Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading
かい kai
kanji
会Meaning
Meet
Reading
a
onyomiかいkai
Parts
人Person 二Two 厶Private
Example Word
閉会: closing. The Japanese verbal noun '閉会 (へいかい)' refers to the act of closing or concluding an event, meeting, or ceremony. It is commonly used in formal contexts, such as conferences, assemblies, or official gatherings. For example: The chairman announced the closing of the meeting「議長が閉会を宣言した」(ぎちょうがへいかいをせんげんした). The conference will close at 5 PM「会議は午後5時に閉会します」(かいぎはごご5じにへいかいします). Note that '閉会' is often paired with verbs like 'する' to indicate the action of closing, as in '閉会する' (to close).
Radical
人
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
98
Handwriting
kanji
解Meaning
Solve, Untie
Reading
to
onyomiげge
かいkai
Parts
角Corner, Angle 刀Sword 牛Cow
Example Word
解散: disband. The Japanese verbal noun '解散 (かいさん)' means 'disband'. It is commonly used to describe the act of a group, organization, or assembly breaking up or dissolving. For example: The club disbanded「クラブが解散した」(クラブがかいさんした). The parliament was dissolved「議会が解散された」(ぎかいがかいさんされた). This term is often used in formal or official contexts, such as political or organizational settings. It can also imply the end of a gathering or meeting, as in 'The meeting disbanded at 5 PM'「会議は午後5時に解散した」(かいぎはごご5じにかいさんした).
Radical
角
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N3Grade
5Frequency
213
Handwriting
kanji
海Meaning
Sea
Reading
umi
onyomiかいkai
Parts
氵Water (水)毎Every
Example Word
海軍: navy. The Japanese noun '海軍 (かいぐん)' refers to the 'navy', which is the branch of a country's armed forces that conducts military operations at sea. It is used to describe the organization, ships, and personnel involved in maritime warfare and defense. For example: The navy protects the country「海軍は国を守る」(かいぐんはくにをまもる). He joined the navy「彼は海軍に入った」(かれはかいぐんにはいった). This term is specific to military contexts and should not be confused with other maritime organizations or civilian shipping.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
219
Handwriting
kanji
開Meaning
Open
Reading
a
ひらhira
onyomiかいkai
Parts
門Gate 开Open
Example Word
開発: development. The Japanese verbal noun '開発 (かいはつ)' means 'development'. It is commonly used in contexts related to the creation, improvement, or advancement of products, technologies, areas, or ideas. For example: the development of new technology「新しい技術の開発」(あたらしいぎじゅつのかいはつ). This area is under development「この地域は開発中です」(このちいきはかいはつちゅうです). It can also refer to the exploitation of resources, such as in 'land development'「土地の開発」(とちのかいはつ). The word is neutral and widely applicable across industries, including technology, real estate, and education.
Radical
門
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
244
Handwriting
kanji
界Meaning
World
Reading
kai
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
9JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
309
Handwriting
kanji
階Meaning
Storey
Reading
kai
Parts
皆All 阝Mound (阜)
Example Word
階層: layer or hierarchy. The Japanese noun '階層 (かいそう)' can mean 'hierarchy' or 'layer', depending on the context. When referring to 'hierarchy', it is often used in social, organizational, or class structures. For example: the company has a strict hierarchy「その会社は厳しい階層がある」(そのかいしゃはきびしいかいそうがある). When referring to 'layer', it is used in contexts like geological layers, software layers, or other stratified systems. For example: the earth has many layers「地球は多くの階層がある」(ちきゅうはおおくのかいそうがある). The word is neutral and can be applied to both abstract and concrete structures.
