Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Be, Exist

Reading

Example Word

所在: location. The Japanese noun '所在 (しょざい)' primarily means 'location' or 'whereabouts'. It refers to the place where someone or something is situated. This word is often used in formal or written contexts to indicate the position or existence of something. For example: The location of the treasure is unknown「宝の所在は不明だ」(たからのしょざいはふめいだ). I don't know his current whereabouts「彼の現在の所在はわからない」(かれのげんざいのしょざいはわからない). Additionally, '所在' can sometimes imply a sense of responsibility or duty, as in 'a sense of purpose' or 'where one's duty lies', though this usage is less common.

Radical

土

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

245

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Sin, Guilt

Reading

Parts

罒Net 非Mistake, Negative

Example Word

罪: crime or sin. The Japanese noun '罪 (つみ)' can mean both 'sin' and 'crime', depending on the context. When referring to 'sin', it often carries a moral or religious connotation, such as an act against divine or ethical laws. For example: he confessed his sin「彼は自分の罪を告白した」(かれはじぶんのつみをこくはくした). When referring to 'crime', it denotes an act punishable by law. For example: committing a crime is wrong「罪を犯すのは間違っている」(つみをおかすのはまちがっている). The word is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but its nuance depends heavily on the situation.

Radical

网

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

628

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Materials, Timber

Reading

Parts

木Tree, Wood 才Talent, Age

Example Word

材: material. The Japanese suffix '材 (ざい)' means 'material' and is used to refer to the substance or raw material from which something is made. It is often attached to nouns to specify the type of material being discussed. For example: wood material「木材」(もくざい). building material「建材」(けんざい). This suffix is commonly used in contexts related to construction, manufacturing, or crafting. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something as the 'material' or 'basis' for an idea or concept, though this usage is less common.

Radical

木

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1075

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Wealth

Reading

Parts

貝Shellfish 才Talent, Age

Example Word

財: asset. The Japanese suffix '財 (ざい)' means 'asset' or 'wealth'. It is commonly used in compound words to refer to financial or material resources. For example: national wealth「国財」(こくざい). This suffix is often found in formal or economic contexts. Another example: financial assets「金融財」(きんゆうざい). It is important to note that '財' is rarely used alone and is typically part of a larger word.

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1086

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Medicine, Dose

Reading

Parts

斉Uniform, Adjusted 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

剤: agent. The Japanese suffix '剤 (ざい)' is used to denote a type of agent, often in the context of chemicals, medicines, or substances that have a specific function. It is commonly found in words related to pharmaceuticals, cleaning agents, or other chemical compounds. For example: medicine「薬剤」(やくざい), cleaning agent「洗剤」(せんざい), and insecticide「殺虫剤」(さっちゅうざい). This suffix is typically attached to a noun to specify the type of agent being referred to. It is important to note that '剤' is not used as a standalone word but always as a suffix.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1915

Handwriting