kanji

Meaning

Cut

Reading

Parts

刀Sword 七Seven

Example Word

思い切る: decide. The Japanese verb '思い切る (おもいきる)' means 'to decide' or 'to make up one's mind'. It conveys the idea of making a firm decision, often after some hesitation or deliberation. This verb is commonly used when someone resolves to take action or make a choice, especially in situations that require courage or a significant change. For example: I decided to quit my job「仕事を辞めることを思い切った」(しごとをやめることをおもいきった). She finally decided to confess her feelings「彼女はついに気持ちを打ち明けることを思い切った」(かのじょはついにきもちをうちあけることをおもいきった). Note that '思い切る' often implies a sense of determination or resolve, making it suitable for situations where a decisive action is taken.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

123

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Most

Reading

Parts

曰 取Take

Example Word

最終: last. The Japanese noun '最終 (さいしゅう)' means 'last' or 'final'. It is commonly used to refer to the last or final instance of something, such as the last train, the final episode of a series, or the ultimate conclusion of an event. For example: the last train「最終電車」(さいしゅうでんしゃ). This is the final episode「これは最終回です」(これはさいしゅうかいです). The final decision will be made tomorrow「最終的な決定は明日行われます」(さいしゅうてきなけっていはあしたおこなわれます). Note that '最終' often carries a sense of definitiveness or conclusion, and it is frequently used in formal or structured contexts.

Radical

曰

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

154

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Kill

Reading

Parts

殳Pike 木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

殳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

265

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

West

Reading

Parts

一One 儿Legs 口Mouth

Example Word

西側: west side. The Japanese noun '西側 (にしがわ)' refers to the 'westside' or the western part of something, such as a city, region, or area. It is commonly used to describe geographical locations or directions. For example: the westside of the city is quiet「街の西側は静かです」(まちのにしがわはしずかです). The school is on the westside of the park「学校は公園の西側にあります」(がっこうはこうえんのにしがわにあります). This term is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Radical

西

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

315

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Slender

Reading

Parts

田Rice field 糸Thread

Example Word

詳細: detailed. The Japanese adjectival noun '詳細 (しょうさい)' means 'detailed'. It is used to describe something that is thorough, comprehensive, or contains a lot of information. This word is often used in formal or technical contexts, such as reports, explanations, or descriptions. For example: Please provide a detailed explanation「詳細な説明をしてください」(しょうさいなせつめいをしてください). The details of the plan are unclear「計画の詳細は不明です」(けいかくのしょうさいはふめいです). Note that '詳細' can also function as a noun, meaning 'details', but the primary meaning as an adjectival noun is 'detailed'.

Radical

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

323

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Occasion

Reading

Parts

⻖ 祭Ritual

Example Word

国際: international. The Japanese noun '国際 (こくさい)' means 'international'. It refers to matters or activities involving multiple countries or nations. This word is commonly used in contexts such as international relations, international trade, or international events. For example: international conference「国際会議」(こくさいかいぎ). international cooperation「国際協力」(こくさいきょうりょく). It is important to note that '国際' is often used as a prefix or modifier in compound nouns to indicate an international aspect, such as '国際社会 (こくさいしゃかい) (international community)' or '国際問題 (こくさいもんだい) (international issue)'.

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

369

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Wife

Reading

Parts

女Woman 肀

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

女

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

412

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Year, Years old

Reading

Parts

止Stop 戈 小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

止

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

585

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Again, Twice

Reading

Parts

一One 冉

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

冂

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

658

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Finish, Settle

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)斉Uniform, Adjusted

Example Word

済む: end. The Japanese verb '済む (すむ)' primarily means 'to end' or 'to be finished'. It is used to indicate the completion of an action, task, or event. This verb can also imply that something has been resolved or taken care of, often with a sense of relief or finality. For example: The meeting ended「会議が済んだ」(かいぎがすんだ). I finished my homework「宿題が済んだ」(しゅくだいがすんだ). Additionally, '済む' can be used in expressions like '済まない (すまない)', which conveys a sense of apology or regret, meaning 'I'm sorry' or 'I owe you one'. For example: I'm sorry for the trouble「ご迷惑をおかけして済みません」(ごめいわくをおかけしてすみません).

