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Nihongo

Classroom

Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

さい sai

 

    kanji

    Meaning

    Cut

    Reading

    kunyomi

    ki

    onyomiさい

    sai

    せつ

    setsu

    Parts

    Sword Seven

    Example Word

    切り替える: switch. The Japanese verb '切り替える (きりかえる)' means 'to switch' or 'to change over'. It is commonly used when referring to changing from one state, mode, or focus to another. This can apply to physical switches, mental states, or even tasks. For example: I switched the TV channel「テレビのチャンネルを切り替えた」(てれびのちゃんねるをきりかえた). She quickly switched her focus to the next task「彼女はすぐに次のタスクに切り替えた」(かのじょはすぐにつぎのタスクにきりかえた). The verb often implies a deliberate or necessary change, such as adapting to a new situation or shifting priorities.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    4

    JLPT

    N4

    Grade

    2

    Frequency

    123

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Most

    Reading

    kunyomiもっと

    motto

    onyomiさい

    sai

    Parts

    Take

    Example Word

    最高: best. The Japanese noun '最高 (さいこう)' means 'best' or 'highest'. It is used to describe something that is of the utmost quality, excellence, or degree. This word can be applied to a wide range of contexts, such as experiences, objects, or achievements. For example: This is the best day ever!「今日は最高の日だ!」(きょうはさいこうのひだ!). The view from here is the best「ここからの景色は最高だ」(ここからのけしきはさいこうだ). It can also be used to express extreme satisfaction or excitement, as in '最高!(さいこう!)' which translates to 'Awesome!' or 'The best!'.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    12

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    4

    Frequency

    154

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Kill

    Reading

    kunyomiころ

    koro

    onyomiさい

    sai

    せつ

    setsu

    さつ

    satsu

    Parts

    Pike Tree, Wood

    Example Word

    自殺: suicide. The Japanese verbal noun '自殺 (じさつ)' means 'suicide'. It refers to the act of intentionally causing one's own death. This word is often used in serious or sensitive contexts, such as discussions about mental health, societal issues, or personal tragedies. For example: suicide is a serious problem「自殺は深刻な問題です」(じさつはしんこくなもんだいです). He committed suicide「彼は自殺した」(かれはじさつした). The term can also appear in compound words, such as '自殺防止 (じさつぼうし)' (suicide prevention). It is important to approach this word with care due to its sensitive nature.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    10

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    4

    Frequency

    265

    Handwriting

    kanji

    西

    Meaning

    West

    Reading

    kunyomiにし

    nishi

    onyomiせい

    sei

    さい

    sai

    Parts

    One Legs Mouth

    Example Word

    北西: northwest. The Japanese noun '北西 (ほくせい)' means 'northwest'. It is a compound word formed by combining '北 (きた)', meaning 'north', and '西 (にし)', meaning 'west'. This term is commonly used to indicate a direction or location, such as in weather forecasts or when giving directions. For example: The wind is blowing from the northwest「北西から風が吹いている」(ほくせいからかぜがふいている). The town is located to the northwest of the city「その町は市の北西に位置している」(そのまちはしのほくせいにいちしている).

    Radical

    西

    Stroke Count

    6

    JLPT

    N5

    Grade

    2

    Frequency

    315

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Slender

    Reading

    kunyomiこま

    koma

    ほそ

    hoso

    onyomiさい

    sai

    Parts

    Rice field Thread

    Example Word

    細かい: detailed or fine. The Japanese adjective '細かい (こまかい)' can mean 'fine' or 'detailed'. When used to mean 'fine', it refers to something that is small in size or granular, such as fine sand or fine print. For example: The sand on this beach is fine「このビーチの砂は細かい」(このビーチのすなはこまかい). When used to mean 'detailed', it refers to something that is meticulous or thorough, such as detailed instructions or a detailed report. For example: He gave detailed instructions「彼は細かい指示を出した」(かれはこまかいしじをだした). It's important to note that this adjective can also be used to describe someone who is overly meticulous or nitpicky, as in '細かい人 (こまかいひと) (a nitpicky person)'.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    11

    JLPT

    N2

    Grade

    2

    Frequency

    323

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Occasion

    Reading

    kunyomiきわ

    kiwa

    onyomiさい

    sai

    Parts

    Ritual

    Example Word

    際する: occur. The Japanese verb '際する (さいする)' means 'to occur' or 'to happen', particularly in the context of a significant or notable event. It is often used in formal or written contexts to describe events that are of importance or have a notable impact. For example: when the accident occurred「事故が際したとき」(じこがさいしたとき). This verb is less commonly used in everyday conversation and is more likely to be found in news reports, official documents, or literature. It carries a nuance of something happening at a critical or pivotal moment.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    14

