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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

    送別会: farewell. The Japanese noun '送別会 (そうべつかい)' refers to a 'farewell party' or 'send-off gathering'. It is a common social event held to bid farewell to someone who is leaving, such as a colleague transferring to another location, a friend moving abroad, or a student graduating. The event typically involves speeches, gifts, and sometimes entertainment to express good wishes for the person's future. For example: We held a farewell party for our teacher「先生の送別会を開きました」(せんせいのそうべつかいをひらきました). I attended a farewell party last night「昨夜、送別会に出席しました」(さくや、そうべつかいにしゅっせきしました). The term emphasizes the communal aspect of saying goodbye and is deeply rooted in Japanese social customs.

    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

    解説: explanation. The Japanese verbal noun '解説 (かいせつ)' means 'explanation' or 'commentary'. It is used to describe a detailed explanation or analysis of a topic, often provided by an expert or someone knowledgeable. This term is commonly used in contexts such as news programs, sports broadcasts, or academic lectures, where a commentator or expert provides insights or explanations. For example: The professor gave a detailed explanation of the theory「教授はその理論の解説をした」(きょうじゅはそのりろんのかいせつをした). The sports commentator provided a play-by-play commentary「スポーツ解説者が実況解説をした」(スポーツかいせつしゃがじっきょうかいせつをした).

    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

    海水浴: sea bathing. The Japanese verbal noun '海水浴 (かいすいよく)' refers to the activity of swimming or bathing in the sea, often for leisure or health purposes. It is commonly associated with summer activities and beach outings. For example: We went seabathing yesterday「昨日、海水浴に行きました」(きのう、かいすいよくにいきました). Seabathing is popular in summer「海水浴は夏に人気です」(かいすいよくはなつににんきです). The term is often used in contexts related to vacation, relaxation, and enjoying the beach environment.

    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

    開く: open. The Japanese verb '開く (ひらく)' primarily means 'to open'. It is used to describe the action of opening something, such as a door, a book, or an event. This verb can also be used metaphorically to describe opening opportunities or starting something new. For example: Please open the door「ドアを開いてください」(ドアをひらいてください). The store opens at 9 AM「その店は午前9時に開く」(そのみせはごぜんくじにひらく). Additionally, '開く' can be used in the context of events, such as 'The festival opens tomorrow'「その祭りは明日開く」(そのまつりはあしたひらく). Note that '開く' can also be read as 'あく', which has a slightly different nuance, often implying something opens by itself or is already open.

    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

    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

    Stroke Count

    9

    JLPT

    N4

    Grade

    3

    Frequency

    309

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Storey

    Reading

    onyomiかい

    kai

    Parts

    All 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

    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

    介護: care. The Japanese noun '介護 (かいご)' refers to 'care', specifically the act of providing physical or emotional support to someone who is elderly, ill, or disabled. It is often used in contexts related to nursing, caregiving, or support services. For example: She works in elderly care「彼女は高齢者介護の仕事をしています」(かのじょはこうれいしゃかいごのしごとをしています). My father needs care at home「父は在宅介護が必要です」(ちちはざいたくかいごがひつようです). The term is commonly associated with professional or familial caregiving roles and is a significant topic in Japan due to its aging population.

    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

    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

    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

    上回る: exceed. The Japanese verb '上回る (うわまわる)' means 'to exceed' or 'to surpass'. It is used when something goes beyond a certain limit, standard, or expectation. This verb is often used in contexts involving numbers, performance, or achievements. For example: The sales exceeded expectations「売り上げは予想を上回った」(うりあげはよそうをうわまわった). His score surpassed the class average「彼の点数はクラスの平均を上回った」(かれのてんすうはクラスのへいきんをうわまわった). Note that '上回る' is typically used in formal or written contexts and implies a measurable comparison.

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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: 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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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