kanji

Meaning

Valve, Dialect

Reading

Parts

厶Private 廾Twenty

Example Word

弁: valve or speech. The Japanese noun '弁 (べん)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'valve', referring to a device that regulates the flow of a fluid, such as in machinery or anatomy. For example: The valve is broken「弁が壊れている」(べんがこわれている). The second meaning is 'speech' or 'argument', often used in formal or legal contexts. For example: He gave a passionate speech「彼は熱弁をふるった」(かれはねつべんをふるった). It's important to note that the context in which '弁' is used will determine its meaning, as these two definitions are unrelated.

Radical

廾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

704

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Convenience

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)更Renew, Grow late

Example Word

郵便屋さん: mailman. The Japanese noun '郵便屋さん (ゆうびんやさん)' refers to a 'mailman' or 'postal worker'. It is a polite and friendly way to refer to someone who delivers mail. The suffix 'さん' adds a respectful tone, making it a common way to address or refer to postal workers in everyday conversation. For example: The mailman delivered a package「郵便屋さんが荷物を配達しました」(ゆうびんやさんがにもつをはいたつしました). I saw the mailman this morning「今朝郵便屋さんを見かけました」(けさゆうびんやさんをみかけました). This term is widely used in casual and formal contexts alike.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

809

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Exertion

Reading

Parts

免Excuse, Exempt 力Power

Example Word

勤勉: diligent. The Japanese adjectival noun '勤勉 (きんべん)' means 'diligent'. It describes someone who is hardworking, industrious, and consistently puts effort into their tasks or studies. This word is often used to praise someone's work ethic or dedication. For example: He is a diligent student「彼は勤勉な学生です」(かれはきんべんながくせいです). Her diligence is admirable「彼女の勤勉さは素晴らしい」(かのじょのきんべんさはすばらしい). Note that '勤勉' is often followed by the particle 'な' when modifying a noun, as in '勤勉な人 (きんべんなひと) (diligent person)'.

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