Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Witch, Demon

Reading

Parts

麻Hemp, Numb 鬼Demon, Ogre

Example Word

悪魔: devil. The Japanese noun '悪魔 (あくま)' means 'devil' or 'demon'. It refers to an evil supernatural being, often associated with malevolence, temptation, or destruction in religious or mythological contexts. This word is commonly used in literature, folklore, and religious discussions. For example: The devil tempted him「悪魔が彼を誘惑した」(あくまがかれをゆうわくした). She believes in demons「彼女は悪魔を信じている」(かのじょはあくまをしんじている). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe someone with evil intentions or actions, as in 'He is a devil in disguise'「彼は悪魔のような人だ」(かれはあくまのようなひとだ).

Radical

鬼

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

691

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Hemp, Numb

Reading

Parts

广Dotted cliff 林Grove

Example Word

麻酔: anesthesia. The Japanese noun '麻酔 (ますい)' refers to 'anesthesia', a medical practice used to induce a temporary loss of sensation or awareness. It is commonly used in medical contexts, such as surgeries or procedures, to prevent pain. For example: The surgery was performed under anesthesia「手術は麻酔下で行われた」(しゅじゅつはますいかでおこなわれた). The dentist used local anesthesia「歯医者は局部麻酔を使った」(はいしゃはきょくぶますいをつかった). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe a numbing or dulling effect, such as in emotional contexts.

Radical

麻

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1193

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Polish

Reading

Parts

麻Hemp, Numb 石Stone

Example Word

磨く: polish. The Japanese verb '磨く (みがく)' primarily means 'to polish'. It is used when referring to the act of making something smooth and shiny by rubbing, such as polishing shoes, silverware, or even one's skills. For example: I polished my shoes「靴を磨いた」(くつをみがいた). He is polishing his skills「彼はスキルを磨いている」(かれはスキルをみがいている). The verb can also metaphorically refer to refining or improving abilities, talents, or qualities. Note that the verb is transitive and typically requires a direct object.

Radical

石

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1410

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Rub, Chafe

Reading

Parts

麻Hemp, Numb 手Hand

Example Word

摩擦: friction. The Japanese verbal noun '摩擦 (まさつ)' primarily means 'friction'. It can refer to physical friction between surfaces, as well as metaphorical friction, such as conflict or tension between people or groups. For example: There is friction between the two countries「二つの国の間に摩擦がある」(ふたつのくにのあいだにまさつがある). The friction of the tires on the road caused the car to stop「タイヤと道路の摩擦で車が止まった」(タイヤとどうろのまさつでくるまがとまった). This word is often used in both scientific and social contexts.

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1461

Handwriting