Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Valve, Dialect

Reading

Parts

厶Private 廾Twenty

Example Word

弁当: lunchbox. The Japanese noun '弁当 (べんとう)' refers to a 'lunchbox' or a packed meal, typically consisting of rice, fish or meat, and vegetables, arranged neatly in a box. It is a common way to carry meals in Japan, often prepared at home or bought from convenience stores, supermarkets, or specialized bento shops. Bento boxes are popular for school lunches, work meals, and picnics. For example: I bought a bento at the station「駅で弁当を買いました」(えきでべんとうをかいました). Her bento is always colorful「彼女の弁当はいつもカラフルです」(かのじょのべんとうはいつもからふるです). Bento boxes are not only practical but also aesthetically pleasing, often reflecting the care and effort put into their preparation.

Radical

廾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

704

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Convenience

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)更Renew, Grow late

Example Word

小便: urine or urination. The Japanese verbal noun '小便 (しょうべん)' primarily refers to 'urine' or the act of 'urination'. It is a colloquial term and is often used in informal contexts. For example: I need to urinate「小便がしたい」(しょうべんがしたい). There is urine on the floor「床に小便がある」(ゆかにしょうべんがある). It is important to note that this term is considered casual and may be inappropriate in formal settings. In such cases, more polite terms like 'お手洗い (おてあらい)' or 'トイレ' are preferred.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

809

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Exertion

Reading

Parts

免Excuse, Exempt 力Power

Example Word

勉強: study. The Japanese verbal noun '勉強 (べんきょう)' primarily means 'study'. It refers to the act of learning or acquiring knowledge, often through formal education or self-directed efforts. This word is commonly used in contexts related to education, such as studying for exams or learning new skills. For example: I study Japanese every day「毎日日本語を勉強します」(まいにちにほんごをべんきょうします). She is studying hard for her exams「彼女は試験のために一生懸命勉強しています」(かのじょはしけんのためにいっしょうけんめいべんきょうしています). Additionally, '勉強' can sometimes imply a sense of effort or hard work, not just academic study. It can also be used in a broader sense to mean 'learning through experience' or 'gaining knowledge through practice'.

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1226

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Noodles, Wheat flour

Reading

Parts

麦Wheat 面Face, Surface

Example Word

麺: noodles. The Japanese noun '麺 (めん)' refers to 'noodles', a staple in Japanese cuisine. This term broadly encompasses various types of noodles, including soba, udon, and ramen. It is commonly used in contexts related to food and dining. For example: I ate noodles for lunch「昼ご飯に麺を食べた」(ひるごはんにめんをたべた). This restaurant serves delicious noodles「このレストランは美味しい麺を出す」(このレストランはおいしいめんをだす). The word '麺' is often seen in menus and food-related discussions, highlighting its importance in Japanese culinary culture.

Radical

麥

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2070

Handwriting