Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Meet

Reading

Parts

人Person 二Two 厶Private

Example Word

協会: association. The Japanese noun '協会 (きょうかい)' refers to an 'association' or 'society', typically an organized group of people with a common purpose or interest. It is often used in the context of professional, cultural, or social organizations. For example: She is a member of the music association「彼女は音楽協会のメンバーです」(かのじょはおんがくきょうかいのメンバーです). The association held a meeting yesterday「協会は昨日会議を開きました」(きょうかいはきのうかいぎをひらきました). This term is commonly seen in the names of organizations, such as '日本医師協会 (にほんいしきょうかい)' (Japan Medical Association).

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

海岸: coast. The Japanese noun '海岸 (かいがん)' refers to the 'coast' or 'seashore', specifically the area where the land meets the sea. It is commonly used to describe beaches, cliffs, or any shoreline area. This word is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. For example: The coast is beautiful「海岸は美しい」(かいがんはうつくしい). We walked along the coast「私たちは海岸を歩いた」(わたしたちはかいがんをあるいた). The word can also be used in compound nouns, such as '海岸線 (かいがんせん)' (coastline) or '海岸警備 (かいがんけいび)' (coast guard).

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

219

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Open

Reading

Parts

門Gate 开Open

Example Word

再開: resumption. The Japanese verbal noun '再開 (さいかい)' means 'resumption' or 'restarting'. It is used to describe the act of starting something again after it has been paused, stopped, or interrupted. This word is commonly used in contexts such as events, activities, or processes that are being resumed. For example: The meeting will resume tomorrow「会議は明日再開します」(かいぎはあしたさいかいします). Classes resumed after the holiday「休みの後、授業が再開した」(やすみのあと、じゅぎょうがさいかいした). It is important to note that '再開' often implies a formal or planned restart, rather than a spontaneous one.

Radical

門

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

244

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

World

Reading

Parts

田Rice field 介Mediate, Jammed in

Example Word

界: world or realm. The Japanese suffix '界 (かい)' is used to denote a world, realm, or sphere, often referring to a specific domain or field of activity. It can be used in various contexts to describe different areas of interest or expertise. For example: the world of art「芸術界」(げいじゅつかい). the business world「ビジネス界」(ビジネスかい). This suffix is commonly attached to nouns to specify a particular area or community, such as '科学界 (かがくかい) (scientific community)' or '音楽界 (おんがくかい) (music world)'. It is important to note that '界' can also be used in a more abstract sense to describe a realm or domain, such as '精神界 (せいしんかい) (spiritual realm)'.

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

皆さん: everyone. The Japanese noun '皆さん (みなさん)' is a polite and respectful way to address or refer to a group of people, meaning 'everyone' or 'all of you'. It is commonly used in formal or polite situations, such as speeches, announcements, or when addressing an audience. For example: Good morning, everyone!「皆さん、おはようございます！」(みなさん、おはようございます). Thank you, everyone, for coming today「皆さん、今日は来てくれてありがとうございます」(みなさん、きょうはきてくれてありがとうございます). The term is inclusive and conveys a sense of respect towards the group being addressed.

Radical

白

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

403

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Weird, Suspicious

Reading

Parts

忄 圣Holy

Example Word

怪しい: suspicious. The Japanese adjective '怪しい (あやしい)' primarily means 'suspicious'. It is used to describe something or someone that seems dubious, questionable, or not entirely trustworthy. This can apply to situations, objects, or people. For example: That person looks suspicious「あの人は怪しい」(あのひとはあやしい). The story sounds suspicious「その話は怪しい」(そのはなしはあやしい). Additionally, '怪しい' can sometimes imply a sense of mystery or the supernatural, as in: The old house looks eerie「その古い家は怪しい」(そのふるいいえはあやしい). The nuance of the word can vary depending on context, but it generally conveys a sense of doubt or unease.