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    5

    Frequency

    369

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Wife

    Reading

    kunyomiつま

    tsuma

    onyomiさい

    sai

    Parts

    Woman

    Example Word

    妻: wife. The Japanese noun '妻 (つま)' means 'wife'. It refers to a married woman in relation to her spouse. This term is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. For example: my wife is kind「私の妻は優しい」(わたしのつまはやさしい). He introduced his wife「彼は妻を紹介した」(かれはつまをしょうかいした). The word '妻' is neutral and does not carry any particular nuance, making it suitable for various situations. It is important to note that '妻' specifically refers to a wife and not to a girlfriend or fiancée.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    8

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    5

    Frequency

    412

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Year, Years old

    Reading

    onyomiせい

    sei

    さい

    sai

    Parts

    Stop Small

    Example Word

    歳末: year end. The Japanese noun '歳末 (さいまつ)' refers to the end of the year, particularly the period leading up to the New Year. This term is often used in contexts related to year-end activities, such as cleaning, shopping, or preparing for celebrations. It carries a sense of closure and preparation for the upcoming year. Example sentences: The year-end sales are starting「歳末セールが始まります」(さいまつセールがはじまります). We are busy with year-end preparations「歳末の準備で忙しい」(さいまつのじゅんびでいそがしい).

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    13

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    7

    Frequency

    585

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Again, Twice

    Reading

    kunyomiふたた

    futata

    onyomi

    sa

    さい

    sai

    Parts

    One

    Example Word

    再生: playback or recycling. The Japanese verbal noun '再生 (さいせい)' has two primary meanings. The first meaning is 'playback', referring to the act of playing back audio or video recordings. For example: I listened to the playback of the song「その曲の再生を聞いた」(そのきょくのさいせいをきいた). The second meaning is 'recycling', referring to the process of converting waste materials into reusable materials. For example: Recycling is important for the environment「再生は環境にとって重要だ」(さいせいはかんきょうにとってじゅうようだ). These two meanings are distinct and unrelated, hence both are included as separate meanings.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    6

    JLPT

    N2

    Grade

    5

    Frequency

    658

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Finish, Settle

    Reading

    kunyomi

    su

    onyomiさい

    sai

    Parts

    Water (水)Uniform, Adjusted

    Example Word

    返済: repayment. The Japanese noun '返済 (へんさい)' refers to the act of repaying or settling a debt, loan, or obligation. It is commonly used in financial contexts, such as repaying a loan or mortgage. For example: I will repay the loan next month「来月にローンを返済します」(らいげつにローンをへんさいします). The repayment period is five years「返済期間は5年です」(へんさいきかんはごねんです). This word emphasizes the completion of a financial obligation and is often used in formal or business settings.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    11

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    6

    Frequency

    674

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Talent, Age

    Reading

    onyomiさい

    sai

    Parts

    Barb One 丿Katakana no

    Example Word

    才能: talent. The Japanese noun '才能 (さいのう)' refers to a natural ability or talent that someone possesses. It is often used to describe innate skills or aptitudes in various fields such as arts, sports, or academics. For example: She has a talent for painting「彼女は絵を描く才能がある」(かのじょはえをかくさいのうがある). His talent in music is remarkable「彼の音楽の才能は素晴らしい」(かれのおんがくのさいのうはすばらしい). The word can also be used in a broader sense to describe potential or capability in a particular area.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    3

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    2

    Frequency

    916

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Ritual

    Reading

    kunyomiまつ

    matsu

    まつり

    matsuri

    onyomiさい

    sai

    Parts

    Moon, Month Again Show, Indicate

    Example Word

    祭: festival. The Japanese suffix '祭 (さい)' means 'festival'. It is commonly used to denote events, celebrations, or gatherings that are festive in nature. This suffix can be attached to various nouns to describe specific types of festivals or events. For example: summer festival「夏祭り」(なつまつり). cultural festival「文化祭」(ぶんかさい). It is important to note that '祭' can also be used metaphorically to describe a lively or chaotic situation, such as a 'shopping festival'「買い物祭り」(かいものまつり), which refers to a large sale event. The suffix is versatile and widely used in both traditional and modern contexts.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    11

    JLPT

    N2

    Grade

    3

    Frequency

    955

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Purification, Observe religious abstinence

    Reading

    kunyomiいつ

    itsu

    onyomiさい

    sai

    Parts

    Uniform, Adjusted Small

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    11

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    9

    Frequency

    956

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Load, Publish

    Reading

    kunyomi

    no

    onyomiさい

    sai

    Parts

    Car

    Example Word

    連載: serialization. The Japanese noun '連載 (れんさい)' refers to the serialization of content, such as a story, article, or manga, published in installments over a period of time. It is commonly used in the context of magazines, newspapers, or online platforms where a work is released in parts rather than all at once. For example: This manga is serialized in a weekly magazine「この漫画は週刊誌に連載されている」(このまんがはしゅうかんしにれんさいされている). The novel will start serialization next month「その小説は来月から連載が始まる」(そのしょうせつはらいげつかられんさいがはじまる).

