Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Meet

Reading

Parts

人Person 二Two 厶Private

Example Word

教会: church. The Japanese noun '教会 (きょうかい)' means 'church'. It refers to a place of worship for Christians, where religious services and ceremonies are held. This word is commonly used to describe both the physical building and the institution itself. For example: I went to the church「教会に行きました」(きょうかいにいきました). The church is beautiful「その教会は美しい」(そのきょうかいはうつくしい). It can also be used metaphorically to describe a community or congregation, as in '教会のメンバー (きょうかいのメンバー) (church members)'.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

98

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Solve, Untie

Reading

Parts

角Corner, Angle 刀Sword 牛Cow

Example Word

解明: clarification. The Japanese noun '解明 (かいめい)' refers to the act of clarifying or elucidating something, often used in contexts where a mystery, problem, or complex situation is being resolved or explained. It is commonly used in academic, scientific, or investigative settings. For example: The clarification of the mystery was achieved「その謎の解明がなされた」(そのなぞのかいめいがなされた). Researchers are working on the clarification of the phenomenon「研究者たちはその現象の解明に取り組んでいる」(けんきゅうしゃたちはそのげんしょうのかいめいにとりくんでいる). The word emphasizes the process of uncovering or making something clear that was previously unknown or misunderstood.

Radical

角

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

213

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Sea

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)毎Every

Example Word

海峡: strait. The Japanese noun '海峡 (かいきょう)' refers to a 'strait', which is a narrow passage of water connecting two larger bodies of water. This term is often used in geographical contexts to describe natural waterways. For example: The strait is very narrow「その海峡はとても狭い」(そのかいきょうはとてもせまい). Ships pass through the strait「船が海峡を通る」(ふねがかいきょうをとおる). The word is commonly used in discussions about geography, navigation, and marine environments.

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

219

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Open

Reading

Parts

門Gate 开Open

Example Word

展開: development. The Japanese verbal noun '展開 (てんかい)' primarily means 'development' or 'unfolding'. It is used to describe the progression or evolution of events, situations, or ideas. This word is often used in contexts such as storylines, plans, or discussions. For example: The story's development was unexpected「物語の展開は予想外だった」(ものがみのてんかいはよそうがいだった). The plan's development is proceeding smoothly「計画の展開は順調に進んでいる」(けいかくのてんかいはじゅんちょうにすすんでいる). It can also refer to the deployment or spreading out of something, such as troops or resources, though this usage is less common in everyday conversation.

Radical

門

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

244

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

World

Reading

Parts

田Rice field 介Mediate, Jammed in

Example Word

限界: limit. The Japanese noun '限界 (げんかい)' means 'limit'. It refers to the boundary or point beyond which something cannot or should not go. This word is often used in contexts involving physical, mental, or abstract boundaries. For example: I reached my limit「限界に達した」(げんかいにたっした). The limit of human endurance「人間の限界」(にんげんのげんかい). It can also be used to describe the maximum capacity or extent of something, such as 'the limit of technology'「技術の限界」(ぎじゅつのげんかい).

Radical

田

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

309

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Storey

Reading

Parts

皆All 阝Mound (阜)

Example Word

段階: stage. The Japanese noun '段階 (だんかい)' refers to a 'stage' or 'phase' in a process, development, or progression. It is commonly used to describe steps or levels in a sequence, such as in education, projects, or personal growth. For example: This is the final stage of the project「これはプロジェクトの最終段階です」(これはぷろじぇくとのさいしゅうだんかいです). He is in the early stages of learning Japanese「彼は日本語学習の初期段階です」(かれはにほんごがくしゅうのしょきだんかいです). The word can also imply a gradation or ranking, such as in levels of difficulty or achievement.

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

375

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

All

Reading

Parts

比Compare, Ratio 白White

Example Word

皆: everyone. The Japanese noun '皆 (みな)' means 'everyone' or 'all'. It is used to refer to a group of people collectively, emphasizing inclusivity. This word is often used in both formal and informal contexts. For example: Everyone is here「皆がここにいます」(みながここにいます). Let's all do our best「皆で頑張りましょう」(みなでがんばりましょう). It can also be used in phrases like '皆さん (みなさん)', which is a polite way to address a group of people, similar to 'ladies and gentlemen' or 'everyone' in English.

Radical

白

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

403

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Weird, Suspicious

Reading

Parts

忄 圣Holy

Example Word

怪しむ: suspect. The Japanese verb '怪しむ (あやしむ)' means 'to suspect' or 'to doubt'. It is used when someone has a feeling of distrust or suspicion towards something or someone. This verb often implies a sense of unease or skepticism. For example: I suspect his intentions「彼の意図を怪しむ」(かれのいとをあやしむ). She doubted the truth of his story「彼女は彼の話の真実を怪しんだ」(かのじょはかれのはなしのしんじつをあやしんだ). The verb can also be used in more abstract contexts, such as suspecting something is wrong or out of place.