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

674

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Talent, Age

Reading

Parts

亅Barb 一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

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

916

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ritual

Reading

Parts

月Moon, Month 又Again 示Show, Indicate

Example Word

祭り: festival. The Japanese noun '祭り (まつり)' refers to a 'festival'. This term is widely used to describe traditional Japanese festivals, which often involve public celebrations, parades, food stalls, and various cultural performances. These festivals are usually held to honor deities, celebrate seasons, or commemorate historical events. For example: I went to the summer festival「夏祭りに行きました」(なつまつりにいきました). The festival was very lively「祭りはとてもにぎやかでした」(まつりはとてもにぎやかでした). In some contexts, '祭り' can also metaphorically describe a lively or chaotic situation, but its primary meaning remains tied to cultural or religious celebrations.

Radical

示

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

955

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Purification, Observe religious abstinence

Reading

Parts

斉Uniform, Adjusted 小Small

Radical

文

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

956

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Load, Publish

Reading

Parts

車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

車

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1071

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Wealth

Reading

Parts

貝Shellfish 才Talent, Age

Example Word

財政: finance. The Japanese noun '財政 (ざいせい)' refers to 'finance' or 'financial affairs', particularly in the context of public or government finance. It is commonly used to discuss the financial condition, management, or policies of a government, organization, or institution. For example: The government's finances are in bad shape「政府の財政は悪い状態です」(せいふのざいせいはわるいじょうたいです). The city is struggling with its finances「市の財政が苦しい」(しのざいせいがくるしい). This term is often used in formal or administrative contexts and is distinct from personal or private finance, which would typically use terms like '家計 (かけい)' or '個人の財政 (こじんのざいせい)'.

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1086

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Judge

Reading

Parts

衣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

衣

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1153

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Vegetable

Reading

Parts

采Grab 艹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

艸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1362

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Gather, Pick

Reading

Parts

扌Hand (手)采Grab

Example Word

採点: grading. The Japanese verbal noun '採点 (さいてん)' refers to the act of grading or marking, particularly in an academic or evaluative context. It is commonly used when teachers or examiners assess and assign scores to tests, assignments, or performances. For example: The teacher is grading the tests「先生がテストを採点している」(せんせいがテストをさいてんしている). Grading will be completed by tomorrow「採点は明日までに終わります」(さいてんはあしたまでにおわります). This term is often used in educational settings and emphasizes the process of evaluation rather than the result.

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1372

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Calamity

Reading

Parts

巛 火Fire

Example Word

災難: disaster. The Japanese noun '災難 (さいなん)' refers to a 'disaster' or 'calamity'. It is used to describe unfortunate events or misfortunes that cause significant harm or distress. This word can be applied to both natural disasters and personal misfortunes. For example: That was a terrible disaster「それはひどい災難だった」(それはひどいさいなんだった). He encountered a great misfortune「彼は大きな災難に遭った」(かれはおおきなさいなんにあった). The term carries a sense of severity and often implies an unexpected or unavoidable event.

Radical

火

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1381

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Coloring, Beautiful coloring

Reading

Parts

采Grab 彡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

彡

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1408

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Hold an event, Sponsor

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)崔

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

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1426

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Uniform, Adjusted

Reading

Example Word

一斉: simultaneous. The Japanese noun '一斉 (いっせい)' means 'simultaneous' or 'all at once'. It is used to describe actions or events that occur at the same time. This word is often used in contexts where multiple people or things 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 lights went out all at once「明かりが一斉に消えた」(あかりがいっせいときえた). The word can also be used in phrases like '一斉に (いっせいに)' to mean 'all together' or 'in unison'.

Radical

文

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1628

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Block up

Reading

Parts

土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

土

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1644

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Smash

Reading

Parts

石Stone 卆

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

石

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1680

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Grab

Reading

Parts

爫 木Tree, Wood

Radical

釆

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1747

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Preside, Manager

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 辛Hard, Spicy

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1763

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Plant, Planting

Reading

Parts

木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

木

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1955

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Debt

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)責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

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1993

Handwriting