Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Up

Reading

Parts

一One 卜Divination

Example Word

年上: older. The Japanese noun '年上 (としうえ)' refers to someone who is older in age. It is commonly used to describe a person who is older than oneself or another person. This term is often used in social contexts to show respect or acknowledge seniority. For example: She is older than me「彼女は私より年上です」(かのじょはわたしよりとしうえです). My older brother is very kind「私の年上の兄はとても優しいです」(わたしのとしうえのあにはとてもやさしいです). Note that '年上' is specifically about age and does not imply any other hierarchical relationship unless contextually specified.

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

12

Radical Form

丄

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Place

Reading

Parts

土Soil 旦Dawn 勿Must not

Example Word

広場: plaza. The Japanese noun '広場 (ひろば)' refers to a 'plaza' or 'open square', typically a public space in a city or town where people can gather. It is often used to describe a large, open area that is surrounded by buildings or other structures. For example: Let's meet at the plaza「広場で会いましょう」(ひろばであいましょう). The children are playing in the plaza「子供たちは広場で遊んでいます」(こどもたちはひろばであそんでいます). This word can also be used metaphorically to describe a space for open discussion or exchange of ideas, such as in a 'forum' or 'public square' context.

Radical

土

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

84

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Feeling, Emotion

Reading

Parts

忄 青Blue

Example Word

感情: emotion. The Japanese noun '感情 (かんじょう)' refers to 'emotion' or 'feeling'. It is used to describe the complex psychological states that arise from one's circumstances, mood, or relationships with others. This word is commonly used in both everyday conversation and formal contexts. For example: She couldn't hide her emotions「彼女は感情を隠せなかった」(かのじょはかんじょうをかくせなかった). His emotions were written all over his face「彼の感情は顔に表れていた」(かれのかんじょうはかおにあらわれていた). The word can also be used in compound phrases like '感情表現 (かんじょうひょうげん)' (emotional expression) or '感情移入 (かんじょういにゅう)' (empathy).

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

156

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Become

Reading

Parts

戊

Example Word

成る可く: as much as possible. The Japanese adverb '成る可く (なるべく)' means 'as much as possible' or 'to the best of one's ability'. It is used to express the idea of doing something to the greatest extent feasible or within reasonable limits. This adverb is often used in requests or suggestions to encourage someone to make an effort. For example: Please come as early as possible「成る可く早く来てください」(なるべくはやくきてください). I try to eat vegetables as much as possible「成る可く野菜を食べるようにしています」(なるべくやさいをたべるようにしています). The nuance of '成る可く' implies a sense of effort or intention to achieve something within given constraints.

Radical

戈

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

204

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Usual, Normal

Reading

Parts

尚Still, Esteem 巾Towel

Example Word

常: usual. The Japanese noun '常 (つね)' means 'usual' or 'normal'. It refers to something that is regular, customary, or unchanging. This word is often used to describe a state of being that is consistent or habitual. For example: That's the usual way「それが常だ」(それがつねだ). He is always calm, as usual「彼は常に落ち着いている」(かれはつねにおちついている). The word can also imply a sense of permanence or something that is always true, as in '常の理 (つねのり) (the usual principle)'.

Radical

巾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

214

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Determine

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 正Correct

Example Word

定義: definition. The Japanese verbal noun '定義 (ていぎ)' means 'definition'. It refers to the precise explanation or description of the meaning, nature, or scope of something. This term is commonly used in academic, technical, and formal contexts to establish clarity or set boundaries. For example: The definition of this term is unclear「この用語の定義は不明確です」(このようごのていぎはふめいかくです). We need to define the scope of the project「プロジェクトの範囲を定義する必要があります」(プロジェクトのはんいをていぎするひつようがあります). Note that '定義' can also function as a verb when combined with 'する', as in '定義する (ていぎする)', meaning 'to define'.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

237

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ride

Reading

Parts

千Thousand 廾Twenty 木Tree, Wood

Example Word

乗り出す: embark or lean out. The Japanese verb '乗り出す (のりだす)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'to lean out', which is often used when someone leans out of a window, vehicle, or other structure. For example: he leaned out of the window「彼は窓から乗り出した」(かれはまどからのりだした). The second meaning is 'to embark on' or 'to start something new', such as a project or journey. For example: she embarked on a new career「彼女は新しいキャリアに乗り出した」(かのじょはあたらしいキャリアにのりだした). These two meanings are unrelated, so both are included as separate meanings. The verb is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts.

Radical

丿

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

352

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Castle

Reading

Parts

土Soil 成Become

Example Word

城: castle. The Japanese noun '城 (しろ)' means 'castle'. It refers to a large fortified building or complex, typically associated with historical Japanese architecture and samurai culture. Castles in Japan often served as military strongholds and residences for feudal lords. Example sentences: The castle is beautiful「城は美しい」(しろはうつくしい). I visited Himeji Castle「姫路城を訪れた」(ひめじじょうをおとずれた). Note that '城' can also be part of compound words, such as 'お城 (おしろ)', which is a more casual or affectionate way to refer to a castle.