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

455

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Reform

Reading

Parts

己Oneself 攵Strike

Example Word

改めて: again. The Japanese adverb '改めて (あらためて)' means 'again' or 'anew'. It is used to indicate that something is being done or considered again, often with a fresh perspective or renewed attention. This word is commonly used in formal or serious contexts, such as when reconsidering a decision or revisiting a topic. For example: I will think about it again「改めて考えます」(あらためてかんがえます). Let's discuss this again「改めて話し合いましょう」(あらためてはなしあいましょう). It can also imply a sense of formality or seriousness, as in '改めてお礼を申し上げます (あらためておれいをもうしあげます) (I would like to express my gratitude again formally).'

Radical

攴

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

588

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Mediate, Jammed in

Reading

Parts

人Person 丿Katakana no 丨Stick

Example Word

介入: intervention. The Japanese noun '介入 (かいにゅう)' means 'intervention'. It refers to the act of becoming involved in a situation, often to influence or change its outcome. This word is commonly used in contexts such as politics, medicine, or conflicts, where an external party steps in to alter the course of events. For example: The government's intervention was necessary「政府の介入が必要だった」(せいふのかいにゅうがひつようだった). The doctor recommended medical intervention「医者は医療介入を勧めた」(いしゃはいりょうかいにゅうをすすめた). Note that '介入' carries a neutral to formal tone and is often used in serious or professional contexts.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

591

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Pleasant

Reading

Parts

忄 夬Decide

Example Word

快い: pleasant. The Japanese adjective '快い (こころよい)' means 'pleasant'. It is used to describe something that is agreeable, enjoyable, or soothing to the mind or senses. This word often conveys a sense of comfort or satisfaction. For example: The breeze feels pleasant「風が快い」(かぜがこころよい). His words were pleasant to hear「彼の言葉は快かった」(かれのことばはこころよかった). It can also be used in more abstract contexts, such as describing a pleasant feeling or atmosphere. Note that this word is more formal and less commonly used in everyday conversation compared to simpler adjectives like '楽しい (たのしい)' (fun) or '気持ちいい (きもちいい)' (feels good).

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

607

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Revolve, Times

Reading

Parts

口Mouth

Example Word

回答: answer. The Japanese verbal noun '回答 (かいとう)' means 'answer' or 'response'. It is commonly used in formal or written contexts, such as answering a question, survey, or inquiry. This word is often paired with verbs like 'する' to form the phrase '回答する (かいとうする)', meaning 'to answer' or 'to respond'. For example: Please answer the question「質問に回答してください」(しつもんにかいとうしてください). The company provided an answer to the inquiry「会社はその問い合わせに回答しました」(かいしゃはそのといあわせにかいとうしました). Note that '回答' is more formal than casual alternatives like '答え (こたえ)'.

Radical

囗

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

613

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Picture

Reading

Parts

糸Thread 会Meet

Example Word

絵本: picture book. The Japanese noun '絵本 (えほん)' refers to a 'picture book', which is a book that combines illustrations and text, often aimed at children. These books are widely used for storytelling and early education in Japan. Example sentences: I bought a picture book for my niece「姪のために絵本を買いました」(めいのためにえほんをかいました). This picture book is very popular among children「この絵本は子供たちにとても人気です」(このえほんはこどもたちにとてもにんきです). The word is commonly used in contexts involving children's literature, education, and storytelling.

Radical

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

615

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Street, Boulevard

Reading

Parts

行Go 圭

Example Word

街: town. The Japanese noun '街 (まち)' refers to a town or a city, often implying a lively or bustling area with shops, streets, and people. It is commonly used to describe urban areas or specific districts within a city. For example: Let's go to the town「街に行こう」(まちにいこう). This town is very lively「この街はとてもにぎやかだ」(このまちはとてもにぎやかだ). The word can also carry a sense of community or a specific atmosphere, such as a shopping street or a cultural district. It is distinct from '村 (むら)' (village) or '都市 (とし)' (metropolis), as it often conveys a smaller, more intimate urban space.

Radical

行

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

735

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Bosom, Pocket

Reading

Parts

忄 十Ten 罒Net 衣Clothes

Example Word

懐: pocket. The Japanese noun '懐 (ふところ)' primarily refers to the pocket of a traditional Japanese garment, such as a kimono, where one might keep small items. It can also metaphorically refer to one's financial resources or the depth of one's heart or mind. For example: he reached into his pocket「彼は懐に手を入れた」(かれはふところにてをいれた). The company has deep pockets「その会社は懐が深い」(そのかいしゃはふところがふかい). It's important to note that while '懐' can refer to a physical pocket, its metaphorical uses are also common in Japanese language and literature.

