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Nihongo

Classroom

Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

ちょう chou

 

    kanji

    Meaning

    Long, Leader

    Reading

    kunyomiなが

    naga

    onyomiちょう

    chou

    Parts

    Clothes Stick Three

    Example Word

    船長: captain. The Japanese noun '船長 (せんちょう)' refers to the captain of a ship or boat. This term is specifically used to denote the person in command of a vessel, responsible for its navigation, crew, and overall operation. For example: The captain is experienced「船長は経験豊かです」(せんちょうはけいけんゆたかです). The captain gave orders to the crew「船長は乗組員に指示を出した」(せんちょうはのりくみいんにしじをだした). It is important to note that '船長' is a formal term and is commonly used in maritime contexts.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    8

    JLPT

    N5

    Grade

    2

    Frequency

    71

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Heavy

    Reading

    kunyomiおも

    omo

    かさ

    kasa

    onyomiじゅう

    juu

    ちょう

    chou

    Parts

    Hometown Thousand

    Example Word

    重量: weight. The Japanese noun '重量 (じゅうりょう)' refers to the physical weight of an object. It is commonly used in contexts where the mass or heaviness of something is being discussed, such as in shipping, engineering, or everyday situations. For example: The weight of this package is 5 kilograms「この荷物の重量は5キロです」(このにもつのじゅうりょうはごキロです). The maximum weight allowed is 20 kilograms「最大重量は20キロです」(さいだいじゅうりょうはにじゅうキロです). This word is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    9

    JLPT

    N4

    Grade

    3

    Frequency

    179

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Morning

    Reading

    kunyomiあさ

    asa

    onyomiちょう

    chou

    Parts

    Moon, Month Eminent (卓)

    Example Word

    朝: morning. The Japanese noun '朝 (あさ)' means 'morning'. It refers to the early part of the day, typically from sunrise until around noon. This word is commonly used in daily conversations to describe activities or events that occur during this time. For example: I wake up early in the morning「私は朝早く起きます」(わたしはあさはやくおきます). The morning sun is beautiful「朝の太陽は美しい」(あさのたいようはうつくしい). It can also be used in compound words like '朝ごはん (あさごはん)' meaning 'breakfast' or '朝日 (あさひ)' meaning 'morning sun'.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    12

    JLPT

    N4

    Grade

    2

    Frequency

    210

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Town

    Reading

    kunyomiまち

    machi

    onyomiちょう

    chou

    Parts

    Rice field Street

    Example Word

    町角: street corner. The Japanese noun '町角 (まちかど)' refers to a 'street corner' or 'corner of a street'. It is commonly used to describe the intersection or turning point of streets in a town or city. This word often evokes a sense of locality and community, as street corners are typically bustling with activity or serve as landmarks. For example: Let's meet at the street corner「町角で会いましょう」(まちかどであいましょう). There's a small shop at the street corner「町角に小さな店があります」(まちかどにちいさなみせがあります). The word can also carry a nostalgic or picturesque connotation, often used in literature or storytelling to set a scene.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    7

    JLPT

    N4

    Grade

    1

    Frequency

    211

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Spread, Stretch

    Reading

    kunyomi

    ha

    onyomiちょう

    chou

    Parts

    Bow Long, Leader

    Example Word

    張り: stretch. The Japanese suffix '張り (はり)' is often used to indicate a sense of stretch, tension, or extension. It can be attached to nouns to describe something that is stretched or taut, or to convey a feeling of tightness or firmness. For example: a tight rope「張りのあるロープ」(はりのあるロープ). This suffix can also be used metaphorically to describe emotional tension or enthusiasm. For example: full of enthusiasm「張り切っている」(はりきっている). It's important to note that '張り' is often used in compound words to modify the meaning of the base noun, adding a sense of tension or extension.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    11

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    5

    Frequency

    255

    Handwriting

    kanji

    調

    Meaning

    Investigate, Tune

    Reading

    kunyomiしら

    shira

    onyomiちょう

    chou

    Parts

    Say Circumference

    Example Word

    単調: monotonous. The Japanese adjectival noun '単調 (たんちょう)' means 'monotonous'. It is used to describe something that lacks variety, is repetitive, or is unchanging in tone, pattern, or style. This word is often used to describe routines, sounds, or tasks that become boring due to their repetitive nature. For example: The lecture was monotonous「その講義は単調だった」(そのこうぎはたんちょうだった). The sound of the machine is monotonous「その機械の音は単調だ」(そのきかいのおとはたんちょうだ). It can also describe a flat or unvarying tone in speech or music.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    15