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

455

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Reform

Reading

Parts

己Oneself 攵Strike

Example Word

改正: revision. The Japanese verbal noun '改正 (かいせい)' means 'revision' or 'amendment'. It is commonly used in contexts where laws, regulations, or systems are being modified or updated. For example: The law underwent a revision「法律が改正された」(ほうりつがかいせいされた). The government is planning to amend the policy「政府は政策を改正する予定です」(せいふはせいさくをかいせいするよていです). This term is often used in formal or official settings, such as legal documents, government announcements, or academic discussions. It implies a deliberate and systematic change to improve or update something.

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

厄介: trouble. The Japanese noun '厄介 (やっかい)' primarily means 'trouble' or 'bother'. It refers to something that is troublesome, inconvenient, or difficult to deal with. This word can be used to describe situations, tasks, or even people who are causing difficulty. For example: He is a troublesome person「彼は厄介な人だ」(かれはやっかいなひとだ). This problem is a real hassle「この問題は本当に厄介だ」(このもんだいはほんとうにやっかいだ). The word can also imply a sense of burden or responsibility, as in taking care of someone who is dependent on you.

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

回復: recovery. The Japanese verbal noun '回復 (かいふく)' means 'recovery'. It refers to the process of returning to a normal state of health, mind, or strength after an illness, injury, or difficult situation. It can also be used in contexts such as economic recovery or the recovery of lost items. For example: The patient's recovery was quick「患者の回復は早かった」(かんじゃのかいふくははやかった). The economy is showing signs of recovery「経済は回復の兆しを見せている」(けいざいはかいふくのきざしをみせている).

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

市街: city. The Japanese noun '市街 (しがい)' refers to the urban or city area, typically the built-up part of a city with streets, buildings, and infrastructure. It is often used to describe the central or commercial district of a city. For example: The city is bustling with activity「市街は活気で溢れている」(しがいわかっきであふれている). We walked through the city at night「私たちは夜に市街を歩いた」(わたしたちはよるにしがいをあるいた). This term is commonly used in contexts related to urban planning, geography, or everyday descriptions of city life.

Radical

行

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

735

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Bosom, Pocket

Reading

Parts

忄 十Ten 罒Net 衣Clothes

Example Word

懐かしい: nostalgic. The Japanese adjective '懐かしい (なつかしい)' means 'nostalgic' or 'evoking fond memories'. It is used to describe something that brings back memories of the past, often with a sense of longing or warmth. This word is commonly used when encountering something familiar from one's past, such as a place, a song, or an object. For example: This song is nostalgic「この歌は懐かしい」(このうたはなつかしい). I feel nostalgic when I see this photo「この写真を見ると懐かしい気持ちになる」(このしゃしんをみるとなつかしいきもちになる). The word can also be used to express a sense of missing someone or something from the past, as in 'I miss my hometown'「故郷が懐かしい」(こきょうがなつかしい).

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

灰皿: ashtray. The Japanese noun '灰皿 (はいざら)' refers to an 'ashtray', a container used for collecting ash and cigarette butts. It is commonly found in smoking areas, restaurants, or homes where smoking is permitted. Example sentences: Please use the ashtray「灰皿を使ってください」(はいざらをつかってください). The ashtray is full「灰皿がいっぱいです」(はいざらがいっぱいです). This word is straightforward and does not carry additional meanings or nuances beyond its literal definition.

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

潰す: ruin or crush. The Japanese verb '潰す (つぶす)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'to crush,' which refers to physically destroying something by applying pressure, such as crushing a can or squashing an insect. For example: I crushed the can「缶を潰した」(かんをつぶした). The second meaning is 'to ruin,' which refers to causing something to fail or be destroyed, often in a metaphorical sense, such as ruining plans or wasting time. For example: He ruined the plan「彼は計画を潰した」(かれはけいかくをつぶした). The verb can also imply wasting resources or opportunities, as in 'to squander.' The nuance depends on the context, so it's important to pay attention to the object being acted upon.

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