Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Up

Reading

Parts

一One 卜Divination

Example Word

上記: above. The Japanese noun '上記 (じょうき)' means 'above' or 'the above-mentioned'. It is used to refer to something that has been previously mentioned or written in a text. This word is commonly used in formal or written contexts, such as documents, reports, or academic papers. For example: as mentioned above「上記の通り」(じょうきのとおり). Please refer to the above section「上記のセクションを参照してください」(じょうきのセクションをさんしょうしてください). It is important to note that '上記' is often used to avoid repetition and to make the text more concise.

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

登場: appearance. The Japanese verbal noun '登場 (とうじょう)' primarily means 'appearance' or 'entry onto a stage or scene'. It is commonly used to describe someone or something making an appearance in a particular setting, such as in a play, movie, or event. For example: The hero appeared on stage「ヒーローが登場した」(ヒーローがとうじょうした). A new character appeared in the story「新しいキャラクターが物語に登場した」(あたらしいキャラクターがものがたりにとうじょうした). This word can also be used metaphorically to describe the introduction of new ideas, products, or trends into a market or discussion. For instance: A new technology appeared in the market「新しい技術が市場に登場した」(あたらしいぎじゅつがしじょうにとうじょうした).

Radical

土

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

84

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Feeling, Emotion

Reading

Parts

忄 青Blue

Example Word

情熱: passion. The Japanese noun '情熱 (じょうねつ)' means 'passion'. It refers to a strong and intense feeling of enthusiasm or excitement towards something, such as a hobby, goal, or person. This word is often used to describe a deep emotional drive or dedication. For example: he has a passion for music「彼は音楽に情熱を持っている」(かれはおんがくにじょうねつをもっている). Her passion for art is inspiring「彼女の芸術への情熱は感動的だ」(かのじょのげいじゅつへのじょうねつはかんどうてきだ). The word can also be used in contexts like work or relationships, emphasizing a strong emotional commitment.

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

156

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Become

Reading

Parts

戊

Example Word

成る: become. The Japanese verb '成る (なる)' means 'to become'. It is used to indicate a change in state, condition, or quality. This verb is highly versatile and can be used in various contexts, such as describing natural changes, personal transformations, or the outcome of events. For example: I want to become a teacher「先生になりたい」(せんせいになりたい). The leaves have turned red「葉っぱが赤くなった」(はっぱがあかくなった). It's important to note that 'なる' is often used with adjectives or nouns to describe the resulting state, as in '大きくなる (おおきくなる) (to become big)' or '静かになる (しずかになる) (to become quiet)'.

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

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

乗り込む: enter or board. The Japanese verb '乗り込む (のりこむ)' primarily means 'to board' or 'to enter' a vehicle or a place, often with a sense of purpose or determination. It is commonly used when someone gets into a car, train, airplane, or other modes of transportation. For example: I boarded the train「電車に乗り込んだ」(でんしゃにのりこんだ). The soldiers entered the building「兵士たちが建物に乗り込んだ」(へいしたちがたてものにのりこんだ). The verb can also imply a sense of actively engaging or immersing oneself in a situation, such as entering a new project or challenge. For instance: She dove into the new project「彼女は新しいプロジェクトに乗り込んだ」(かのじょはあたらしいぷろじぇくとにのりこんだ).

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

状態: condition. The Japanese noun '状態 (じょうたい)' refers to the state or condition of something. It is commonly used to describe the current state of an object, situation, or even a person's health. For example: The condition of the machine is bad「機械の状態が悪い」(きかいのじょうたいがわるい). The patient's condition is stable「患者の状態は安定している」(かんじゃのじょうたいはあんていしている). This word is versatile and can be applied to various contexts, such as physical states, emotional states, or the status of a project.

Radical

犬

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

507

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Stout, Length

Reading

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

653

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Prosper

Reading

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

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