Radical

土

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

433

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Quiet

Reading

Parts

青Blue 争Dispute

Example Word

静か: quiet. The Japanese adjectival noun '静か (しずか)' means 'quiet'. It is used to describe a state of calmness, silence, or lack of noise. This word can be applied to environments, situations, or even people. For example: the library is quiet「図書館は静かです」(としょかんはしずかです). Please be quiet「静かにしてください」(しずかにしてください). It can also describe a peaceful atmosphere, such as in: the park was quiet and peaceful「公園は静かで平和だった」(こうえんはしずかでへいわだった). Note that '静か' is often used in its adverbial form '静かに (しずかに)' to describe actions done quietly or calmly.

Radical

青

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

439

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Form, Condition

Reading

Parts

丬 犬Dog

Example Word

年賀状: new years card. The Japanese noun '年賀状 (ねんがじょう)' refers to a 'New Year's card'. These are special greeting cards sent to friends, family, and colleagues to celebrate the New Year. They often feature traditional designs, such as the zodiac animal of the year, and include messages of good fortune and health. Example sentences: I sent a New Year's card to my friend「友達に年賀状を送りました」(ともだちにねんがじょうをおくりました). Did you receive a New Year's card?「年賀状をもらいましたか？」(ねんがじょうをもらいましたか？).

Radical

犬

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

507

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Stout, Length

Reading

Example Word

丈夫: strong or durable. The Japanese adjectival noun '丈夫 (じょうぶ)' primarily means 'strong' or 'durable'. It is used to describe objects, materials, or even people that are sturdy, robust, or resistant to damage. For example: This bag is durable「このカバンは丈夫です」(このかばんはじょうぶです). He is strong and healthy「彼は丈夫です」(かれはじょうぶです). The word can also imply reliability or resilience, such as in the phrase '丈夫な建物 (じょうぶなたてもの)' (a sturdy building). Note that while 'strong' and 'durable' are closely related, they are distinct enough to warrant separate meanings in this context.

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

653

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Prosper

Reading

Parts

成Become 皿Plate

Example Word

盛る: serve or pile. The Japanese verb '盛る (もる)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'to serve' or 'to dish out', often used in the context of serving food. For example: The chef served rice「シェフがご飯を盛った」(シェフがごはんをもった). The second meaning is 'to pile up' or 'to heap', which can be used both literally and figuratively. For example: She piled up the books「彼女は本を盛った」(かのじょはほんをもった). The verb can also be used in compound verbs or idiomatic expressions, such as '盛り上がる (もりあがる)', which means 'to get excited' or 'to become lively'.

Radical

皿

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

684

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Clause

Reading

Parts

攵Strike 木Tree, Wood

Example Word

条項: clause or article. The Japanese noun '条項 (じょうこう)' refers to a specific clause or article within a document, contract, law, or agreement. It is commonly used in legal or formal contexts to denote a distinct provision or stipulation. For example: Please review clause 5 of the contract「契約の第5条項を確認してください」(けいやくのだいごじょうこうをかくにんしてください). This article is important「この条項は重要です」(このじょうこうはじゅうようです). The word is often used in discussions about legal documents, treaties, or regulations, where precision and clarity are essential.

Radical

木

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

720

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Lass, Young lady

Reading

Parts

女Woman 㐮

Example Word

嬢: daughter or miss. The Japanese noun '嬢 (じょう)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'daughter', often used in formal or respectful contexts to refer to someone's daughter. For example: the shopkeeper's daughter「店主の嬢」(てんしゅのじょう). The second meaning is 'miss', a polite term used to address or refer to a young woman, similar to the English 'Miss'. For example: Miss Tanaka is here「田中嬢が来ています」(たなかじょうがきています). This term is often used in formal or respectful settings, such as in business or when addressing someone of higher social status. It is important to note that '嬢' is typically used in written or formal spoken language, and may sound outdated or overly formal in casual conversation.

Radical

女

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

950

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Tatami, Fold up

Reading

Parts

田Rice field 冝

Example Word

畳: tatami. The Japanese noun '畳 (たたみ)' refers to 'tatami', which are traditional Japanese straw mats used as flooring material in homes and other buildings. Tatami mats are typically made of woven straw and have a soft, yet firm texture. They are a defining feature of traditional Japanese rooms and are often associated with Japanese culture and aesthetics. For example: The room has tatami flooring「その部屋は畳の床です」(そのへやはたたみのゆかです). I sat on the tatami mat「畳の上に座りました」(たたみのうえにすわりました). Tatami mats are often measured in '畳 (じょう)', a unit that represents the size of one tatami mat, which is roughly 1.65 square meters.

Radical

田

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

983

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Rope, Cord

Reading

Parts

糸Thread 亀Turtle

Example Word

縄: rope. The Japanese noun '縄 (なわ)' means 'rope'. This word refers to a long, flexible length of twisted fibers used for binding, tying, or pulling. It is commonly used in various contexts, such as traditional Japanese practices, construction, or everyday tasks. For example: I tied the box with a rope「箱を縄で縛った」(はこをなわでしばった). The rope is strong「その縄は強い」(そのなわはつよい). Historically, '縄' also refers to the Jōmon period (縄文時代, じょうもんじだい), named after the cord-marked pottery of that era.

