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Nihongo

Classroom

さい sai Jōyō Kanji Practice Quiz

Page 1

  • kanji

    Meaning

    Cut

    Reading

    kunyomi

    ki

    onyomiさい

    sai

    せつ

    setsu

    Parts

    Sword Seven

    Example Word

    張り切る: enthusiastic. The Japanese verb '張り切る (はりきる)' means to be enthusiastic, eager, or full of energy. It is often used to describe someone who is putting in extra effort or is highly motivated to achieve something. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as work, sports, or personal projects. For example: He is very enthusiastic about his new job「彼は新しい仕事に張り切っている」(かれはあたらしいしごとにはりきっている). She was so eager to start the project「彼女はそのプロジェクトを始めるのに張り切っていた」(かのじょはそのプロジェクトをはじめるのにはりきっていた). The nuance of '張り切る' often implies a visible display of energy or effort, sometimes to the point of overdoing it.

    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

    最も: most. The Japanese adverb '最も (もっとも)' means 'most' and is used to indicate the highest degree or extreme level of something. It is often used in comparisons or to emphasize a superlative quality. For example: This is the most important thing「これが最も重要なことです」(これがもっともじゅうようなことです). He is the most talented person in the group「彼はグループの中で最も才能のある人です」(かれはグループのなかでもっともさいのうのあるひとです). The adverb can also be used in more abstract contexts, such as '最も良い方法 (もっともよいほうほう) (the best method)'. Note that '最も' is formal and is often used in written or formal spoken Japanese.

    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

    殺す: kill. The Japanese verb '殺す (ころす)' means 'to kill'. It is used to describe the act of causing the death of a living being, whether intentionally or unintentionally. This verb can be applied to humans, animals, or even metaphorically to ideas or emotions. For example: he killed the insect「彼は虫を殺した」(かれはむしをころした). The harsh words killed her enthusiasm「厳しい言葉が彼女の熱意を殺した」(きびしいことばがかのじょのねついをころした). Note that this verb carries a strong and often negative connotation, so it should be used with care in conversation.

    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: detailed or fine. The Japanese adjectival noun '細か (こまか)' primarily means 'detailed' or 'fine'. It is used to describe something that is intricate, meticulous, or broken down into small parts. For example: She gave a detailed explanation「彼女は細かな説明をした」(かのじょはこまかなせつめいをした). The sand on this beach is very fine「このビーチの砂はとても細かい」(このビーチのすなはとてもこまかい). The word can also imply thoroughness or precision in actions or descriptions. Note that when used as '細かい (こまかい)', it functions as an adjective and often describes physical characteristics like texture or granularity, or abstract qualities like attention to detail.

    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

    国際的: international. The Japanese adjective '国際的 (こくさいてき)' means 'international'. It is used to describe something that involves or relates to multiple countries or has a global scope. This word is often used in contexts such as international relations, global business, or cultural exchanges. For example: This conference is international「この会議は国際的です」(このかいぎはこくさいてきです). She has an international perspective「彼女は国際的な視野を持っています」(かのじょはこくさいてきなしやをもっています). The adjective can also modify nouns, as in '国際的な問題 (こくさいてきなもんだい) (international issue)'.

    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

    お歳暮: year end gift. The Japanese noun 'お歳暮 (おせいぼ)' refers to a traditional year-end gift given to express gratitude to people such as teachers, bosses, or relatives. This custom is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and is typically given in December. The gifts often include items like food, alcohol, or household goods. For example: I received a year-end gift from my boss「上司からお歳暮をもらいました」(じょうしからおせいぼをもらいました). We sent a year-end gift to our relatives「親戚にお歳暮を送りました」(しんせきにおせいぼをおくりました). The practice of giving お歳暮 is a way to show appreciation and maintain social relationships.

    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

    再度: again. The Japanese noun '再度 (さいど)' means 'again' or 'once more'. It is used to indicate the repetition of an action or event. This word is often used in formal or written contexts, such as in business or official communications. For example: Please try again「再度お試しください」(さいどおためしください). We will discuss this matter again「この件は再度話し合います」(このけんはさいどはなしあいます). Note that '再度' is more formal than other words meaning 'again', such as 'もう一度 (もういちど)', which is more commonly used in everyday conversation.

