Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Love

Reading

Parts

心Heart 爪Claw 冖Crown 夂Late

Example Word

可愛らしい: adorable. The Japanese adjective '可愛らしい (かわいらしい)' means 'adorable' or 'charming'. It is used to describe something or someone that evokes a sense of endearment or cuteness. This word often carries a nuance of being naturally or innocently cute, rather than intentionally so. For example: That puppy is adorable「あの子犬は可愛らしい」(あのこいぬはかわいらしい). Her smile is charming「彼女の笑顔は可愛らしい」(かのじょのえがおはかわいらしい). The adjective can also be used to describe small, delicate, or aesthetically pleasing things, such as '可愛らしい花 (かわいらしいはな) (adorable flower)'.

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

209

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Pity, Sorrow

Reading

Parts

衣Clothes 亠Lid 口Mouth

Example Word

哀れ: pity. The Japanese noun '哀れ (あわれ)' conveys a sense of 'pity' or 'compassion'. It is often used to express a deep feeling of sorrow or sympathy towards someone or something, typically in a situation that evokes a sense of tragedy or helplessness. This word can also carry a poetic or literary nuance, often found in traditional Japanese literature and drama. For example: I felt pity for the stray dog「哀れな野良犬に同情した」(あわれなのらいぬにどうじょうした). The story was filled with pity and sorrow「その物語は哀れと悲しみに満ちていた」(そのものがたりはあわれとかなしみにみちていた).

Radical

口

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

901

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Push open

Reading

Parts

扌Hand (手)矣

Example Word

挨拶: greeting. The Japanese verbal noun '挨拶 (あいさつ)' primarily means 'greeting'. It refers to the act of greeting someone, which can include saying hello, goodbye, or other polite expressions. This word is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, emphasizing politeness and social harmony. It can also refer to formal speeches or remarks made at events. Example sentences: He gave a greeting「彼は挨拶をした」(かれはあいさつをした). Please say hello to everyone「みんなに挨拶してください」(みんなにあいさつしてください). In a formal setting, '挨拶' might refer to a speech: The president made an opening greeting「社長が開会の挨拶をした」(しゃちょうがかいかいのあいさつをした).

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1194

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Dark, Not clear

Reading

Parts

日Day, Sun 愛Love

Example Word

曖昧: vague. The Japanese adjective '曖昧 (あいまい)' means 'vague' or 'ambiguous'. It is used to describe something that is unclear, not well-defined, or open to interpretation. This word can be applied to statements, ideas, situations, or even feelings. For example: His explanation was vague「彼の説明は曖昧だった」(かれのせつめいはあいまいだった). The meaning of this sentence is ambiguous「この文の意味は曖昧だ」(このぶんのいみはあいまいだ). '曖昧' often carries a slightly negative connotation, implying a lack of clarity or precision. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.

Radical

日

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1972

Handwriting