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Nihongo

Classroom

Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

かい kai

 

    kanji

    Meaning

    Meet

    Reading

    kunyomi

    a

    onyomiかい

    kai

    Parts

    Person Two Private

    Example Word

    都会: city. The Japanese noun '都会 (とかい)' refers to a 'city' or 'urban area'. It emphasizes the bustling, modern, and metropolitan aspects of a city, often contrasting with rural areas. This term is commonly used to describe the lifestyle, environment, or atmosphere of a city. For example: I prefer the city over the countryside「私は田舎より都会が好きです」(わたしはいなかよりとかいがすきです). The city is full of opportunities「都会にはチャンスがたくさんあります」(とかいにはチャンスがたくさんあります). Note that '都会' carries a nuance of sophistication and modernity, making it distinct from more general terms like '都市 (とし)' which simply means 'city' in a neutral sense.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    6

    JLPT

    N4

    Grade

    2

    Frequency

    98

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Solve, Untie

    Reading

    kunyomi

    to

    onyomi

    ge

    かい

    kai

    Parts

    Corner, Angle Sword Cow

    Example Word

    誤解: misunderstanding. The Japanese verbal noun '誤解 (ごかい)' means 'misunderstanding'. It refers to a situation where someone interprets something incorrectly or fails to grasp the true meaning of a statement, action, or situation. This word is often used in contexts where clarity or communication is important, and it can describe both minor and significant misunderstandings. For example: There was a misunderstanding between us「私たちの間に誤解があった」(わたしたちのあいだにごかいがあった). Please don't misunderstand me「私を誤解しないでください」(わたしをごかいしないでください). The word can also be used in formal or informal settings, depending on the context.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    13

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    5

    Frequency

    213

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Sea

    Reading

    kunyomiうみ

    umi

    onyomiかい

    kai

    Parts

    Water (水)Every

    Example Word

    海水: seawater. The Japanese noun '海水 (かいすい)' means 'seawater'. It refers to the saltwater found in oceans and seas. This word is commonly used in contexts related to the ocean, marine life, or activities involving the sea. For example: The seawater is cold today「今日の海水は冷たい」(きょうのかいすいはつめたい). We collected seawater for the experiment「実験のために海水を集めた」(じっけんのためにかいすいをあつめた). The word can also appear in compound nouns, such as '海水浴 (かいすいよく)', which means 'sea bathing'.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    9

    JLPT

    N4

    Grade

    2

    Frequency

    219

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Open

    Reading

    kunyomi

    a

    ひら

    hira

    onyomiかい

    kai

    Parts

    Gate Open

    Example Word

    開始: start. The Japanese verbal noun '開始 (かいし)' means 'start' or 'commencement'. It is used to indicate the beginning of an event, activity, or process. This word is often used in formal or official contexts, such as meetings, ceremonies, or operations. For example: The meeting will start at 10 AM「会議は10時に開始します」(かいぎは10じにかいしします). The operation has commenced「手術が開始されました」(しゅじゅつがかいしされました). Note that '開始' is typically used in written or formal speech, while more casual situations might use simpler terms like '始める (はじめる)'.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    12

    JLPT

    N4

    Grade

    3

    Frequency

    244

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    World

    Reading

    onyomiかい

    kai

    Parts

    Rice field Mediate, Jammed in

    Example Word

    境界: boundary. The Japanese noun '境界 (きょうかい)' refers to a boundary or border, often used to describe a physical or conceptual line separating two areas, ideas, or states. It can be used in various contexts, such as geographical boundaries, personal limits, or abstract distinctions. For example: the boundary between the two countries「二つの国の境界」(ふたつのくにのきょうかい). The boundary between dreams and reality「夢と現実の境界」(ゆめとげんじつのきょうかい). This word is commonly used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, emphasizing the idea of separation or division.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    9

    JLPT

    N4

    Grade

    3

    Frequency

    309

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Storey

    Reading

    onyomiかい

    kai

    Parts

    All 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

    Stroke Count

    12

    JLPT

    N2

    Grade

    3

    Frequency

    375

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    All

    Reading

    kunyomiみな

    mina

    みんな

    minna

    onyomiかい

    kai

    Parts

    Compare, Ratio 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

    Stroke Count

    9

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    7

    Frequency

    403

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Weird, Suspicious

    Reading

    kunyomiあや

    aya

    onyomi

    ke

    かい

    kai

    Parts

    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

    Stroke Count

    8

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    8

    Frequency

    455

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Reform

    Reading

    kunyomiあらた

    arata

    onyomiかい

    kai

    Parts

    Oneself Strike

    Example Word

    改まる: reform. The Japanese verb '改まる (あらたまる)' primarily means 'to reform' or 'to change for the better'. It is often used in contexts where something is being improved, revised, or made more formal. This verb can be used in both literal and figurative senses, such as reforming a system or changing one's behavior. For example: The company reformed its policies「会社は方針を改まった」(かいしゃはほうしんをあらたまった). His attitude changed for the better「彼の態度が改まった」(かれのたいどがあらたまった). It's important to note that this verb often carries a connotation of positive change or improvement.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    7

    JLPT

    N2

    Grade

    4

    Frequency

    588

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Mediate, Jammed in

    Reading

    onyomiかい

    kai

    Parts

    Person 丿Katakana no 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

    Stroke Count

    4

    JLPT

    N2

    Grade

    7

    Frequency

    591

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Pleasant

    Reading

    kunyomiこころよ

    kokoroyo

    onyomiかい

    kai

    Parts

    Decide

    Example Word

    不快: discomfort. The Japanese noun '不快 (ふかい)' refers to a feeling of discomfort or unpleasantness. It can describe physical discomfort, such as feeling unwell, or emotional discomfort, such as unease or irritation. This word is often used in contexts where something causes a negative sensation or reaction. For example: I feel discomfort in this situation「この状況に不快を感じる」(このじょうきょうにふかいをかんじる). The smell caused discomfort「その匂いが不快を引き起こした」(そのにおいがふかいをひきおこした). It is also commonly used in phrases like '不快感 (ふかいかん)' (feeling of discomfort) to emphasize the sensation of unease.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    7

