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

缶詰: canned food. The Japanese noun '缶詰 (かんづめ)' refers to 'canned food'. This term is used to describe food that has been preserved and sealed in cans. It is commonly used in everyday conversation when referring to various types of canned goods, such as vegetables, fruits, or meats. For example: I bought canned tuna「缶詰のツナを買いました」(かんづめのツナをかいました). Canned food is convenient for camping「缶詰はキャンプに便利です」(かんづめはキャンプにべんりです). Additionally, '缶詰' can also metaphorically describe a situation where someone is confined or isolated, similar to being 'canned', though this usage is less common and more contextual.

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

喫煙: smoking. The Japanese verbal noun '喫煙 (きつえん)' refers to the act of smoking, particularly tobacco. It is commonly used in contexts related to health, regulations, or habits. For example: Smoking is prohibited here「ここでは喫煙は禁止されています」(ここではきつえんはきんしされています). He quit smoking last year「彼は去年喫煙をやめました」(かれはきょねんきつえんをやめました). The word is often seen in signs or public notices, such as '喫煙所 (きつえんじょ)' (smoking area). It is important to note that this term is neutral in tone and does not carry any positive or negative connotations by itself.

Radical

口

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1649

Handwriting