Radical
阜
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N2Grade
3Frequency
375
Handwriting
kanji
皆Meaning
All
Reading
mina
みんなminna
onyomiかいkai
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
9JLPT
N3Grade
7Frequency
403
Handwriting
kanji
怪Meaning
Weird, Suspicious
Reading
aya
onyomiけke
かいkai
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
8JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
455
Handwriting
kanji
改Meaning
Reform
Reading
arata
onyomiかいkai
Parts
己Oneself 攵Strike
Example Word
改める: reform or revise. The Japanese verb '改める (あらためる)' primarily means 'to revise' or 'to reform'. It is used when making changes to something in order to improve or correct it. This verb can be applied to a wide range of contexts, such as revising plans, reforming systems, or correcting behavior. For example: I revised my plans「計画を改めた」(けいかくをあらためた). The government reformed the law「政府は法律を改めた」(せいふはほうりつをあらためた). It's important to note that '改める' often implies a deliberate and thoughtful change, rather than a casual or minor adjustment.
Radical
攴
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
588
Handwriting
kanji
介Meaning
Mediate, Jammed in
Reading
kai
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
4JLPT
N2Grade
7Frequency
591
Handwriting
kanji
快Meaning
Pleasant
Reading
kokoroyo
onyomiかいkai
Parts
忄 夬Decide
Example Word
快適: comfortable. The Japanese noun '快適 (かいてき)' means 'comfortable'. It is used to describe a state or condition that is pleasant, agreeable, and free from discomfort. This word can be applied to various contexts, such as describing a comfortable environment, a comfortable feeling, or a comfortable situation. For example: This chair is comfortable「この椅子は快適です」(このいすはかいてきです). I feel comfortable in this room「この部屋で快適に感じます」(このへやでかいてきにかんじます). The word '快適' often conveys a sense of ease and satisfaction, making it a common term in discussions about living conditions, travel, and personal well-being.
Radical
心
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N2Grade
5Frequency
607
Handwriting
kanji
回Meaning
Revolve, Times
Reading
mawa
onyomiかいkai
Parts
口Mouth
Example Word
回数券: ticket book. The Japanese noun '回数券 (かいすうけん)' refers to a 'ticket book' or a 'multi-ride ticket'. This is a type of ticket that allows multiple uses, often at a discounted rate compared to buying individual tickets. It is commonly used for public transportation, such as trains or buses, but can also be used for other services like parking or events. For example: I bought a ticket book for the train「電車の回数券を買いました」(でんしゃのかいすうけんをかいました). This ticket book has 10 rides「この回数券は10回分です」(このかいすうけ んはじゅっかいぶんです). The term is a combination of '回数 (かいすう)', meaning 'number of times', and '券 (けん)', meaning 'ticket'.
Radical
囗
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N3Grade
2Frequency
613
Handwriting
kanji
絵Meaning
Picture
Reading
kai
えe
Parts
糸Thread 会Meet
Example Word
油絵: oil painting. The Japanese noun '油絵 (あぶらえ)' refers to 'oil painting', a type of painting created using pigments mixed with oil, typically linseed oil. This term is used to describe both the art form and individual works created in this medium. For example: She is good at oil painting「彼女は油絵が上手です」(かのじょはあぶらえがじょうずです). This museum has many oil paintings「この美術館には油絵がたくさんあります」(このびじゅつかんにはあぶらえがたくさ んあります). The term is commonly used in art-related contexts and discussions about visual arts.
Radical
糸
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
2Frequency
615
Handwriting
kanji
街Meaning
Street, Boulevard
Reading
machi
onyomiがいgai
かいkai
Parts
行Go 圭
Example Word
街道: highway. The Japanese noun '街道 (かいどう)' refers to a highway or main road, often historically significant. It is used to describe major routes that connect cities or regions, and it can carry a sense of tradition or historical importance. For example: This highway connects Kyoto and Tokyo「この街道は京都と東京を結ぶ」(このかいどうはきょうとととうきょうをむすぶ). The old highway is still in use「古い街道はまだ使われている」(ふるいかいどうはまだつかわれている). The term can also evoke a sense of nostalgia or cultural heritage, as many 街道 were used during the Edo period for travel and trade.
