kanji

Meaning

Meet

Reading

Parts

人Person 二Two 厶Private

Example Word

運動会: sports day. The Japanese noun '運動会 (うんどうかい)' refers to a 'sports day' or 'athletic meet', typically held at schools or community centers. It is an event where students or community members participate in various sports and games, often as a way to promote physical fitness and teamwork. For example: The sports day is tomorrow「運動会は明日です」(うんどうかはあしたです). I participated in the sports day「私は運動会に参加しました」(わたしはうんどうかいにさんかしました). This event is usually held annually and is a significant part of Japanese school culture.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

98

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Solve, Untie

Reading

Parts

角Corner, Angle 刀Sword 牛Cow

Example Word

解釈: interpretation. The Japanese verbal noun '解釈 (かいしゃく)' means 'interpretation'. It refers to the act of explaining or understanding the meaning of something, such as a text, situation, or event. This word is often used in academic, legal, or philosophical contexts. For example: His interpretation of the law was unique「彼の法律の解釈は独特だった」(かれのほうりつのかいしゃくはどくとくだった). The teacher's interpretation of the poem was insightful「先生の詩の解釈は洞察に富んでいた」(せんせいのしのかいしゃくはどうさつにとんでいた). It can also imply a subjective understanding, as interpretations may vary depending on the individual.

Radical

角

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

213

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Sea

Reading

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

219

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Open

Reading

Parts

門Gate 开Open

Example Word

開放: release or opening. The Japanese verbal noun '開放 (かいほう)' can mean 'opening' or 'release', depending on the context. When referring to 'opening', it is often used to describe the act of making something accessible or available, such as opening a facility to the public. For example: The park is now open to the public「公園が開放された」(こうえんがかいほうされた). When referring to 'release', it can describe the act of setting something free or relieving pressure, such as releasing stress. For example: He released his stress by exercising「彼は運動でストレスを開放した」(かれはうんどうでストレスをかいほうした). The word is versatile and can be used in both physical and abstract contexts.

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

階段: stairs. The Japanese noun '階段 (かいだん)' means 'stairs'. It refers to a series of steps that allow people to move from one level of a building to another. This word is commonly used in everyday conversation when referring to staircases in homes, offices, or public places. For example: Please use the stairs「階段を使ってください」(かいだんをつかってください). The stairs are over there「階段はあそこです」(かいだんはあそこです). It can also be used metaphorically to describe progress or steps in a process, though this usage is less common.

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

375

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

All

Reading

Parts

比Compare, Ratio 白White

Example Word

皆様: everyone. The Japanese noun '皆様 (みなさま)' is a polite and respectful way to refer to 'everyone' or 'all of you'. It is often used in formal settings, speeches, or when addressing a group of people with respect. For example: Thank you, everyone「皆様、ありがとうございます」(みなさま、ありがとうございます). Everyone, please take care「皆様、お気をつけてください」(みなさま、おきをつけてください). The term is more formal than '皆 (みな)' and is commonly used in written communication or formal announcements.

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

改造: modification. The Japanese verbal noun '改造 (かいぞう)' refers to the act of modifying or remodeling something, often to improve or change its function or appearance. It is commonly used in contexts such as modifying vehicles, machinery, or even software. For example: He modified his car「彼は車を改造した」(かれはくるまをかいぞうした). The company is remodeling the office「会社はオフィスを改造している」(かいしゃはオフィスをかいぞうしている). This word can also imply significant changes rather than minor adjustments, depending on the context.

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

紹介: introduction. The Japanese verbal noun '紹介 (しょうかい)' means 'introduction'. It is used to refer to the act of introducing someone or something to others. This word is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, such as introducing a person to a group, presenting a new concept, or recommending a product. For example: Let me introduce my friend「友達を紹介します」(ともだちをしょうかいします). This book is highly recommended「この本を紹介します」(このほんをしょうかいします). The word can also be used in compound forms, such as '自己紹介 (じこしょうかい)' (self-introduction), which is often used when meeting someone for the first time.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

591

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Pleasant

Reading

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

607

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Revolve, Times

Reading

Parts

口Mouth

Example Word

回路: circuit. The Japanese noun '回路 (かいろ)' means 'circuit'. It refers to a closed path through which an electric current flows or a system of electrical components connected to form such a path. This term is commonly used in electronics, engineering, and technology contexts. For example: The circuit is broken「回路が壊れている」(かいろがこわれている). This device has a complex circuit「この装置は複雑な回路を持っている」(このそうちはふくざつなかいろをもっている). Additionally, '回路' can also metaphorically describe a process or system in fields like biology or computer science, such as neural circuits in the brain.

Radical

囗

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

613

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Picture

Reading

Parts

糸Thread 会Meet

Example Word

絵画: painting. The Japanese noun '絵画 (かいが)' refers to 'painting' as an art form. It is used to describe works of art created with paint, typically on canvas or paper. This term is often used in formal or artistic contexts. For example: I like this painting「この絵画が好きです」(このかいががすきです). The museum has many paintings「美術館には多くの絵画があります」(びじゅつかんにはおおくのかいががあります). The word can also refer to the broader category of visual art, but it is most commonly associated with painted works.

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: 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