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    13

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    7

    Frequency

    1071

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Wealth

    Reading

    onyomiさい

    sai

    ざい

    zai

    Parts

    Shellfish 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

    Stroke Count

    10

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    5

    Frequency

    1086

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Judge

    Reading

    kunyomi

    ta

    さば

    saba

    onyomiさい

    sai

    Parts

    Clothes

    Example Word

    裁判所: court. The Japanese noun '裁判所 (さいばんしょ)' refers to a 'court', specifically a judicial institution where legal cases are heard and decided. This term is commonly used in legal contexts and can refer to various types of courts, such as district courts, high courts, or the Supreme Court. For example: The case was brought to court「その事件は裁判所に持ち込まれた」(そのじけんはさいばんしょにもちこまれた). The court ruled in favor of the plaintiff「裁判所は原告に有利な判決を下した」(さいばんしょはげんこくにゆうりなはんけつをくだした). It's important to note that '裁判所' is a formal term and is used in both written and spoken Japanese when discussing legal matters.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    12

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    6

    Frequency

    1153

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Vegetable

    Reading

    kunyomi

    na

    onyomiさい

    sai

    Parts

    Grab Grass

    Example Word

    菜: vegetable. The Japanese suffix '菜 (さい)' refers to 'vegetable' and is commonly used in the names of vegetables or dishes containing vegetables. It is often attached to the name of a specific vegetable to denote its type. For example: spinach is called 'ほうれん草 (ほうれんそう)' where '草 (そう)' also means 'grass' or 'herb', but '菜' is used in other contexts. Example sentences: I like vegetable dishes「野菜料理が好きです」(やさいりょうりがすきです). This soup has a lot of vegetables「このスープには野菜がたくさん入っています」(このスープにはやさいがたくさんはいっています). The suffix can also be used in compound words to specify a type of vegetable, such as '白菜 (はくさい)' which means 'Chinese cabbage'.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    11

    JLPT

    N2

    Grade

    4

    Frequency

    1362

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Gather, Pick

    Reading

    kunyomi

    to

    onyomiさい

    sai

    Parts

    Hand (手)Grab

    Example Word

    採る: pick or adopt. The Japanese verb '採る (とる)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'to pick' or 'to gather', often used in the context of harvesting or collecting something, such as fruits or plants. For example: we picked strawberries「いちごを採った」(いちごをとった). The second meaning is 'to adopt' or 'to take on', used when selecting or accepting something, such as a method, policy, or approach. For example: the company adopted a new strategy「会社は新しい戦略を採った」(かいしゃはあたらしいせんりゃくをとった). The verb is versatile and its meaning depends heavily on the context in which it is used.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    11

    JLPT

    N2

    Grade

    5

    Frequency

    1372

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Calamity

    Reading

    kunyomiわざわ

    wazawa

    onyomiさい

    sai

    Parts

    Fire

    Example Word

    火災: fire. The Japanese noun '火災 (かさい)' refers to a 'fire', specifically a destructive fire such as a building fire or wildfire. It is used in contexts where a fire causes damage or is an emergency situation. For example: The fire was extinguished quickly「火災はすぐに消し止められた」(かさいはすぐにけしとめられた). There was a fire in the building「ビルで火災があった」(ビルでかさいがあった). This term is commonly used in news reports, safety instructions, and emergency situations to describe fires that require intervention.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    7

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    5

    Frequency

    1381

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Coloring, Beautiful coloring

    Reading

    kunyomiいろど

    irodo

    onyomiさい

    sai

    Parts

    Grab Fur

    Example Word

    色彩: color. The Japanese noun '色彩 (しきさい)' refers to 'color' or 'coloration'. It is used to describe the hues, shades, or overall color scheme of something, often in an artistic or aesthetic context. This word can be applied to physical objects, paintings, or even abstract concepts like emotions or atmospheres. For example: The painting has vivid colors「その絵は色彩が鮮やかだ」(そのえはしきさいがあざやかだ). The colors of autumn are beautiful「秋の色彩は美しい」(あきのしきさいはうつくしい). The word can also imply a sense of richness or depth in color, making it suitable for describing vibrant or nuanced scenes.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    11

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    7

    Frequency

    1408

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Hold an event, Sponsor

    Reading

    kunyomiもよお

    moyoo

    onyomiさい

    sai

    Parts

    Person (人)

