kanji

Meaning

Up

Reading

Parts

一One 卜Divination

Example Word

計上: inclusion. The Japanese noun '計上 (けいじょう)' refers to the act of including something in a calculation, budget, or report. It is often used in financial or business contexts to indicate that an amount or item has been accounted for. For example: The expenses were included in the budget「その費用は予算に計上された」(そのひょうはよさんにけいじょうされた). The company included the new project in its annual report「会社は新しいプロジェクトを年次報告書に計上した」(かいしゃはあたらしいプロジェクトをねんじほうこくしょにけいじょうした). This term is commonly used in formal or professional settings.

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

劇場: theater. The Japanese noun '劇場 (げきじょう)' refers to a 'theater', specifically a place where performances such as plays, musicals, or movies are held. It is commonly used to describe venues for live performances or cinemas. For example: Let's go to the theater「劇場に行きましょう」(げきじょうにいきましょう). The theater is crowded today「劇場は今日混んでいます」(げきじょうはきょうこんでいます). This word is often used in contexts related to entertainment and cultural events.

Radical

土

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

84

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Feeling, Emotion

Reading

Parts

忄 青Blue

Example Word

情勢: situation. The Japanese noun '情勢 (じょうせい)' refers to the state or condition of affairs, particularly in a political, economic, or social context. It is often used to describe the current state of events or trends. For example: The political situation is unstable「政治の情勢は不安定です」(せいじのじょうせいはふあんていです). The economic situation is improving「経済の情勢は改善しています」(けいざいのじょうせいはかいぜんしています). This term is commonly used in news reports, discussions, and analyses to describe the broader state of affairs.

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

常に: always. The Japanese adverb '常に (つねに)' means 'always'. It is used to indicate that something happens all the time, without exception, or is continuously true. This adverb is often used in formal or written contexts, but can also appear in spoken language. For example: He is always busy「彼は常に忙しい」(かれはつねにいそがしい). We must always strive for improvement「私たちは常に向上を目指さなければならない」(わたしたちはつねにこうじょうをめざさなければならない). Note that '常に' emphasizes a continuous state or action, and is more formal than other similar adverbs like 'いつも'.

Radical

巾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

214

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Determine

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 正Correct

Example Word

限定: limit. The Japanese noun '限定 (げんてい)' means 'limit' or 'restriction'. It refers to something that is confined or restricted within certain boundaries, whether in terms of time, quantity, or scope. This word is often used in contexts like limited editions, restricted offers, or specific conditions. For example: This is a limited edition「これは限定版です」(これはげんていばんです). The offer is limited to the first 100 customers「このオファーは最初の100人限定です」(このオファーはさいしょのひゃくにんげんていです). The term can also imply exclusivity, as in '限定商品 (げんていしょうひん) (limited product)'.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

237

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ride

Reading

Parts

千Thousand 廾Twenty 木Tree, Wood

Example Word

乗車券: ticket. The Japanese noun '乗車券 (じょうしゃけん)' refers to a 'ticket' specifically for boarding a vehicle, such as a train, bus, or other forms of public transportation. It is commonly used in contexts related to travel and commuting. For example: Please show your ticket「乗車券を見せてください」(じょうしゃけんをみせてください). I bought a train ticket「電車の乗車券を買いました」(でんしゃのじょうしゃけんをかいました). This term is distinct from other types of tickets, such as event tickets, which would use a different word like 'チケット' or '入場券 (にゅうじょうけん).'

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

状: honorific. The Japanese suffix '様 (さま)' is an honorific title used to show respect or politeness towards someone. It is more formal than the suffix 'さん' and is often used in formal settings, business contexts, or when addressing someone of higher status. For example: Thank you, Mr. Tanaka「田中様、ありがとうございます」(たなかさま、ありがとうございます). This is for you, esteemed guest「お客様、こちらです」(おきゃくさま、こちらです). It can also be used in written correspondence or on packages to show respect for the recipient. Note that '様' is not used for oneself or in casual conversations.

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

条例: ordinance. The Japanese noun '条例 (じょうれい)' refers to a local ordinance or regulation enacted by a municipal or prefectural government. It is a legal term used to describe rules or laws that are specific to a particular region or locality, rather than national laws. For example: The city passed a new ordinance「市は新しい条例を可決した」(しはあたらしいじょうれいをかけつした). This ordinance prohibits smoking in public places「この条例は公共の場所での喫煙を禁止している」(このじょうれいはこうきょうのばしょでのきつえんをきんししている). The word is commonly used in legal, governmental, and administrative contexts.

Radical

木

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

720

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Lass, Young lady

Reading

Parts

女Woman 㐮

Example Word

お嬢さん: daughter or young lady. The Japanese noun 'お嬢さん (おじょうさん)' can mean 'daughter' or 'young lady'. It is a polite term used to refer to someone else's daughter or a young woman, often implying respect or formality. When used to mean 'daughter', it is typically in the context of referring to someone else's daughter, not your own. When used to mean 'young lady', it often carries a tone of politeness or endearment. For example: Is this your daughter?「こちらはお嬢さんですか？」(こちらはおじょうさんですか？). The young lady over there is very kind「あちらのお嬢さんはとても親切です」(あちらのおじょうさんはとてもしんせつです). Note that using 'お嬢さん' to refer to your own daughter can sound overly formal or even sarcastic in some contexts.

Radical

女

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

950

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Tatami, Fold up

Reading

Parts

田Rice field 冝

Example Word

畳む: fold. The Japanese verb '畳む (たたむ)' means 'to fold'. This verb is commonly used when referring to folding objects such as clothes, paper, or other foldable items. It can also be used metaphorically to describe closing or ending something, such as a business or an event. For example: I folded the laundry「洗濯物を畳んだ」(せんたくものをたたんだ). She folded the letter and put it in the envelope「彼女は手紙を畳んで封筒に入れた」(かのじょはてがみをたたんでふうとうにいれた). The company decided to fold the project「会社はそのプロジェクトを畳むことにした」(かいしゃはそのプロジェクトをたたむことにした).

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