    JLPT

    N2

    Grade

    5

    Frequency

    607

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Revolve, Times

    Reading

    kunyomiまわ

    mawa

    onyomiかい

    kai

    Parts

    Mouth

    Example Word

    身の回り: surroundings or belongings. The Japanese noun '身の回り (みのまわり)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'surroundings', referring to the immediate environment or area around a person. The second meaning is 'belongings', referring to personal items or things one uses daily. For example: She keeps her surroundings clean「彼女は身の回りをきれいにしている」(かのじょはみのまわりをきれいにしている). He organized his belongings「彼は身の回りのものを整理した」(かれはみのまわりのものをせいりした). The word is often used in contexts related to personal care, organization, or daily life.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    6

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    2

    Frequency

    613

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Picture

    Reading

    onyomiかい

    kai

    e

    Parts

    Thread Meet

    Example Word

    絵葉書: postcard. The Japanese noun '絵葉書 (えはがき)' refers to a 'postcard', specifically one that features a picture or illustration, often used for sending messages or greetings. This term combines '絵 (え)' meaning 'picture' and '葉書 (はがき)' meaning 'postcard'. It is commonly used in contexts where people send illustrated postcards from travel destinations or special occasions. For example: I bought a postcard at the museum「博物館で絵葉書を買いました」(はくぶつかんでえはがきをかいました). She sent me a beautiful postcard from Kyoto「彼女は京都からきれいな絵葉書を送ってくれました」(かのじょはきょうとからきれいなえはがきをおくってくれました).

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    12

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    2

    Frequency

    615

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Street, Boulevard

    Reading

    kunyomiまち

    machi

    onyomiがい

    gai

    かい

    kai

    Parts

    Go

    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

    Stroke Count

    12

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    4

    Frequency

    735

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Bosom, Pocket

    Reading

    kunyomiなつ

    natsu

    ふところ

    futokoro

    onyomiかい

    kai

    Parts

    Ten Net 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

    Stroke Count

    16

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    9

    Frequency

    905

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Remains

    Reading

    kunyomiむくろ

    mukuro

    onyomiがい

    gai

    かい

    kai

    Parts

    Bone

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    16

    Grade

    10

    Frequency

    1172

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Contraption

    Reading

    onyomiかい

    kai

    Parts

    Tree, Wood 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

    Stroke Count

    11

    JLPT

    N2

    Grade

    4

    Frequency

    1219

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Ashes

    Reading

    kunyomiはい

    hai

    onyomiかい

    kai

    Parts

    Cliff 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

    Stroke Count

    6

    JLPT

    N2

    Grade

    6

    Frequency

    1227

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Repent, Regret

    Reading

    kunyomi

    ku

    くや

    kuya

    onyomiかい

    kai

    Parts

    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

    Stroke Count

    9

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    8

    Frequency

    1290

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Demolition, Break down

    Reading

    kunyomiこわ

    kowa

    onyomiかい

    kai

    Parts

    Soil Ten Net Clothes

    Example Word

    壊す: break. The Japanese verb '壊す (こわす)' means 'to break'. It is used when something is physically damaged or destroyed, such as breaking an object or ruining a structure. It can also be used metaphorically, such as breaking a relationship or ruining a plan. Example sentences: I broke the vase「花瓶を壊した」(かびんをこわした). Don't break the rules「ルールを壊さないで」(ルールをこわさないで). The storm broke the bridge「嵐が橋を壊した」(あらしがはしをこわした). Note that '壊す' implies an action done by someone or something, as opposed to '壊れる (こわれる)', which means 'to be broken' and describes the state of something.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    16

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    7

    Frequency

    1323

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Lid

    Reading

    kunyomiふた

    futa

    かこう

    kakou

    けだ

    keda

    onyomiこう

    kou

    がい

    gai

    かい

    kai

    Parts

    Grass

    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

    Stroke Count

    13

    Grade

    10

    Frequency

    1333

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Admonish, Commandment

    Reading

    kunyomiいまし

    imashi

    onyomiかい

    kai

    Parts

    Twenty

    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

    Stroke Count

    7

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    7

    Frequency

    1421

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Defile

    Reading

    kunyomiつい

    tsui

    つぶ

    tsubu

    onyomiかい

    kai

    e

    Parts

    Water (水)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

    Stroke Count

    15

    Grade

    10

    Frequency

    1600

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Lump

    Reading

    kunyomiかたまり

    katamari

    onyomiかい

    kai

    Parts

    Soil Demon, Ogre

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    13

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    8

    Frequency

    1690

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Harmony

    Reading

    kunyomiかな

    kana

    やわ

    yawa

    onyomiかい

    kai

    Parts

    Say (言)All

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    16

    Grade

    10

    Frequency

    1903

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Kidnap

    Reading

    onyomiかい

    kai

    Parts

    Hand (手)Sword Mouth

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    8

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    9

    Frequency

    2044

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Square character style, Correctness

    Reading

    onyomiかい

    kai

    Parts

    Tree, Wood All

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    13

    Grade

    10

    Frequency

    2130

    Handwriting

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Onyomi reading Groups

Group 18 of 305