kanji

Meaning

Minute, Part

Reading

Parts

八Eight 刀Sword

Example Word

分かれる: divide or split. The Japanese verb '分かれる (わかれる)' primarily means 'to divide' or 'to split'. It is used to describe situations where something separates into multiple parts, whether physically, conceptually, or in terms of opinions or paths. For example: the river divides here「川はここで分かれる」(かわはここでわかれる). Their opinions split on this issue「彼らの意見はこの問題で分かれた」(かれらのいけんはこのもんだいでわかれた). This verb can also be used metaphorically, such as when describing diverging paths or choices. Note that '分かれる' is an intransitive verb, meaning it does not take a direct object; the subject itself is what divides or splits.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

10

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Listen

Reading

Parts

門Gate 耳Ear

Example Word

聞く: listen or ask. The Japanese verb '聞く (きく)' has two primary meanings: 'to ask' and 'to listen'. When used to mean 'to ask', it refers to inquiring or seeking information from someone. For example: I asked the teacher「先生に聞いた」(せんせいにきいた). When used to mean 'to listen', it refers to the act of hearing or paying attention to sounds or speech. For example: I listened to music「音楽を聞いた」(おんがくをきいた). The context usually clarifies which meaning is intended. Note that '聞く' is often used in polite requests, such as '聞いてください (きいてください)' (please listen/ask).

Radical

耳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

68

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Sentence

Reading

Parts

亠Lid 乂Govern

Example Word

文句: phrase or complaint. The Japanese noun '文句 (もんく)' has two distinct meanings. The first and most common meaning is 'complaint', referring to an expression of dissatisfaction or grievance. For example: he always has complaints「彼はいつも文句を言う」(かれはいつももんくをいう). The second meaning is 'phrase', referring to a short, memorable expression or a set of words. For example: this phrase is catchy「この文句はキャッチーだ」(このもんくはきゃっちーだ). The context usually makes it clear which meaning is intended. When used to mean 'complaint', it often appears with verbs like 言う (いう, to say) or つける (to make). When used to mean 'phrase', it is often associated with advertising, slogans, or memorable sayings.

Radical

文

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

74

Handwriting