kanji

Meaning

Be, Exist

Reading

Example Word

実在: existence. The Japanese noun '実在 (じつざい)' refers to the concept of 'existence' or 'reality'. It is often used in philosophical or abstract contexts to discuss the existence of something in the real world, as opposed to something that is imaginary or theoretical. For example: The existence of ghosts is debated「幽霊の実在は議論されている」(ゆうれいのじつざいはぎろんされている). This theory questions the existence of extraterrestrial life「この理論は地球外生命の実在を問う」(このりろんはちきゅうがいせいめいのじつざいをとう). The word can also be used in more concrete contexts, such as discussing the existence of historical figures or events.

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

文化財: cultural asset. The Japanese noun '文化財 (ぶんかざい)' refers to 'cultural assets' or 'cultural properties'. These are items of significant cultural, historical, or artistic value that are preserved and protected by law. Examples include historical buildings, artworks, traditional crafts, and intangible cultural heritage like performing arts. For example: This temple is a designated cultural asset「この寺は文化財に指定されています」(このてらはぶんかざいにしていされています). The government protects cultural assets「政府は文化財を保護しています」(せいふはぶんかざいをほごしています). The term emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural heritage for future generations.

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