Radical

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1379

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Redundant, Superfluous

Reading

Parts

冖Crown 几

Example Word

冗談: joke. The Japanese noun '冗談 (じょうだん)' means 'joke'. It refers to something said or done to provoke laughter or amusement, often in a playful or lighthearted manner. This word is commonly used in casual conversations and can be part of phrases like '冗談を言う (じょうだんをいう)', which means 'to tell a joke'. For example: That was just a joke「それはただの冗談だった」(それはただのじょうだんだった). Don't take it seriously, it's a joke「真剣に受け取らないで、冗談だよ」(しんけんにうけとらないで、じょうだんだよ). The word can also imply teasing or sarcasm depending on the context.

Radical

冖

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1469

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Company officer, Military officer

Reading

Parts

尸Corpse 示Show, Indicate 寸Measurement

Radical

寸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1493

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Clean

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)争Dispute

Example Word

浄土: paradise. The Japanese noun '浄土 (じょうど)' refers to 'paradise' or 'pure land', particularly in the context of Buddhism. It signifies a realm of purity and bliss, often associated with the afterlife or a spiritual destination free from suffering. This term is deeply rooted in Buddhist teachings and is frequently used in religious or philosophical discussions. For example: He wishes to be reborn in the Pure Land「彼は浄土に生まれ変わりたいと願っている」(かれはじょうどにうまれかわりたいとねがっている). The Pure Land is a place of eternal peace「浄土は永遠の平和の場所です」(じょうどはえいえんのへいわのばしょです).

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1502

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Steam

Reading

Parts

艹Grass 烝

Example Word

蒸し暑い: humid or muggy. The Japanese adjective '蒸し暑い (むしあつい)' describes weather that is both hot and humid, often making it feel uncomfortable or oppressive. It is commonly used during the summer months in Japan when the combination of heat and humidity is particularly intense. For example: today is so humid「今日は蒸し暑い」(きょうはむしあつい). The room feels muggy「部屋が蒸し暑い」(へやがむしあつい). This word captures the sticky, sweaty feeling associated with such weather conditions.

Radical

艸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1524

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Hand over, Defer

Reading

Parts

訁Say (言)㐮

Example Word

譲る: transfer or yield. The Japanese verb '譲る (ゆずる)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'to yield' or 'to give way,' often used in situations where one person allows another to go first or concedes in a discussion. For example: He yielded his seat to the elderly woman「彼はお年寄りの女性に席を譲った」(かれはおとしよりのじょせいにせきをゆずった). The second meaning is 'to transfer' or 'to hand over,' such as transferring ownership or rights. For example: She transferred the property to her son「彼女は財産を息子に譲った」(かのじょはざいさんをむすこにゆずった). The verb is versatile and can be used in both literal and figurative contexts.

Radical

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1566

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Lock, Tablet

Reading

Parts

釒Gold (金)定Determine

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1810

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Drown, Indulge

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)弱Weak

Example Word

溺れる: drown. The Japanese verb '溺れる (おぼれる)' primarily means 'to drown'. It refers to the act of being submerged in water and unable to breathe, often leading to suffocation. However, it can also be used metaphorically to describe being overwhelmed by emotions or circumstances. For example: He drowned in the river「彼は川で溺れた」(かれはかわでおぼれた). She is drowning in work「彼女は仕事に溺れている」(かのじょはしごとにおぼれている). The verb can be used in both literal and figurative contexts, making it versatile in expressing situations of being overwhelmed or consumed.

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1853

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Wrenching

Reading

Parts

扌Hand (手)念Thought

Example Word

捻る: twist. The Japanese verb '捻る (ひねる)' primarily means 'to twist'. It is used to describe the physical action of twisting something, such as turning a knob or wringing out a towel. It can also be used metaphorically to describe thinking hard or coming up with a clever idea. For example: He twisted the cap off the bottle「彼はボトルのキャップをひねった」(かれはボトルのキャップをひねった). She twisted her ankle while running「彼女は走っている間に足首をひねった」(かのじょははしっているあいだにあしくびをひねった). The writer twisted the plot to make it more interesting「作家はプロットをひねって面白くした」(さっかはプロットをひねっておもしろくした).

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1886

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Surplus

Reading

Parts

乗Ride 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

過剰: excess. The Japanese noun '過剰 (かじょう)' means 'excess'. It refers to an amount or degree that is more than necessary, appropriate, or desirable. This word is often used in contexts related to overproduction, overconsumption, or excessive behavior. For example: The factory produced an excess of goods「工場は過剰な商品を生産した」(こうじょうはかじょうなしょうひんをせいさんした). His excessive worry is causing stress「彼の過剰な心配がストレスを引き起こしている」(かれのかじょうなしんぱいがすとれすをひきおこしている). The term can also be used in medical or scientific contexts to describe an overabundance of something, such as hormones or nutrients.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2012

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Brew

Reading

Parts

酉Bird of the zodiac 㐮

Radical

酉

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2033

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Lot, Arable soil

Reading

Parts

土Soil 㐮

Radical

土

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2108

Handwriting