Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Gather

Reading

Parts

木Tree, Wood 隹Bird

Example Word

集団: group. The Japanese noun '集団 (しゅうだん)' means 'group'. It refers to a collection of people or things gathered together, often with a common purpose or characteristic. This term is commonly used in various contexts, such as social groups, organizations, or even inanimate objects grouped together. For example: a group of students「学生の集団」(がくせいのしゅうだん). A group of buildings「建物の集団」(たてもののしゅうだん). The word can also imply a sense of unity or collective action within the group.

Radical

隹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

322

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

End

Reading

Parts

糸Thread 冬Winter

Example Word

最終: last. The Japanese noun '最終 (さいしゅう)' means 'last' or 'final'. It is commonly used to refer to the last or final instance of something, such as the last train, the final episode of a series, or the ultimate conclusion of an event. For example: the last train「最終電車」(さいしゅうでんしゃ). This is the final episode「これは最終回です」(これはさいしゅうかいです). The final decision will be made tomorrow「最終的な決定は明日行われます」(さいしゅうてきなけっていはあしたおこなわれます). Note that '最終' often carries a sense of definitiveness or conclusion, and it is frequently used in formal or structured contexts.

Radical

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

372

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Autumn

Reading

Parts

火Fire 禾Cereal

Example Word

秋風: autumn wind. The Japanese noun '秋風 (あきかぜ)' literally translates to 'autumn wind'. It refers to the cool, refreshing wind that blows during the autumn season. This term is often used in poetry and literature to evoke the atmosphere of autumn. For example: The autumn wind feels refreshing「秋風が爽やかだ」(あきかぜがさわやかだ). The autumn wind blows through the trees「秋風が木々を吹き抜ける」(あきかぜがきぎをふきぬける). This word captures the essence of the season and is commonly used to describe the characteristic wind of autumn.

Radical

禾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

527

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Religion

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 示Show, Indicate

Example Word

宗: sect. The Japanese suffix '宗 (しゅう)' means 'sect' and is commonly used in the context of religious or philosophical schools. It refers to a specific branch or tradition within a larger religious or philosophical system. For example, in Buddhism, it is used to denote different sects such as Zen Buddhism (禅宗, ぜんしゅう) or Pure Land Buddhism (浄土宗, じょうどしゅう). The suffix can also be used more broadly to refer to any organized group or school of thought. Example sentences: He belongs to the Zen sect「彼は禅宗です」(かれはぜんしゅうです). This temple is affiliated with the Pure Land sect「この寺は浄土宗です」(このてらはじょうどしゅうです).

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

582

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Multitude

Reading

Parts

血Blood 乑

Example Word

合衆: federation. The Japanese noun '合衆 (がっしゅう)' refers to a 'federation' or a union of states or groups. It is often used in the context of political or organizational structures where multiple entities come together under a unified system. For example, the United States is referred to as 'アメリカ合衆国 (あめりかがっしゅうこく)' in Japanese, which literally translates to 'United States of America'. Another example: The federation decided to implement new policies「合衆は新しい政策を実施することに決めた」(がっしゅうはあたらしいせいさくをじっしすることにきめた). This term is formal and is typically used in political or historical contexts.

Radical

血

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

610

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

State

Reading

Parts

丶Dot 川River

Example Word

州: state. The Japanese noun '州 (しゅう)' refers to a 'state' or 'province', typically used in the context of administrative divisions within a country. It is commonly used to describe states in countries like the United States, such as California or Texas. For example: California is a state in the US「カリフォルニアはアメリカの州です」(かりふぉるにあはあめりかのしゅうです). Australia has six states「オーストラリアには6つの州があります」(おーすとらりあには6つのしゅうがあります). Note that '州' can also refer to regions or provinces in other contexts, but its primary meaning is 'state'.

Radical

巛

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

645

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Learn

Reading

Parts

羽Feather 白White

Example Word

習う: learn. The Japanese verb '習う (ならう)' means 'to learn'. It specifically refers to learning through instruction, practice, or imitation, often under the guidance of a teacher or mentor. This verb is commonly used when talking about acquiring skills, knowledge, or techniques in a structured way. For example: I learn Japanese from my teacher「私は先生に日本語を習う」(わたしはせんせいににほんごをならう). She is learning to play the piano「彼女はピアノを習っている」(かのじょはピアノをならっている). Note that '習う' implies a more formal or systematic learning process compared to '学ぶ (まなぶ)', which can refer to learning in a broader sense.

Radical

羽

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

727

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Circumference

Reading

Parts

口Mouth 冂Enclosure

Example Word

一周: lap. The Japanese verbal noun '一周 (いっしゅう)' primarily means 'lap' or 'one full circuit'. It is commonly used in contexts involving physical movement around a track, path, or any circular route. For example: I ran one lap around the park「公園を一周走った」(こうえんをいっしゅうはしった). The Earth completes one orbit around the Sun in a year「地球は一年で太陽を一周する」(ちきゅうはいちねんでたいようをいっしゅうする). This term can also be used metaphorically to describe completing a cycle or full rotation in various contexts.

