Page 1
kanji
上Meaning
Up
Reading
kunyomiうえue
あa
onyomiじょうjou
Parts
一One 卜Divination
Example Word
打ち上げる: celebrate or launch. The Japanese verb '打ち上げる (うちあげる)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'to launch', often used in the context of launching rockets, satellites, or other objects into space. For example: The rocket was launched「ロケットが打ち上げられた」(ロケットがうちあげられた). The second meaning is 'to celebrate', typically used when marking the successful completion of a project or event. For example: We celebrated the end of the project「プロジェクトの終わりを打ち上げた」(プロジェクトのおわりをうちあげた). The verb can also be used in a more general sense to describe throwing something upwards, but this usage is less common. The context usually makes it clear which meaning is intended.
Radical
一
Stroke Count
3JLPT
N5Grade
1Frequency
12
Radical Form
丄
Handwriting
kanji
場Meaning
Place
Reading
kunyomiばba
onyomiじょうjou
Parts
土Soil 旦Dawn 勿Must not
Example Word
会場: venue. The Japanese noun '会場 (かいじょう)' refers to a 'venue' or 'event space'. It is commonly used to describe the location where an event, meeting, or gathering takes place. This word is neutral and can be applied to various contexts, such as conferences, concerts, weddings, or exhibitions. For example: The venue for the concert is large「コンサートの会場は広い」(コンサートのかいじょうはひろい). Please go to the event venue「イベントの会場に行ってください」(イベントのかいじょうにいってください). Note that '会場' is often paired with specific event names or types to clarify the purpose of the venue.
Radical
土
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
84
Handwriting
kanji
情Meaning
Feeling, Emotion
Reading
kunyomiなさけnasake
onyomiじょうjou
せいsei
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
11JLPT
N3Grade
5Frequency
156
Handwriting
kanji
成Meaning
Become
Reading
kunyomiなna
onyomiじょうjou
せいsei
Parts
戊
Example Word
達成: achievement. The Japanese verbal noun '達成 (たっせい)' means 'achievement' or 'attainment'. It refers to the successful completion of a goal, task, or objective. This word is often used in contexts where someone has worked hard to accomplish something significant. For example: The achievement of the goal was celebrated「目標の達成が祝われた」(もくひょうのたっせいがいわわれた). She felt a sense of achievement after finishing the project「彼女はプロジェクトを終えて達成感を感じた」(かのじょはプロジェクトをおえてたっせいかんをかんじた). It is commonly used in both personal and professional settings to describe the fulfillment of ambitions or targets.
Radical
戈
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
204
Handwriting
kanji
常Meaning
Usual, Normal
Reading
kunyomiとこtoko
つねtsune
onyomiじょうjou
Parts
尚Still, Esteem 巾Towel
Example Word
非常: emergency. The Japanese adjectival noun '非常 (ひじょう)' primarily means 'emergency'. It is often used in contexts related to urgent or critical situations. For example: emergency exit「非常口」(ひじょうぐち). This word can also be used to describe something as 'extraordinary' or 'unusual', but this usage is less common. For example: extraordinary measures「非常手段」(ひじょうしゅだん). It's important to note that '非常' is often used in formal or official contexts, such as in signs or announcements.
Radical
巾
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N3Grade
5Frequency
214
Handwriting
kanji
定Meaning
Determine
Reading
kunyomiさだsada
onyomiじょうjou
ていtei
Parts
宀Roof 正Correct
Example Word
安定: stability. The Japanese verbal noun '安定 (あんてい)' means 'stability'. It refers to a state of being steady, balanced, or unchanging. This word is often used in contexts such as economics, emotions, or physical objects. For example: The economy has achieved stability「経済は安定を達成した」(けいざいはあんていをたっせいした). Her emotional stability is impressive「彼女の感情の安定は印象的だ」(かのじょのかんじょうのあんていはいんしょうてきだ). The chair has good stability「その椅子は安定性が良い」(そのいすはあんていせいがよい).
Radical
宀
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
237
Handwriting
kanji
乗Meaning
Ride
Reading
kunyomiのno
onyomiじょうjou
Parts
千Thousand 廾Twenty 木Tree, Wood
Example Word
乗り越し: overriding. The Japanese verbal noun '乗り越し (のりこし)' refers to the act of traveling beyond one's intended station or stop, often used in the context of public transportation. It can also imply surpassing or overcoming something in a broader sense. For example: I accidentally rode past my station「うっかり乗り越してしまった」(うっかりのりこしてしまった). He overcame many difficulties「彼は多くの困難を乗り越した」(かれはおおくのこんなんをのりこした). This term is commonly encountered in situations involving train or bus travel, where passengers might go further than their planned destination.