    Example Word

    主催: sponsor. The Japanese verbal noun '主催 (しゅさい)' means 'sponsor' or 'organize'. It refers to the act of hosting, organizing, or sponsoring an event, meeting, or activity. This word is often used in formal contexts, such as business or public events. For example: The company sponsored the event「その会社がイベントを主催した」(そのかいしゃがイベントをしゅさいした). The local government organized the festival「地方政府が祭りを主催した」(ちほうせいふがまつりをしゅさいした). Note that '主催' is typically used for events or activities that require planning and coordination.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    13

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    8

    Frequency

    1426

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Uniform, Adjusted

    Reading

    onyomiせい

    sei

    さい

    sai

    Example Word

    一斉に: simultaneously. The Japanese adverb '一斉に (いっせいに)' means 'simultaneously' or 'all at once'. It is used to describe actions or events that occur at the same time, often involving multiple people or things. This word is commonly used in contexts where a group of people or objects act in unison. For example: The students stood up simultaneously「学生たちは一斉に立ち上がった」(がくせいたちはいっせいにたちあがった). The birds flew away all at once「鳥たちは一斉に飛び立った」(とりたちはいっせいにとびたった). The adverb emphasizes the collective nature of the action, highlighting that it is done by everyone or everything involved at the same time.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    8

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    9

    Frequency

    1628

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Block up

    Reading

    kunyomi

    mi

    ふさ

    fusa

    とりで

    toride

    onyomiそく

    soku

    さい

    sai

    Parts

    Soil

    Example Word

    塞がる: blocked or occupied. The Japanese verb '塞がる (ふさがる)' has two primary meanings. The first meaning is 'blocked', which refers to something being physically obstructed or closed off. For example: The road is blocked due to construction「道路が工事で塞がっている」(どうろがこうじでふさがっている). The second meaning is 'occupied', which refers to something being in use or unavailable. For example: The bathroom is occupied「トイレが塞がっている」(トイレがふさがっている). This verb is often used to describe situations where access or availability is restricted, either physically or metaphorically.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    13

    Grade

    10

    Frequency

    1644

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Smash

    Reading

    kunyomiくだ

    kuda

    onyomiさい

    sai

    Parts

    Stone

    Example Word

    砕ける: break. The Japanese verb '砕ける (くだける)' primarily means 'to break' or 'to be broken'. It is often used to describe something physically breaking into smaller pieces, such as glass or rocks. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something abstract, like a person's spirit or resolve, being broken. For example: The glass broke into pieces「ガラスが砕けた」(ガラスがくだけた). His spirit was broken by the harsh criticism「彼の精神は厳しい批判で砕けた」(かれのせいしんはきびしいひはんでくだけた). Additionally, '砕ける' can imply a sense of softening or becoming more approachable, as in '砕けた態度 (くだけたたいど)' (a relaxed or informal attitude).

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    9

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    9

    Frequency

    1680

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Grab

    Reading

    kunyomi

    to

    いろどり

    irodori

    onyomiさい

    sai

    Parts

    Tree, Wood

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    8

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    10

    Frequency

    1747

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Preside, Manager

    Reading

    onyomiさい

    sai

    Parts

    Roof Hard, Spicy

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    10

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    9

    Frequency

    1763

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Plant, Planting

    Reading

    onyomiさい

    sai

    Parts

    Tree, Wood

    Example Word

    栽培: cultivation. The Japanese verbal noun '栽培 (さいばい)' means 'cultivation'. It refers to the process of growing and nurturing plants, crops, or other agricultural products. This term is commonly used in contexts related to farming, gardening, or horticulture. For example: The cultivation of rice is important in Japan「米の栽培は日本で重要です」(こめのさいばいはにほんでじゅうようです). They are cultivating vegetables in the garden「彼らは庭で野菜を栽培しています」(かれらはにわでやさいをさいばいしています). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe the nurturing or development of skills, ideas, or relationships, though this usage is less common.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    10

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    9

    Frequency

    1955

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Debt

    Reading

    onyomiさい

    sai

    Parts

    Person (人)Blame, Liability

    Example Word

    債務: debt. The Japanese noun '債務 (さいむ)' refers to a financial obligation or debt. It is commonly used in legal, financial, or business contexts to describe liabilities or obligations that one party owes to another. For example: The company has a large debt「その会社は大きな債務を抱えている」(そのかいしゃはおおきなさいむをかかえている). He is responsible for paying the debt「彼は債務を支払う責任がある」(かれはさいむをしはらうせきにんがある). This term is often used in formal settings and is distinct from more casual terms for debt like '借金 (しゃっきん)'.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    13

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    8

    Frequency

    1993

    Handwriting

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Onyomi reading Groups

Group 16 of 305