Radical

口

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

732

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Excel, Excellent

Reading

Parts

禾Cereal 乃

Example Word

優秀: excellent. The Japanese adjectival noun '優秀 (ゆうしゅう)' means 'excellent' and is used to describe someone or something that is outstanding, superior, or of high quality. It is often used to praise people, such as students, employees, or professionals, for their exceptional abilities or achievements. For example: He is an excellent student「彼は優秀な学生です」(かれはゆうしゅうながくせいです). This is an excellent product「これは優秀な製品です」(これはゆうしゅうなせいひんです). The term carries a formal tone and is commonly used in academic, professional, or evaluative contexts.

Radical

禾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

746

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Settle, Concerning

Reading

Parts

尢 尤 京Capital

Example Word

就任: inauguration. The Japanese verbal noun '就任 (しゅうにん)' refers to the act of assuming a position or office, often used in formal contexts such as politics, business, or organizations. It implies the official start of a new role or responsibility. For example: The president's inauguration ceremony was held yesterday「大統領の就任式は昨日行われた」(だいとうりょうのしゅうにんしきはきのうおこなわれた). He assumed the position of CEO「彼はCEOに就任した」(かれはしーいーおーにしゅうにんした). The term is commonly used in news reports, official announcements, and formal speeches.

Radical

尢

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

873

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Discipline

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)㣊

Example Word

修道: asceticism. The Japanese noun '修道 (しゅうどう)' refers to the practice of asceticism or spiritual training, often in the context of religious or philosophical disciplines. It involves rigorous self-discipline and self-denial to achieve spiritual growth or enlightenment. This term is commonly associated with practices in Buddhism, Shinto, or other spiritual paths. Example sentences: He devoted his life to asceticism「彼は修道に人生を捧げた」(かれはしゅうどうにじんせいをささげた). The monk's asceticism was admirable「その僧の修道は立派だった」(そのそうのしゅうどうはりっぱだった).

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

909

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Boat

Reading

Radical

舟

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

942

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Seize, Execute

Reading

Parts

土Soil 幸Happiness 丸Round

Example Word

執筆: writing. The Japanese noun '執筆 (しっぴつ)' refers to the act of writing, particularly in the context of composing or drafting written works such as articles, essays, or books. It is often used in formal or professional settings to describe the process of creating written content. For example: He is currently writing a novel「彼は現在、小説を執筆中です」(かれはげんざい、しょうせつをしっぴつちゅうです). The author spent years writing this book「その著者はこの本を執筆するのに何年も費やしました」(そのちょしゃはこのほんをしっぴつするのになんねんもついやしました).

Radical

土

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1013

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Sleeve

Reading

Parts

衤 由Reason

Example Word

半袖: short sleeve. The Japanese noun '半袖 (はんそで)' refers to 'short-sleeve' clothing, typically shirts or tops. It is commonly used to describe garments that have sleeves covering only the upper part of the arm, as opposed to full-length sleeves. For example: I bought a short-sleeve shirt「半袖のシャツを買いました」(はんそでのシャツをかいました). This short-sleeve shirt is comfortable「この半袖のシャツは快適です」(このはんそでのシャツはかいてきです). The term is often used in the context of summer clothing or casual wear.

Radical

衣

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1068

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Attack, Inherit

Reading

Parts

衣Clothes 龍

Example Word

襲う: attack. The Japanese verb '襲う (おそう)' primarily means 'to attack'. This verb is used to describe a sudden and often violent action against someone or something. It can refer to physical attacks, such as an animal attacking a person, or more abstract forms of attack, like a sudden storm or a wave of emotions. For example: The bear attacked the hiker「熊がハイカーを襲った」(くまがハイカーをおそった). A sudden feeling of sadness attacked her「突然の悲しみが彼女を襲った」(とつぜんのかなしみがかのじょをおそった). The verb can also be used metaphorically to describe being overwhelmed by something, such as a wave of nostalgia or a sudden realization.

Radical

衣

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1102

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Obtain

Reading

Parts

丩 又Again

Example Word

収穫: harvest. The Japanese verbal noun '収穫 (しゅうかく)' primarily means 'harvest'. It refers to the process or result of gathering crops from the fields. This word can also be used metaphorically to describe the fruits of one's labor or efforts in a broader sense. For example: The harvest this year was abundant「今年の収穫は豊かだった」(ことしのしゅうかくはゆたかだった). We are looking forward to the harvest of our hard work「私たちの努力の収穫を楽しみにしている」(わたしたちのどりょくのしゅうかくをたのしみにしている). It is important to note that '収穫' is often used in agricultural contexts but can extend to other areas where results or outcomes are gathered.

