kanji

Meaning

Meet

Reading

Parts

人Person 二Two 厶Private

Example Word

議会: parliament. The Japanese noun '議会 (ぎかい)' refers to a 'parliament' or 'legislative assembly'. It is used to describe a formal assembly of representatives that has the authority to make laws and govern. This term is commonly used in political contexts to refer to national or local legislative bodies. For example: The parliament passed a new law「議会は新しい法律を可決した」(ぎかいはあたらしいほうりつをかけつした). The members of parliament are debating「議会のメンバーは議論している」(ぎかいのメンバーはぎろんしている). Note that '議会' can also refer to local assemblies or councils, depending on the context.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

98

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Solve, Untie

Reading

Parts

角Corner, Angle 刀Sword 牛Cow

Example Word

解除: cancellation. The Japanese noun '解除 (かいじょ)' refers to the act of canceling, revoking, or releasing something, such as a contract, restriction, or state of being. It is commonly used in formal or technical contexts. For example: cancellation of the contract「契約の解除」(けいやくのかいじょ). The state of emergency has been lifted「緊急事態が解除された」(きんきゅうじたいがかいじょされた). It can also refer to the removal of a lock or restriction, as in '解除コード (かいじょコード) (unlock code)'. This word is often used in legal, technical, or administrative settings.

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

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

門

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

244

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

World

Reading

Parts

田Rice field 介Mediate, Jammed in

Example Word

業界: industry. The Japanese noun '業界 (ぎょうかい)' refers to a specific industry or business sector. It is commonly used to describe a particular field of work or commerce, such as the entertainment industry, technology industry, or financial industry. For example: He works in the film industry「彼は映画業界で働いています」(かれはえいがぎょうかいではたらいています). The gaming industry is growing rapidly「ゲーム業界は急速に成長しています」(ゲームぎょうかいはきゅうそくにせいちょうしています). This term is often used in professional or business contexts to discuss trends, developments, or challenges within a specific sector.

Radical

田

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

309

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Storey

Reading

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

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

怪我: injury. The Japanese verbal noun '怪我 (けが)' means 'injury'. It refers to physical harm or damage to the body, such as cuts, bruises, or sprains. This word is commonly used in everyday conversation and medical contexts. For example: I got a minor injury「軽い怪我をした」(かるいけがをした). Be careful not to get injured「怪我をしないように気をつけて」(けがをしないようにきをつけて). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe emotional or psychological harm, though this usage is less common. It is important to note that '怪我' specifically refers to injuries caused by accidents or external factors, not illnesses or diseases.

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

455

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Reform

Reading

Parts

己Oneself 攵Strike

Example Word

改札口: ticket gate. The Japanese noun '改札口 (かいさつぐち)' refers to the 'ticket gate' or 'ticket barrier' at train stations, subways, or other transit systems. It is the point where passengers pass through after inserting or scanning their tickets or transit cards. This term is commonly used in daily life, especially in urban areas with extensive public transportation systems. For example: The ticket gate is crowded「改札口は混雑している」(かいさつぐちはこんざつしている). Please meet me at the ticket gate「改札口で会いましょう」(かいさつぐちであいましょう). The word is a combination of '改札 (かいさつ)', meaning 'ticket inspection', and '口 (ぐち)', meaning 'entrance' or 'exit'.

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

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

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

607

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Revolve, Times

Reading

Parts

口Mouth

Example Word

回り: rotation or around. The Japanese noun '回り (まわり)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'around', referring to the surrounding area or vicinity of something. For example: I walked around the park「公園の回りを歩いた」(こうえんのまわりをあるいた). The second meaning is 'rotation', referring to the act of turning or revolving. For example: The rotation of the Earth is fast「地球の回りは速い」(ちきゅうのまわりははやい). It's important to note that the context in which '回り' is used will determine which meaning is intended.

Radical

囗

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

613

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Picture

Reading

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

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

悔しい: frustrating. The Japanese adjective '悔しい (くやしい)' conveys a feeling of frustration, regret, or vexation, often arising from a sense of missed opportunity, failure, or unfairness. It is commonly used to express emotional distress when something does not go as planned or when one feels they could have done better. For example: It's frustrating to lose the game「試合に負けて悔しい」(しあいにまけてくやしい). I feel frustrated because I couldn't say what I wanted「言いたいことが言えなくて悔しい」(いいたいことがいえなくてくやしい). This word is deeply tied to personal emotions and is often used in contexts where one reflects on their own actions or circumstances.

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