    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

    経済的: economical. The Japanese adjective '経済的 (けいざいてき)' means 'economical'. It is used to describe something that is cost-effective, efficient, or financially prudent. This word is often used in contexts where saving money or resources is emphasized. For example: This car is economical「この車は経済的です」(このくるまはけいざいてきです). Using public transportation is economical「公共交通機関を使うのは経済的です」(こうきょうこうつうきかんをつかうのはけいざいてきです). The term can also imply a broader sense of efficiency, not just limited to financial savings.

    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

    掲載: publication. The Japanese noun '掲載 (けいさい)' refers to the act of publishing or posting something, such as an article, advertisement, or information, in a medium like a newspaper, magazine, website, or bulletin board. It is commonly used in contexts where content is made publicly available. For example: The article was published in the newspaper「その記事は新聞に掲載された」(そのきじはしんぶんにけいさいされた). The advertisement will be posted on the website「その広告はウェブサイトに掲載されます」(そのこうこくはウェブサイトにけいさいされます). Note that '掲載' emphasizes the act of making something visible or accessible to the public.

    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

    財産: property. The Japanese noun '財産 (ざいさん)' refers to 'property' or 'assets'. It encompasses anything of value that is owned by an individual or entity, including real estate, money, investments, and personal belongings. This term is often used in legal and financial contexts to discuss ownership, inheritance, or wealth. For example: He inherited a large property「彼は大きな財産を相続した」(かれはおおきなざいさんをそうぞくした). Protecting intellectual property is important「知的財産を守ることは重要だ」(ちてきざいさんをまもることはじゅうようだ). The word can also metaphorically refer to non-material assets, such as skills or experiences, considered valuable.

    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: trial. The Japanese verbal noun '裁判 (さいばん)' refers to a 'trial' or 'legal judgment'. It is used in the context of legal proceedings where a court examines evidence and arguments to decide a case. This term is often associated with criminal or civil cases. For example: The trial will start tomorrow「裁判は明日始まります」(さいばんはあしたはじまります). He was found guilty at the trial「彼は裁判で有罪とされた」(かれはさいばんでゆうざいとされた). The word can also be used in broader contexts, such as '裁判所 (さいばんしょ)' meaning 'court of law'.

    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

    催促: demand or urging. The Japanese verbal noun '催促 (さいそく)' refers to the act of urging or pressing someone to do something, often in the context of requesting payment, action, or a response. It can also imply a demand or insistence. For example: I received a demand for payment「支払いの催促を受けました」(しはらいのさいそくをうけました). He urged me to reply quickly「彼は早く返事をするように催促した」(かれははやくへんじをするようにさいそくした). This term is commonly used in formal or business settings, where timely responses or actions are required.

    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

    塞ぐ: block. The Japanese verb '塞ぐ (ふさぐ)' primarily means 'to block' or 'to obstruct'. It is used to describe the action of closing or blocking a passage, entrance, or any kind of opening. It can also be used metaphorically to describe blocking emotions or thoughts. For example: He blocked the entrance with a box「彼は箱で入口を塞いだ」(かれははこでいりぐちをふさいだ). She tried to block out the painful memories「彼女は辛い記憶を塞ごうとした」(かのじょはつらいきおくをふさごうとした). The verb can also imply a sense of filling or occupying a space, as in 'to fill a hole' or 'to occupy a position'.

    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

    砕く: break or crush. The Japanese verb '砕く (くだく)' primarily means 'to crush' or 'to break'. It is used to describe the action of physically breaking something into smaller pieces, such as rocks, ice, or other hard materials. It can also be used metaphorically to describe breaking down abstract concepts, such as breaking down a problem or someone's spirit. For example: He crushed the ice with a hammer「彼はハンマーで氷を砕いた」(かれはハンマーでこおりをくだいた). The news broke her heart「その知らせは彼女の心を砕いた」(そのしらせはかのじょのこころをくだいた). Note that '砕く' often implies a deliberate or forceful action, and it is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts.

    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

    債権: claim or credit. The Japanese noun '債権 (さいけん)' refers to a legal right to demand payment or performance from another party. It is commonly used in financial and legal contexts. The first meaning, 'claim,' refers to the right to demand something owed, such as money or services. The second meaning, 'credit,' refers to the financial aspect where one party lends money or goods to another with the expectation of repayment. Example sentences: The company has a claim against the debtor「その会社は債務者に対して債権を持っている」(そのかいしゃはさいむしゃにたいしてさいけんをもっている). The bank extended credit to the small business「銀行はその小企業に債権を提供した」(ぎんこうはそのしょうきぎょうにさいけんをていきょうした).

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    13

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    8

    Frequency

    1993

    Handwriting