Radical

又

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1107

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Pick up

Reading

Parts

扌Hand (手)合Fit, Match

Example Word

拾う: pickup. The Japanese verb '拾う (ひろう)' means 'to pick up'. It is used when someone picks up something from the ground or a surface, often implying that the object was dropped or lost. This verb can also be used metaphorically to mean picking up on something, such as a signal or a hint. For example: I picked up a coin「私はコインを拾った」(わたしはこいんをひろう). He picked up on her subtle hint「彼は彼女の微妙なヒントを拾った」(かれはかのじょのびみょうなヒントをひろう). Note that this verb is transitive and requires a direct object.

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1175

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Celebrate

Reading

Parts

礻Cult (示)兄Older brother

Example Word

祝日: holiday. The Japanese noun '祝日 (しゅくじつ)' refers to a national holiday or public holiday in Japan. These are days officially recognized by the government, during which many businesses and schools are closed. Examples include New Year's Day (元日), Coming of Age Day (成人の日), and Culture Day (文化の日). For example: Tomorrow is a national holiday「明日は祝日です」(あしたはしゅくじつです). We have a day off because it's a public holiday「祝日なので休みです」(しゅくじつなのでやすみです). Note that '祝日' specifically refers to holidays established by law, as opposed to '休日 (きゅうじつ)', which can refer to any day off, including weekends.

Radical

示

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1182

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Stinking, Bad smell

Reading

Parts

自Self 大Big

Example Word

面倒臭い: troublesome. The Japanese adjective '面倒臭い (めんどうくさい)' means 'troublesome' or 'a pain'. It is used to describe something that is bothersome, annoying, or requires too much effort. This word carries a slightly informal tone and is often used in casual conversation. For example: This homework is troublesome「この宿題は面倒臭い」(このしゅくだいはめんどうくさい). Dealing with that person is a pain「あの人と関わるのは面倒臭い」(あのひととかかわるのはめんどうくさい). The word combines '面倒 (めんどう)', meaning 'trouble' or 'hassle', with '臭い (くさい)', which adds a sense of unpleasantness or reluctance.

Radical

自

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1192

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Week

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 周Circumference

Example Word

週間: week. The Japanese suffix '週間 (しゅうかん)' means 'week' and is used to indicate a period of time lasting seven days. It is commonly attached to numbers or other words to specify a duration in weeks. For example: two weeks「二週間」(にしゅうかん). This suffix is often used in contexts like schedules, events, or time frames. For instance: the festival lasts for three weeks「祭りは三週間続きます」(まつりはさんしゅうかんつづきます). It is important to note that '週間' is a noun and is typically used in combination with other words to form compound nouns.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1241

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ugly

Reading

Parts

酉Bird of the zodiac 鬼Demon, Ogre

Example Word

醜い: ugly. The Japanese adjective '醜い (みにくい)' means 'ugly'. It is used to describe something or someone that is unattractive in appearance or behavior. This word can also be used metaphorically to describe actions or situations that are morally reprehensible or disgraceful. For example: That painting is ugly「その絵は醜い」(そのえはみにくい). His actions were ugly「彼の行動は醜かった」(かれのこうどうはみにくかった). It's important to note that this adjective can carry a strong negative connotation, so it should be used with caution.

Radical

酉

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1406

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Kick

Reading

Parts

⻊Foot (足)就Settle, Concerning

Example Word

蹴る: kick. The Japanese verb '蹴る (ける)' means 'to kick'. It is used to describe the action of striking or hitting something with the foot. This verb can be used in both literal and figurative contexts. For example: he kicked the ball「彼はボールを蹴った」(かれはボールをけった). She kicked the habit「彼女はその癖を蹴った」(かのじょはそのくせをけった). In the second example, '蹴る' is used figuratively to mean 'to quit' or 'to give up' a habit. The verb can also be used in various forms to indicate different tenses or levels of politeness.

Radical

足

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1516

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Prisoner, Criminal

Reading

Parts

人Person 囗Box

Radical

囗

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1646

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Distress, Melancholy

Reading

Parts

心Heart 秋Autumn

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1741

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Reward, Repay

Reading

Parts

酉Bird of the zodiac 州State

Example Word

報酬: reward or compensation. The Japanese noun '報酬 (ほうしゅう)' refers to a reward or compensation given in return for services, work, or effort. It is commonly used in professional or contractual contexts to describe payment, bonuses, or other forms of remuneration. For example: The company paid a generous reward for his hard work「会社は彼の努力に対して寛大な報酬を支払った」(かいしゃはかれのどりょくにたいしてかんだいなほうしゅうをしはらった). The compensation for the project was fair「そのプロジェクトの報酬は公平だった」(そのプロジェクトのほうしゅうはこうへいだった). Note that '報酬' often implies a formal or agreed-upon exchange, distinguishing it from casual gifts or tips.

Radical

酉

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1878

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Feel ashamed

Reading

Parts

⺶Sheep (羊)丑 丿Katakana no

Radical

羊

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1898

Handwriting