Radical
行
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N1Grade
4Frequency
735
Handwriting
kanji
懐Meaning
Bosom, Pocket
Reading
natsu
ふところfutokoro
onyomiかいkai
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
16JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
905
Handwriting
kanji
械Meaning
Contraption
Reading
kai
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
11JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
1219
Handwriting
kanji
灰Meaning
Ashes
Reading
hai
onyomiかいkai
Parts
厂Cliff 火Fire
Example Word
灰: ash. The Japanese noun '灰 (はい)' means 'ash'. This word refers to the powdery residue left after something has been burned, such as wood, paper, or other materials. It is commonly used in contexts related to fire, cremation, or cleaning up after burning something. For example: The ash fell from the cigarette「灰がタバコから落ちた」(はいがタバコからおちた). She cleaned the ash from the fireplace「彼女は暖炉の灰を掃除した」(かのじょはだんろのはいをそうじした). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something that has been reduced to nothing, as in 'all turned to ash'「すべて灰になった」(すべてはいになった).
Radical
火
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N2Grade
6Frequency
1227
Handwriting
kanji
悔Meaning
Repent, Regret
Reading
ku
くやkuya
onyomiかいkai
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
9JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
1290
Handwriting
kanji
壊Meaning
Demolition, Break down
Reading
kowa
onyomiかいkai
Parts
土Soil 十Ten 罒Net 衣Clothes
Example Word
壊れる: break. The Japanese verb '壊れる (こわれる)' means 'to break' or 'to be broken'. It is an intransitive verb, meaning it describes something that breaks on its own or becomes non-functional without an external agent being specified. This verb is commonly used for objects, machines, or systems that stop working or become damaged. For example: The watch broke「時計が壊れた」(とけいがこわれた). The computer broke down「パソコンが壊れた」(パソコンがこわれた). Note that '壊れる' implies the state of being broken, whereas '壊す (こわす)' is the transitive form, meaning 'to break something'.
Radical
土
Stroke Count
16JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
1323
Handwriting
kanji
蓋Meaning
Lid
Reading
futa
かこうkakou
けだkeda
onyomiこうkou
がいgai
かいkai
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
13JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
1333
Handwriting
kanji
戒Meaning
Admonish, Commandment
Reading
imashi
onyomiかいkai
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
7JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
1421
Handwriting
kanji
潰Meaning
Defile
Reading
tsui
つぶtsubu
onyomiかいkai
えe
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
15JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
1600
Handwriting
Page 1 of 1
1 - 27 of 27
- こう kou
- しょう shou
- し shi
- かん kan
- とう tou
- そう sou
- き ki
- きょう kyou
