kanji

Meaning

Cut

Reading

Parts

刀Sword 七Seven

Example Word

売り切れる: sellout. The Japanese verb '売り切れる (うりきれる)' means 'to sell out' or 'to be sold out'. This verb is used to describe a situation where all items of a particular product have been sold and none remain in stock. It is commonly used in retail and shopping contexts. For example: The concert tickets sold out quickly「コンサートのチケットはすぐに売り切れた」(コンサートのチケットはすぐにうりきれた). The new smartphone model has already sold out「新しいスマートフォンのモデルはもう売り切れている」(あたらしいスマートフォンのモデルはもううりきれている). It's important to note that this verb is often used in its past tense form to indicate that something has already sold out.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

123

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Most

Reading

Parts

曰 取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

曰

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

154

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Kill

Reading

Parts

殳Pike 木Tree, Wood

Example Word

殺害: killing. The Japanese noun '殺害 (さつがい)' refers to the act of killing, typically in the context of murder or homicide. It is a formal term often used in legal, news, or serious discussions. For example: The suspect was arrested for the killing of a businessman「容疑者はビジネスマンの殺害で逮捕された」(ようぎしゃはビジネスマンのさつがいでたいほされた). The police are investigating the killing「警察は殺害を調査している」(けいさつはさつがいをちょうさしている). This term carries a heavy and serious connotation, so it is not used in casual conversation.

Radical

殳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

265

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

West

Reading

Parts

一One 儿Legs 口Mouth

Example Word

西暦: AD. The Japanese noun '西暦 (せいれき)' refers to the Gregorian calendar system, commonly used internationally. It is often used to denote years in the Western calendar, similar to 'Anno Domini' (AD) in English. For example: The year 2023 in the Gregorian calendar is 2023年 in 西暦「2023年は西暦2023年です」(にせんにじゅうさんねんはせいれきにせんにじゅうさんねんです). The event occurred in 1999 AD「その出来事は西暦1999年に起こりました」(そのできごとはせいれきせんきゅうひゃくきゅうじゅうきゅうねんにおこりました). This term is essential when discussing historical or international dates in Japanese.

Radical

西

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

315

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Slender

Reading

Parts

田Rice field 糸Thread

Example Word

心細い: lonely. The Japanese adjective '心細い (こころぼそい)' conveys a sense of loneliness, unease, or feeling insecure, often due to being alone or lacking support. It is used to describe emotional states where one feels vulnerable or uncertain. For example: I felt lonely in the big city「大きな街で心細かった」(おおきなまちでこころぼそかった). She felt uneasy without her friends「友達がいなくて心細い」(ともだちがいなくてこころぼそい). This word is often used in situations where someone feels emotionally isolated or lacks confidence due to their circumstances.

Radical

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

323

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Occasion

Reading

Parts

⻖ 祭Ritual

Example Word

際: occasion. The Japanese noun '際 (さい)' refers to a specific moment, occasion, or juncture. It is often used to describe a critical or significant point in time when something happens or is about to happen. For example: at the time of departure「出発の際」(しゅっぱつのさい). On the occasion of the meeting「会議の際」(かいぎのさい). This word can also imply a sense of urgency or importance, as in 'in case of emergency'「緊急の際」(きんきゅうのさい). It is commonly used in formal or written contexts.

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

再会: reunion. The Japanese verbal noun '再会 (さいかい)' means 'reunion'. It refers to the act of meeting someone again after a period of separation. This word is often used in emotional or significant contexts, such as reuniting with old friends, family members, or loved ones. For example: I had a reunion with my old friend「私は昔の友達と再会した」(わたしはむかしのともだちとさいかいした). We will have a reunion next year「私たちは来年再会するでしょう」(わたしたちはらいねんさいかいするでしょう). The word carries a sense of nostalgia and importance, emphasizing the value of reconnecting with someone after time apart.

Radical

冂

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

658

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Finish, Settle

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)斉Uniform, Adjusted

Example Word

済ませる: finish. The Japanese verb '済ませる (すませる)' means 'to finish' or 'to get something done'. It is often used to indicate the completion of a task, chore, or obligation. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as finishing work, completing errands, or settling matters. For example: I finished my homework「宿題を済ませた」(しゅくだいをすませた). Let's get this meeting done quickly「この会議を早く済ませましょう」(このかいぎをはやくすませましょう). The verb can also imply a sense of relief or accomplishment after completing something.

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

674

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Talent, Age

Reading

Parts

亅Barb 一One 丿Katakana no

Example Word

天才: genius. The Japanese noun '天才 (てんさい)' refers to a person who possesses extraordinary intellectual or creative abilities, often described as a 'genius'. This term is used to highlight exceptional talent or brilliance in a specific field, such as art, science, or music. For example: he is a genius「彼は天才だ」(かれはてんさいだ). That child is a genius「あの子は天才だ」(あのこはてんさいだ). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something exceptionally well-made or innovative, though this usage is less common. It is important to note that '天才' carries a strong positive connotation and is often used to express admiration or awe.

