Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Lucky, Good luck

Reading

Parts

士Samurai 口Mouth

Example Word

吉: luck. The Japanese noun '吉 (きち)' primarily means 'luck' or 'good fortune'. It is often used in contexts related to auspiciousness or favorable outcomes. This term is commonly seen in traditional settings, such as in fortune-telling (omikuji) or in names of places and people to convey a sense of prosperity. For example: This is a lucky day「今日は吉の日だ」(きょうはきちのひだ). The fortune slip says good luck「おみくじは吉と言っている」(おみくじはきちといっている). Note that '吉' can also appear in compound words or names, where it retains its connotation of positivity and good fortune.

Radical

口

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

175

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Stuff, Packed

Reading

Parts

訁Say (言)吉Lucky, Good luck

Example Word

詰まり: in short. The Japanese adverb '詰まり (つまり)' is used to summarize or conclude a point, often translating to 'in short', 'in other words', or 'that is to say'. It is commonly used to rephrase or clarify a previous statement, making it easier to understand. For example: In short, he is busy「つまり、彼は忙しい」(つまり、かれはいそがしい). That is to say, we need to hurry「つまり、急ぐ必要がある」(つまり、いそぐひつようがある). It can also be used to indicate the essence or main point of something, as in 'The point is, we need to save money'「つまり、お金を節約する必要がある」(つまり、おかねをせつやくするひつようがある).

Radical

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

822

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Beg

Reading

Example Word

乞食: beggar. The Japanese noun '乞食 (こじき)' refers to a 'beggar', someone who asks for money or food as charity. This term is often used in historical or literary contexts and can carry a somewhat archaic or harsh tone. It is important to note that this word is not commonly used in modern, polite conversation, as it may be considered derogatory. Example sentences: The beggar sat by the temple「乞食が寺のそばに座っていた」(こじきがてらのそばにすわっていた). He gave some money to the beggar「彼は乞食にお金をあげた」(かれはこじきにおかねをあげた).

Radical

乛

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1165

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ingest, Consume

Reading

Parts

口Mouth 契Pledge

Example Word

喫茶: coffee. The Japanese noun '喫茶 (きっさ)' refers to 'coffee' or the act of drinking tea, but it is most commonly associated with coffee shops or cafes in Japan. The term is often used in the context of '喫茶店 (きっさてん)', which means 'coffee shop' or 'cafe'. These establishments are popular spots for enjoying coffee, light meals, and desserts. Example sentences: Let's go to a coffee shop「喫茶店に行きましょう」(きっさてんにいきましょう). This coffee is delicious「この喫茶は美味しい」(このきっさはおいしい). Note that while '喫茶' can refer to tea, in modern usage it is more commonly associated with coffee.

Radical

口

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1649

Handwriting