Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Be, Exist

Reading

Example Word

存在: existence. The Japanese verbal noun '存在 (そんざい)' means 'existence'. It refers to the state or fact of existing, being present, or being real. This word is often used in philosophical, existential, or formal contexts to discuss the nature of being or presence. For example: the existence of life on other planets「他の惑星に生命の存在がある」(ほかのわくせいにせいめいのそんざいがある). His presence is reassuring「彼の存在は安心感を与える」(かれのそんざいはあんしんかんをあたえる). It can also be used to describe the presence of something in a specific location or situation, such as 'the existence of a problem'「問題の存在」(もんだいのそんざい).

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

取材: interview or coverage. The Japanese verbal noun '取材 (しゅざい)' refers to the act of gathering information, typically for news reporting or research. It can mean 'coverage' in the context of media reporting, or 'interview' when referring to the process of questioning someone to gather information. For example: The journalist is doing coverage of the event「記者がイベントの取材をしている」(きしゃがイベントのしゅざいをしている). She conducted an interview with the author「彼女は著者に取材をした」(かのじょはちょしゃにしゅざいをした). The word is often used in professional contexts, particularly in journalism and media.

Radical

木

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1075

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Wealth

Reading

Parts

貝Shellfish 才Talent, Age

Example Word

財務: finance. The Japanese noun '財務 (ざいむ)' refers to 'finance' or 'financial affairs'. It is commonly used in contexts related to the management of money, especially in corporate or governmental settings. For example: The company's finance department is very efficient「会社の財務部門は非常に効率的です」(かいしゃのざいむぶもんはひじょうにこうりつてきです). He is in charge of the financial affairs of the organization「彼は組織の財務を担当しています」(かれはそしきのざいむをたんとうしています). This term is often used in formal or business contexts to discuss financial management, budgeting, or accounting.

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