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    3

    Frequency

    274

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Bird

    Reading

    kunyomiとり

    tori

    onyomiちょう

    chou

    Parts

    White One Fire (火)Wrap

    Example Word

    鳥: bird. The Japanese noun '鳥 (とり)' means 'bird'. This word refers to any bird, whether wild or domesticated. It is commonly used in everyday conversation and can be found in various contexts, such as describing animals, nature, or even in idiomatic expressions. For example: I saw a bird in the park「公園で鳥を見た」(こうえんでとりをみた). Birds are singing「鳥が鳴いている」(とりがないている). The word '鳥' can also be used metaphorically or in compound words, such as '鳥居 (とりい)' (Shinto shrine gate), which resembles a bird's perch.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    11

    JLPT

    N4

    Grade

    2

    Frequency

    491

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Street

    Reading

    onyomiちょう

    chou

    てい

    tei

    Parts

    One Barb

    Example Word

    丁: block. The Japanese noun '丁 (てい)' refers to a 'block' or 'district' in a city or town. It is commonly used in addresses to specify a particular area or section within a larger administrative division. For example: I live in block 3「私は3丁に住んでいます」(わたしは3ちょうにすんでいます). The store is in block 5「その店は5丁にあります」(そのみせは5ちょうにあります). This term is often seen in Japanese addresses, where it helps to organize urban areas into manageable sections.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    2

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    3

    Frequency

    594

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Stare, Look out over

    Reading

    kunyomiなが

    naga

    onyomiちょう

    chou

    Parts

    Eye 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

    Stroke Count

    11

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    9

    Frequency

    631

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Listen

    Reading

    kunyomi

    ki

    onyomiちょう

    chou

    Parts

    Ear Ten Net 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

    Stroke Count

    17

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    8

    Frequency

    802

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Crown, Accept

    Reading

    kunyomiいただ

    itada

    いただき

    itadaki

    onyomiちょう

    chou

    Parts

    Street Page

    Example Word

    頂戴: receive. The Japanese verbal noun '頂戴 (ちょうだい)' is a polite and humble way to say 'receive' or 'accept'. It is often used when asking for something politely or when receiving something from someone of higher status. It can also be used as a humble way to say 'eat' or 'drink'. For example: Please give me that book「その本を頂戴」(そのほんをちょうだい). I received a gift from my teacher「先生からプレゼントを頂戴しました」(せんせいからプレゼントをちょうだいしました). It's important to note that this word is often used in formal or polite situations, and is not typically used in casual conversation.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    11

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    6

    Frequency

    819

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Fish, Fishing

    Reading

    kunyomi

    tsu

    onyomiちょう

    chou

    Parts

    Gold (金)

    Example Word

    釣り合い: balance. The Japanese noun '釣り合い (つりあい)' means 'balance'. It refers to a state of equilibrium or harmony between different elements, such as physical balance, emotional balance, or balance in design. For example: The design has a good balance「そのデザインは釣り合いが取れている」(そのデザインはつりあいがとれている). Maintaining balance in life is important「人生の釣り合いを保つことは大切だ」(じんせいのつりあいをたもつことはたいせつだ). This word is often used in contexts where symmetry, proportion, or stability is emphasized.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    11

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    9

    Frequency

    988

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Notebook

    Reading

    kunyomiとばり

    tobari

    onyomiちょう

    chou

    Parts

    Towel Long, Leader

    Example Word

    通帳: passbook. The Japanese noun '通帳 (つうちょう)' refers to a 'passbook', which is a small book issued by a bank or financial institution to record transactions such as deposits, withdrawals, and balances. It is commonly used in Japan for managing savings accounts. For example: I forgot my passbook at home「通帳を家に忘れました」(つうちょうをいえにわすれました). Please bring your passbook to the bank「通帳を銀行に持ってきてください」(つうちょうをぎんこうにもってきてください). The word is specific to financial contexts and is essential for traditional banking in Japan.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    11

