kanji

Meaning

Rice field

Reading

Parts

十Ten 口Mouth

Example Word

田舎: countryside. The Japanese noun '田舎 (いなか)' refers to rural areas or the countryside, often in contrast to urban areas. It carries connotations of simplicity, tradition, and sometimes a slower pace of life. It can also imply a sense of nostalgia or a place where one grew up. For example: I grew up in the countryside「私は田舎で育ちました」(わたしはいなかでそだちました). Life in the countryside is peaceful「田舎の生活は平和です」(いなかのせいかつはへいわです). The word can sometimes be used to describe something as 'provincial' or 'unsophisticated' depending on the context, but it generally emphasizes the charm and tranquility of rural life.

Radical

田

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

100

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Transmit

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)云Say

Example Word

伝染: infection. The Japanese verbal noun '伝染 (でんせん)' means 'infection' or 'contagion'. It refers to the process by which a disease or condition spreads from one person, animal, or thing to another. This word is often used in medical or biological contexts but can also be applied metaphorically to describe the spread of ideas, emotions, or behaviors. For example: The flu is highly contagious「インフルエンザは伝染しやすい」(インフルエンザはでんせんしやすい). Fear can spread like an infection「恐怖は伝染する」(きょうふはでんせんする). Note that '伝染' is often used with verbs like 'する' (to do) to indicate the act of spreading or becoming infected.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

318

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Electricity

Reading

Parts

雨Rain ⺃Second (乙)日Day, Sun

Example Word

電車: train. The Japanese noun '電車 (でんしゃ)' refers to an electric train, commonly used for public transportation in Japan. It specifically denotes trains powered by electricity, as opposed to other types of trains like steam or diesel. This word is widely used in daily conversations and is essential for navigating Japan's extensive rail network. Example sentences: I take the train to work「電車で仕事に行きます」(でんしゃでしごとにいきます). The train is crowded「電車は混んでいます」(でんしゃはこんでいます). Note that '電車' is often used interchangeably with '列車 (れっしゃ)' in casual contexts, but '列車' can refer to any type of train, not just electric ones.

Radical

雨

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

353

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Palace, Formal honorific title

Reading

Parts

尸Corpse 共Together 殳Pike

Example Word

殿: lord. The Japanese suffix '殿 (との)' is a formal and respectful title used to address or refer to someone of high status, such as a lord, master, or superior. It is often used in historical contexts or in formal writing, such as letters or official documents. For example: addressing a lord「殿、お願いがあります」(との、おねがいがあります). In modern usage, it is less common but can still be found in certain formal or ceremonial contexts. It is important to note that this suffix conveys a high level of respect and should be used appropriately.

Radical

殳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

474

Handwriting