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

916

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ritual

Reading

Parts

月Moon, Month 又Again 示Show, Indicate

Example Word

祭日: holiday. The Japanese noun '祭日 (さいじつ)' refers to a 'holiday' or 'festival day'. It is commonly used to denote national holidays or days of celebration in Japan. These days are often associated with traditional festivals, ceremonies, or public events. For example: Today is a holiday「今日は祭日です」(きょうはさいじつです). We have a holiday tomorrow「明日は祭日です」(あしたはさいじつです). It's important to note that '祭日' is often used interchangeably with '祝日 (しゅくじつ)', though '祭日' can carry a slightly more traditional or ceremonial connotation.

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

載せる: load or publish. The Japanese verb '載せる (のせる)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'to load' or 'to place something on top of something else'. For example: I loaded the boxes onto the truck「箱をトラックに載せた」(はこをトラックにのせた). The second meaning is 'to publish' or 'to include something in a publication'. For example: The article was published in the newspaper「その記事は新聞に載せられた」(そのきじはしんぶんにのせられた). The verb can also be used metaphorically, such as when someone's name is included in a list or when information is shared publicly. For example: Her name was listed on the website「彼女の名前がウェブサイトに載せられた」(かのじょのなまえがウェブサイトにのせられた).

Radical

車

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1071

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Wealth

Reading

Parts

貝Shellfish 才Talent, Age

Example Word

財: asset. The Japanese suffix '財 (ざい)' means 'asset' or 'wealth'. It is commonly used in compound words to refer to financial or material resources. For example: national wealth「国財」(こくざい). This suffix is often found in formal or economic contexts. Another example: financial assets「金融財」(きんゆうざい). It is important to note that '財' is rarely used alone and is typically part of a larger word.

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

野菜: vegetable. The Japanese noun '野菜 (やさい)' means 'vegetable'. It refers to edible plants or parts of plants, typically used in cooking or eaten raw. This word is commonly used in everyday conversations, especially when discussing food, recipes, or healthy eating. For example: I bought vegetables at the market「市場で野菜を買いました」(いちばでやさいをかいました). Vegetables are good for your health「野菜は健康に良いです」(やさいはけんこうにいいです). The term can refer to a wide variety of vegetables, including leafy greens, root vegetables, and more. It is a neutral term and does not carry any particular nuance beyond its literal meaning.

Radical

艸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1362

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Gather, Pick

Reading

Parts

扌Hand (手)采Grab

Example Word

採算: profitability. The Japanese noun '採算 (さいさん)' refers to 'profitability' or the financial viability of a business or project. It is often used in economic or business contexts to discuss whether an endeavor is financially sustainable or worth pursuing. For example: The project's profitability is uncertain「そのプロジェクトの採算は不透明だ」(そのプロジェクトのさいさんはふとうめいだ). We need to consider profitability before proceeding「採算を考えてから進める必要がある」(さいさんをかんがえてからすすめるひつようがある). This term is commonly used in discussions about business strategies, investments, and financial planning.

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1372

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Calamity

Reading

Parts

巛 火Fire

Example Word

震災: earthquake. The Japanese noun '震災 (しんさい)' refers to a disaster caused by an earthquake. It is a compound of '震' (しん), meaning 'quake' or 'tremor,' and '災' (さい), meaning 'disaster.' This term is often used in the context of significant earthquake events that result in widespread damage or loss. For example: The Great East Japan Earthquake was a major disaster「東日本大震災は大きな災害だった」(ひがしにほんだいしんさいはおおきなさいがいだった). Many people lost their homes in the earthquake disaster「多くの人が震災で家を失った」(おおくのひとがしんさいでいえをうしなった).

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

開催: holding. The Japanese verbal noun '開催 (かいさい)' means 'holding' or 'holding an event'. It is commonly used to describe the act of organizing or conducting events, such as meetings, conferences, festivals, or competitions. For example: The festival will be held next week「来週、祭りが開催されます」(らいしゅう、まつりがかいさいされます). The conference was held in Tokyo「会議は東京で開催されました」(かいぎはとうきょうでかいさいされました). This term is often used in formal or official contexts to announce or describe events.

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

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

負債: debt. The Japanese noun '負債 (ふさい)' means 'debt'. It refers to an amount of money or financial obligation that one owes to another party, often due to borrowing or financial transactions. This term is commonly used in financial, business, or personal contexts. For example: The company has a large debt「その会社は大きな負債がある」(そのかいしゃはおおきなふさいがある). He is struggling to pay off his debt「彼は負債を返済するのに苦労している」(かれはふさいをへんさいするのにくろうしている). Note that '負債' is a formal term and is often used in written or professional contexts, as opposed to more casual terms like '借金 (しゃっきん)'.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1993

Handwriting