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    3

    Frequency

    1048

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Limpid, Lucidity

    Reading

    kunyomi

    su

    onyomiちょう

    chou

    Parts

    Water (水)Ascend

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    15

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    7

    Frequency

    1171

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Tide

    Reading

    kunyomiしお

    shio

    onyomiちょう

    chou

    Parts

    Water (水)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

    Stroke Count

    15

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    6

    Frequency

    1234

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Levy, Symptom

    Reading

    onyomiちょう

    chou

    Parts

    Stop Mountain King Strike

    Example Word

    象徴: symbol. The Japanese verbal noun '象徴 (しょうちょう)' means 'symbol'. It refers to something that represents or stands for an idea, quality, or concept. This word is often used in contexts where an object, person, or event embodies a larger meaning or represents a significant idea. For example: The dove is a symbol of peace「鳩は平和の象徴です」(はとはへいわのしょうちょうです). This building symbolizes the city's history「この建物は街の歴史を象徴しています」(このたてものはまちのれきしをしょうちょうしています). The term is commonly used in discussions about culture, art, and philosophy.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    14

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    7

    Frequency

    1266

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Carve

    Reading

    kunyomi

    ho

    onyomiちょう

    chou

    Parts

    Circumference 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

    Stroke Count

    11

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    8

    Frequency

    1346

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Surpass, Transcend

    Reading

    kunyomi

    ko

    onyomiちょう

    chou

    Parts

    Run 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

    Stroke Count

    12

    JLPT

    N2

    Grade

    8

    Frequency

    1369

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Mound, Tumulus

    Reading

    kunyomiつか

    tsuka

    onyomiちょう

    chou

    Parts

    Soil Crown Pig

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    12

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    9

    Frequency

    1385

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Jump, Hop

    Reading

    kunyomi

    ha

    to

    onyomiちょう

    chou

    Parts

    Foot (足)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

    Stroke Count

    13

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    7

    Frequency

    1511

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Ridicule, Insult

    Reading

    kunyomiあざけ

    azake

    onyomiちょう

    chou

    とう

    tou

    Parts

    Mouth Morning

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    15

    Grade

    10

    Frequency

    1595

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Government office, Agency

    Reading

    onyomiちょう

    chou

    Parts

    广Dotted cliff Street

    Example Word

    官庁: government. The Japanese noun '官庁 (かんちょう)' refers to a government office or agency. It is used to describe the administrative bodies or institutions that are part of the government. This term is often used in formal contexts when discussing governmental operations or structures. For example: The government office is located in Tokyo「官庁は東京にあります」(かんちょうはとうきょうにあります). He works at a government agency「彼は官庁で働いています」(かれはかんちょうではたらいています). The term can also be used more broadly to refer to the collective administrative bodies of the government.

    Radical

    广

    Stroke Count

    5

    JLPT

    N2

    Grade

    6

    Frequency

    1679

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Paste

    Reading

    kunyomi

    ha

    onyomiちょう

    chou

    Parts

    Shellfish Fortune telling

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    12

    Grade

    10

    Frequency

    1781

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Intestine

    Reading

    kunyomiはらわた

    harawata

    onyomiちょう

    chou

    Parts

    Meat 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

    Stroke Count

    13

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    4

    Frequency

    1819

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Chastise, Learn by mistakes

    Reading

    kunyomi

    ko

    onyomiちょう

    chou

    Parts

    Heart

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    18

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    9

    Frequency

    1888

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Omen, Trillion

    Reading

    kunyomiきざ

    kiza

    onyomiちょう

    chou

    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

    Stroke Count

    6

    JLPT

    N2

    Grade

    4

    Frequency

    1907

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Challenge

    Reading

    kunyomiいど

    ido

    onyomiちょう

    chou

    Parts

    Hand (手)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

    Stroke Count

    9

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    9

    Frequency

    1908

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Mourn, Condolence

    Reading

    kunyomiとむら

    tomura

    とぶら

    tobura

    onyomiちょう

    chou

    Parts

    Bow Stick

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    4

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    9

    Frequency

    2026

    Handwriting

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Onyomi reading Groups

Group 15 of 305