- せい sei
- か ka
- けん ken
- せん sen
- けい kei
- しん shin
- ちょう chou
- さい sai
- じょう jou
- かい kai
- しゅう shuu
- ほう hou
- い i
- はん han
- ふ fu
- てい tei
- よう you
- こ ko
- ぼう bou
- きゅう kyuu
- じ ji
- たい tai
- ひ hi
- えん en
- せき seki
- かく kaku
- たん tan
- ゆう yuu
- しゅ shu
- く ku
- げん gen
- そ so
- りょう ryou
- ちゅう chuu
- おう ou
- しゃ sha
- きん kin
- こん kon
- へい hei
- さ sa
- さん san
- ご go
- すい sui
- どう dou
- ろう rou
- じゅう juu
- そく soku
- ばい bai
- がい gai
- ち chi
- せつ setsu
- いん in
- れい rei
- と to
- じん jin
- ごう gou
- しょ sho
- さく saku
- ぎ gi
- きょ kyo
- ぞう zou
- じゅん jun
- は い hai
- はく haku
- り ri
- しょく shoku
- ほ ho
- えい ei
- ゆ yu
- ひょう hyou
- てん ten
- だん dan
- がん gan
- こく koku
- が ga
- ぶ bu
- かつ katsu
- じゅ ju
- ふく fuku
- さつ satsu
- めい mei
- しゃく shaku
- ばん ban
- もう mou
- ふん fun
- ぜん zen
- しつ shitsu
- ばく baku
- たく taku
- やく yaku
- りゅう ryuu
- だ da
- だい dai
- ねん nen
- ぼく boku
- りん rin
- じょ jo
- け ke
- ぼ bo
- けつ ketsu
- へん hen
- しゅく shuku
- てき teki
- ろ ro
- よく yoku
- ちん chin
- に ni
- げ ge
- にん nin
- みょう myou
- す su
- おん on
- そん son
- た ta
- ぎょう gyou
- まい mai
- えき eki
- つい tsui
- み mi
- む mu
- れん ren
- とく toku
- びょう byou
- のう nou
- は ha
- び bi
- らん ran
- ろく roku
- う u
- ど do
- なん nan
- ず zu
- もん mon
- がく gaku
- ちく chiku
- ふう fuu
- ごん gon
- しき shiki
- おく oku
- りょ ryo
- てつ tetsu
- よ yo
- ぞく zoku
- とん ton
- ばつ batsu
- ざい zai
- ひん hin
- ぐ gu
- えつ etsu
- いつ itsu
- もく moku
- でん den
- りつ ritsu
- まん man
- しゅん shun
- え e
- らい rai
- らく raku
- あん an
- べん ben
- びん bin
- ざん zan
- はつ hatsu
- くつ kutsu
- ひつ hitsu
- げい gei
- めん men
- るい rui
- る ru
- れつ retsu
- くん kun
- きつ kitsu
- ぐう guu
- あい ai
- げき geki
- どん don
- ま ma
- にゅう nyuu
- ほん hon
- ぶん bun
- すう suu
- ちょく choku
- じゃく jaku
- や ya
- うん un
- わ wa
- どく doku
- ば ba
- ぎょ gyo
- きゃく kyaku
- きょく kyoku
- ふつ futsu
- ちゃく chaku
- お o
- ぐん gun
- ぼん bon
- ちょ cho
- も mo
- こつ kotsu
- とつ totsu
- へき heki
- ら ra
- いち ichi
- しち shichi
- はち hachi
- じつ jitsu
- にょ nyo
- りょく ryoku
- じき jiki
- ほく hoku
- つう tsuu
- せ se
- ぎん gin
- あく aku
- ざ za
- つ tsu
- ぶつ butsu
- もつ motsu
- じゅつ jutsu
- だつ datsu
- ほつ hotsu
- べつ betsu
- ぜい zei
- そつ sotsu
- ぎゃく gyaku
- まつ matsu
- みん min
- せち sechi
- れき reki
- ごく goku
- ぜつ zetsu
- わん wan
- ちつ chitsu
- じゅく juku
- きち kichi
- ぼつ botsu
- みつ mitsu
- ゆい yui
- まく maku
- だく daku
- じょく joku
- じゃ ja
- にょう nyou
- ずい zui
- な na
- らつ ratsu
- ひゃく hyaku
- げつ getsu
- がつ gatsu
- にち nichi
- くう kuu
- りき riki
- しゅつ shutsu
- ぎょく gyoku
- びゃく byaku
- ない nai
- にく niku
- ぎゅう gyuu
- べい bei
- ちゃ cha
- にゃく nyaku
- たつ tatsu
- すん sun
- ざつ zatsu
- りち richi
- ろん ron
- ぞん zon
- ねつ netsu
- いく iku
- りく riku
- りゃく ryaku
- あつ atsu
- わく waku
- いき iki
- わい wai
- めつ metsu
- でい dei
- きゃ kya
- みゃく myaku
- ねい nei
- ばち bachi
- ちゃん chan
- れふ refu
- すぎ sugi
- じく jiku
- ぜ ze
- また mata
- あ a
- きく kiku
- すく suku
- おつ otsu
- ちゅ chu
- うつ utsu
- きけ kike
- でき deki
- へつ hetsu
- かち kachi