kanji

Meaning

Love

Reading

Parts

心Heart 爪Claw 冖Crown 夂Late

Example Word

愛情: affection. The Japanese noun '愛情 (あいじょう)' means 'affection' or 'love'. It refers to a deep feeling of care, fondness, or attachment towards someone or something. This word is often used to describe emotional bonds, such as parental love, romantic love, or even love for pets. For example: she has deep affection for her child「彼女は子供に深い愛情を持っている」(かのじょはこどもにふかいあいじょうをもっている). His affection for animals is evident「彼の動物への愛情は明らかだ」(かれのどうぶつへのあいじょうはあきらかだ). Note that '愛情' is more about emotional attachment and care, rather than romantic love, which is often expressed with '恋 (こい)'.

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

209

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Pity, Sorrow

Reading

Parts

衣Clothes 亠Lid 口Mouth

Example Word

可哀想: pitiful. The Japanese adjectival noun '可哀想 (かわいそう)' means 'pitiful' or 'deserving of sympathy'. It is used to express a feeling of pity or compassion towards someone or something in an unfortunate situation. This word is often used when observing someone's suffering, misfortune, or hardship. For example: That stray dog looks pitiful「その野良犬は可哀想だ」(そののらいぬはかわいそうだ). I feel sorry for her「彼女が可哀想だ」(かのじょがかわいそうだ). It can also be used to describe situations or objects that evoke a sense of sadness or sympathy, such as a broken toy or a neglected plant. The nuance is empathetic and often carries a sense of wanting to help or comfort the subject.

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