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

905

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Remains

Reading

Parts

骨Bone 亥

Radical

骨

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1172

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Contraption

Reading

Parts

木Tree, Wood 戒Admonish, Commandment

Example Word

機械: machine or mechanism. The Japanese noun '機械 (きかい)' primarily means 'machine' and refers to a device or apparatus that performs a specific task, often involving mechanical or automated processes. It can also mean 'mechanism', referring to the internal workings or structure of a machine. This word is commonly used in contexts related to technology, engineering, and industry. For example: This machine is very advanced「この機械はとても進んでいる」(このきかいはとてもすすんでいる). The mechanism of this clock is complicated「この時計の機械は複雑だ」(このとけいのきかいはふくざつだ). Note that '機械' is often used in technical or formal contexts, distinguishing it from simpler devices or tools.

Radical

木

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1219

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ashes

Reading

Parts

厂Cliff 火Fire

Example Word

灰色: gray. The Japanese noun '灰色 (はいいろ)' means 'gray'. It refers to the color that is a mix of black and white. This word is commonly used to describe objects, clothing, or even abstract concepts that have a gray color. For example: The sky is gray today「今日の空は灰色だ」(きょうのそらははいいろだ). She was wearing a gray coat「彼女は灰色のコートを着ていた」(かのじょははいいろのコートをきていた). Additionally, '灰色' can sometimes be used metaphorically to describe situations or emotions that are ambiguous or unclear, such as 'a gray area' in English.

Radical

火

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1227

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Repent, Regret

Reading

Parts

忄 毎Every

Example Word

後悔: regret. The Japanese verbal noun '後悔 (こうかい)' means 'regret'. It refers to the feeling of sadness, repentance, or disappointment over something that has happened or something one has done. It is often used to express remorse or a wish that things had been done differently. For example: I regret not studying harder「もっと勉強しなかったことを後悔している」(もっとべんきょうしなかったことをこうかいしている). He regrets his decision「彼は自分の決断を後悔している」(かれはじぶんのけつだんをこうかいしている). This word is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to express personal feelings of regret.

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1290

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Demolition, Break down

Reading

Parts

土Soil 十Ten 罒Net 衣Clothes

Example Word

崩壊: collapse. The Japanese noun '崩壊 (ほうかい)' means 'collapse'. This term is used to describe the sudden and complete failure or breakdown of a system, structure, or organization. It can refer to physical collapses, such as buildings or mountains, as well as metaphorical collapses, such as societal systems or relationships. For example: the collapse of the old regime「旧体制の崩壊」(きゅうたいせいのほうかい). The mountain collapsed due to the earthquake「地震で山が崩壊した」(じしんでやまがほうかいした). The term can also be used in a more abstract sense, such as the collapse of a theory or idea.

Radical

土

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1323

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Lid

Reading

Parts

艹Grass 盍

Example Word

蓋: lid. The Japanese noun '蓋 (ふた)' means 'lid'. It refers to a cover or top that is placed over a container to close or seal it. This word is commonly used in everyday contexts, such as when referring to the lid of a pot, jar, or bottle. For example: Please put the lid on the pot「鍋に蓋をしてください」(なべにふたをしてください). The lid of this jar is hard to open「この瓶の蓋は開けにくい」(このびんのふたはあけにくい). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something that conceals or hides, as in '蓋をする (ふたをする)' which means 'to cover up' or 'to hide something'.

Radical

艸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1333

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Admonish, Commandment

Reading

Parts

廾Twenty 戈

Example Word

警戒: caution. The Japanese verbal noun '警戒 (けいかい)' means 'caution' or 'vigilance'. It refers to the act of being watchful or alert to potential danger or trouble. This word is often used in contexts where one needs to be careful or on guard, such as in security, safety, or even interpersonal relationships. For example: The police are on high alert「警察は警戒を強めている」(けいさつはけいかいをつよめている). We must be cautious of natural disasters「自然災害に警戒しなければならない」(しぜんさいがいにけいかいしなければならない). The word can also be used in phrases like '警戒心 (けいかいしん)', which means 'sense of caution' or 'wariness'.

Radical

戈

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1421

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Defile

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)貴Precious

Example Word

潰れる: collapse or be ruined. The Japanese verb '潰れる (つぶれる)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'collapse', which refers to something physically breaking down or losing its shape, such as a building or an object. For example: the box collapsed under the weight「箱が重みで潰れた」(はこがおもみでつぶれた). The second meaning is 'be ruined', which refers to plans, businesses, or opportunities being destroyed or failing. For example: the business was ruined due to poor management「経営が悪くて会社が潰れた」(けいえいがわるくてかいしゃがつぶれた). This verb is often used in contexts where something is destroyed or rendered useless, either physically or metaphorically.

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1600

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Lump

Reading

Parts

土Soil 鬼Demon, Ogre

Radical

土

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1690

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Harmony

Reading

Parts

訁Say (言)皆All

Radical

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1903

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Kidnap

Reading

Parts

扌Hand (手)刀Sword 口Mouth

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2044

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Square character style, Correctness

Reading

Parts

木Tree, Wood 皆All

Radical

木

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2130

Handwriting