Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Up

Reading

Parts

一One 卜Divination

Example Word

値上げ: price hike. The Japanese verbal noun '値上げ (ねあげ)' refers to an increase in price or a price hike. It is commonly used in contexts related to economics, business, and everyday shopping. For example: The company announced a price hike「会社は値上げを発表した」(かいしゃはねあげをはっぴょうした). Due to inflation, prices have gone up「インフレのため、値上げが行われた」(インフレのため、ねあげがおこなわれた). This term is often used in news reports, business discussions, and consumer complaints about rising costs.

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

入場券: ticket. The Japanese noun '入場券 (にゅうじょうけん)' refers to a 'ticket' specifically for entering a venue, such as a theater, museum, or event. It is commonly used in contexts where admission is required. For example: I bought a ticket for the concert「コンサートの入場券を買いました」(コンサートのにゅうじょうけんをかいました). Please show your ticket at the entrance「入り口で入場券を見せてください」(いりぐちでにゅうじょうけんをみせてください). This word is distinct from other types of tickets, such as transportation tickets, as it specifically pertains to entry.

Radical

土

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

84

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Feeling, Emotion

Reading

Parts

忄 青Blue

Example Word

情けない: pitiful. The Japanese adjective '情けない (なさけない)' primarily conveys a sense of pity, disappointment, or frustration, often directed at oneself or others due to a lack of effort, competence, or dignity. It can describe situations, actions, or people that evoke a feeling of sadness or regret. For example: his attitude is pitiful「彼の態度は情けない」(かれのたいどはなさけない). I feel pitiful for not studying harder「もっと勉強しなかった自分が情けない」(もっとべんきょうしなかったじぶんがなさけない). This word is often used in contexts where there is a sense of letdown or failure, emphasizing a lack of resolve or dignity.

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

156

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Become

Reading

Parts

戊

Example Word

編成: organization or formation. The Japanese noun '編成 (へんせい)' can mean 'formation' or 'organization', depending on the context. It is often used to describe the arrangement or structuring of groups, teams, or systems. For example, in the context of a sports team, it refers to the formation of players. In a business or organizational context, it refers to the structuring of departments or teams. Example sentences: The formation of the soccer team was changed「サッカーチームの編成が変わった」(サッカーチームのへんせいがかわった). The organization of the company is very efficient「会社の編成はとても効率的だ」(かいしゃのへんせいはとてもこうりつてきだ). Note that '編成' is often used in formal or technical contexts.

Radical

戈

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

204

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Usual, Normal

Reading

Parts

尚Still, Esteem 巾Towel

Example Word

日常: daily. The Japanese noun '日常 (にちじょう)' refers to the concept of 'daily life' or 'everyday routine'. It encompasses the ordinary, day-to-day activities and experiences that make up one's regular life. This term is often used to describe the mundane aspects of life, as opposed to special or extraordinary events. For example: I enjoy my daily life「私は日常を楽しんでいます」(わたしはにちじょうをたのしんでいます). The daily routine is important「日常のルーティンは大切です」(にちじょうのルーティンはたいせつです). It can also be used in phrases like '日常生活 (にちじょうせいかつ)' which means 'daily life' or 'everyday life'.

Radical

巾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

214

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Determine

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 正Correct

Example Word

制定: enactment. The Japanese noun '制定 (せいてい)' refers to the act of establishing, enacting, or formulating laws, rules, or systems. It is commonly used in legal, governmental, or organizational contexts to describe the creation of formal regulations or frameworks. For example: the enactment of a new law「新しい法律の制定」(あたらしいほうりつのせいてい). The company established new rules「会社は新しい規則を制定した」(かいしゃはあたらしいきそくをせいていした). This term emphasizes the formal and official nature of the process.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

237

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ride

Reading

Parts

千Thousand 廾Twenty 木Tree, Wood

Example Word

乗り越す: overcome or overshoot. The Japanese verb '乗り越す (のりこす)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'to overshoot', which refers to going past a destination or intended stopping point, often used in the context of transportation. For example: I overshot my station「駅を乗り越した」(えきをのりこした). The second meaning is 'to overcome', which refers to surpassing or getting through a difficult situation or challenge. For example: She overcame her fears「彼女は恐怖を乗り越えた」(かのじょはきょうふをのりこえた). The verb is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts, making it versatile in everyday conversation.

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

冷静: calm. The Japanese adjectival noun '冷静 (れいせい)' means 'calm' or 'composed'. It is used to describe a state of being emotionally stable, rational, and unflustered, especially in stressful or difficult situations. This word is often used to describe a person's demeanor or attitude. For example: He remained calm during the crisis「彼は危機の中で冷静だった」(かれはききのなかでれいせいだった). It's important to stay calm in emergencies「緊急時には冷静でいることが大切だ」(きんきゅうじにはれいせいでいることがたいせつだ). The word can also be used to describe actions or decisions made with a clear and rational mind, such as '冷静な判断 (れいせいなはんだん)' (calm judgment).

Radical

青

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

439

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Form, Condition

Reading

Parts

丬 犬Dog

Example Word

症状: symptom. The Japanese noun '症状 (しょうじょう)' means 'symptom'. It refers to a physical or mental condition that indicates the presence of a disease or disorder. This word is commonly used in medical contexts to describe signs of illness or health issues. For example: The symptoms of the flu are severe「インフルエンザの症状はひどい」(インフルエンザのしょうじょうはひどい). She showed symptoms of stress「彼女はストレスの症状を示した」(かのじょはストレスのしょうじょうをしめした). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe signs of problems in non-medical contexts, such as 'symptoms of a failing system'.

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

盛り上げる: boost. The Japanese verb '盛り上げる (もりあげる)' means 'to boost' or 'to liven up'. It is often used to describe the act of making something more exciting, lively, or energetic, such as a party, event, or atmosphere. For example: let's boost the party「パーティーを盛り上げよう」(パーティーをもりあげよう). He livened up the meeting「彼は会議を盛り上げた」(かれはかいぎをもりあげた). This verb can also be used in a more literal sense, such as piling up or heaping something, but this usage is less common. The focus is usually on creating a lively or enthusiastic atmosphere.

Radical

皿

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

684

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Clause

Reading

Parts

攵Strike 木Tree, Wood

Example Word

条件: condition. The Japanese noun '条件 (じょうけん)' means 'condition'. It refers to a requirement, stipulation, or prerequisite that must be met for something to happen or be valid. This word is commonly used in contexts such as contracts, agreements, or when setting rules. For example: The condition for approval is hard work「承認の条件は努力です」(しょうにんのじょうけんはどりょくです). We agreed on the terms and conditions「私たちは条件に合意しました」(わたしたちはじょうけんにごういしました). It can also be used in everyday situations, such as discussing conditions for a job or a relationship.

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

譲渡: transfer. The Japanese noun '譲渡 (じょうと)' refers to the act of transferring ownership, rights, or property from one party to another. It is commonly used in legal, financial, or business contexts. For example: The transfer of shares was completed「株の譲渡が完了した」(かぶのじょうとがかんりょうした). The land was transferred to the new owner「土地が新しい所有者に譲渡された」(とちがあたらしいしょゆうしゃにじょうとされた). This term is often associated with formal agreements or contracts.

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