Radical
丿
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
352
Handwriting
kanji
城Meaning
Castle
Reading
kunyomiしろshiro
onyomiじょうjou
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
9JLPT
N2Grade
6Frequency
433
Handwriting
kanji
静Meaning
Quiet
Reading
kunyomiしずshizu
onyomiじょうjou
せいsei
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
14JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
439
Handwriting
kanji
状Meaning
Form, Condition
Reading
onyomiじょうjou
Parts
丬 犬Dog
Example Word
現状: situation or current. The Japanese noun '現状 (げんじょう)' refers to the 'current situation' or 'present state' of affairs. It is often used in formal or business contexts to discuss the existing conditions or circumstances. For example: we need to analyze the current situation「現状を分析する必要がある」(げんじょうをぶんせきするひつようがある). The current situation is not favorable「現状は有利ではない」(げんじょうはゆうりではない). This term is commonly used in discussions about business, politics, or any scenario where understanding the present state is crucial for decision-making.
Radical
犬
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N3Grade
5Frequency
507
Handwriting
kanji
丈Meaning
Stout, Length
Reading
kunyomiたけtake
onyomiじょうjou
Example Word
頑丈: sturdy. The Japanese adjectival noun '頑丈 (がんじょう)' means 'sturdy' or 'robust'. It is used to describe something that is strongly built, durable, or tough, often referring to physical objects or structures. For example: This table is sturdy「このテーブルは頑丈だ」(このテーブルはがんじょうだ). The bridge is robust「その橋は頑丈だ」(そのはしはがんじょうだ). It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone's health or resolve, as in 'He has a sturdy constitution'「彼は頑丈な体を持っている」(かれはがんじょうなからだをもっている).
Radical
一
Stroke Count
3JLPT
UnknownGrade
7Frequency
653
Handwriting
kanji
盛Meaning
Prosper
Reading
kunyomiもmo
さかsaka
onyomiじょうjou
せいsei
Parts
成Become 皿Plate
Example Word
盛り上がる: excite. The Japanese verb '盛り上がる (もりあがる)' primarily means 'to get excited' or 'to heat up'. It is often used to describe a situation, atmosphere, or mood becoming lively, enthusiastic, or intense. This verb can be applied to various contexts, such as parties, discussions, or events. For example: The party got really exciting「パーティーが盛り上がった」(ぱーてぃーがもりあがった). The discussion heated up「議論が盛り上がった」(ぎろんがもりあがった). It can also describe physical swelling or rising, such as dough rising「生地が盛り上がる」(きじがもりあがる). The nuance often implies a positive or energetic buildup.
Radical
皿
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N1Grade
6Frequency
684
Handwriting
kanji
条Meaning
Clause
Reading
onyomiじょうjou
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
7JLPT
N1Grade
5Frequency
720
Handwriting
kanji
嬢Meaning
Lass, Young lady
Reading
kunyomiむすめmusume
onyomiじょうjou
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
16JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
950
Handwriting
kanji
畳Meaning
Tatami, Fold up
Reading
kunyomiたたtata
たたみtatami
onyomiじょうjou
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
12JLPT
N2Grade
7Frequency
983
Handwriting
kanji
縄Meaning
Rope, Cord
Reading
kunyomiなわnawa
onyomiじょうjou
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
15JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
1379
Handwriting
kanji
冗Meaning
Redundant, Superfluous
Reading
onyomiじ ょうjou
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
4JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
1469
Handwriting
kanji
浄Meaning
Clean
Reading
kunyomiきよkiyo
onyomiじょうjou
せいsei
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
9JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
1502
Handwriting
kanji
蒸Meaning
Steam
Reading
kunyomiむmu
onyomiじょうjou
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
13JLPT
N2Grade
6Frequency
1524
Handwriting
kanji
譲Meaning
Hand over, Defer
Reading
kunyomiゆずyuzu
onyomiじょうjou
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
20JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
1566
Handwriting
kanji
溺Meaning
Drown, Indulge
Reading
kunyomiおぼobo
いばりibari
onyomiじょうjou
にょうnyou
できdeki
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
13JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
1853
Handwriting
kanji
捻Meaning
Wrenching
Reading
kunyomiねne
ねじneji
ひねhine
onyomiじょうjou
ねんnen
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
11JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
1886
Handwriting
kanji
剰Meaning
Surplus
Reading
kunyomiあまama
あまつさえamatsusae
onyomiじょうjou
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
11JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
2012
Handwriting