cliff 丁Street

Example Word

県庁: prefecture office. The Japanese noun '県庁 (けんちょう)' refers to the 'prefecture office' or 'prefectural government office'. This is the administrative center of a prefecture in Japan, where local government affairs are managed. It is typically the main building where the governor and other government officials work. Example sentences include: The prefecture office is near the station 「県庁は駅の近くです」 (けんちょうはえきのちかくです). I went to the prefecture office today 「今日は県庁に行きました」 (きょうはけんちょうにいきました). Note that '県庁' is specifically used for the prefectural level, distinct from city or ward offices.

Radical

广

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1679

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Paste

Reading

Parts

貝Shellfish 占Fortune telling

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1781

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Intestine

Reading

Parts

肉Meat 昜Sunray

Example Word

胃腸: stomach or intestines. The Japanese noun '胃腸 (いちょう)' refers to the digestive system, specifically the stomach and intestines. It is often used in medical or health-related contexts to discuss issues or conditions affecting these organs. For example: My stomach and intestines are not feeling well「私の胃腸の調子が悪い」(わたしのいちょうのちょうしがわるい). He has a strong stomach and intestines「彼は胃腸が強い」(かれはいちょうがつよい). This term is commonly used in compound words related to digestion, such as '胃腸炎 (いちょうえん)' (gastroenteritis).

Radical

肉

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1819

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Chastise, Learn by mistakes

Reading

Parts

徵 心Heart

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1888

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Omen, Trillion

Reading

Example Word

兆: trillion or sign. The Japanese noun '兆 (ちょう)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'sign', referring to an indication or omen of something that might happen in the future. For example: there are signs of rain「雨の兆がある」(あめのちょうがある). The second meaning is 'trillion', used in the context of numbers. For example: the national debt is over 100 trillion yen「国の借金は100兆円を超えている」(くにのしゃっきんはひゃくちょうえんをこえている). It's important to note that '兆' as 'trillion' is used in the Japanese numbering system, which differs from the Western system where 'trillion' represents a different numerical value.

Radical

儿

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1907

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Challenge

Reading

Parts

扌Hand (手)兆Omen, Trillion

Example Word

挑戦: challenge. The Japanese verbal noun '挑戦 (ちょうせん)' means 'challenge'. It refers to the act of taking on a difficult task, problem, or opponent, often with the intention of overcoming it. This word is commonly used in contexts such as sports, personal goals, or professional endeavors. For example: He accepted the challenge「彼は挑戦を受け入れた」(かれはちょうせんをうけいれた). I want to challenge myself「自分自身に挑戦したい」(じぶんじしんにちょうせんしたい). The nuance of '挑戦' often implies courage and determination to face something difficult or new.

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1908

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Mourn, Condolence

Reading

Parts

弓Bow 丨Stick

Radical

弓

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2026

Handwriting