kanji

Meaning

Young

Reading

Parts

艹Grass 右Right

Example Word

若しくは: or. The Japanese conjunction '若しくは (もしくは)' means 'or'. It is used to present alternatives or choices, often in formal or legal contexts. This conjunction is typically used to connect two items or clauses, indicating that either one or the other is possible. For example: You can choose tea or coffee「お茶若しくはコーヒーを選べます」(おちゃもしくはコーヒーをえらべます). The meeting will be held on Monday or Tuesday「会議は月曜日若しくは火曜日に開催されます」(かいぎはげつようびもしくはかようびにかいさいされます). Note that '若しくは' is more formal than the more commonly used 'または' or 'か'.

Radical

艸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

178

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Weak

Reading

Parts

冫Ice (水)弓Bow

Example Word

弱める: weaken. The Japanese verb '弱める (よわめる)' means 'to weaken'. It is used to describe the action of making something less strong, intense, or effective. This verb can be applied to physical strength, emotional states, or even abstract concepts like arguments or flavors. For example: The illness weakened him「その病気は彼を弱めた」(そのびょうきはかれをよわめた). She weakened the tea by adding water「彼女は水を加えてお茶を弱めた」(かのじょはみずをくわえておちゃをよわめた). The verb is often used in contexts where the reduction of strength or intensity is deliberate or noticeable.

Radical

弓

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

643

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Quietly, Lonely

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 叔Uncle, Younger sibling of parent

Example Word

寂しい: lonely. The Japanese adjective '寂しい (さびしい)' primarily means 'lonely' or 'lonesome'. It is used to describe a feeling of sadness due to a lack of companionship or a sense of emptiness. This word can also convey a sense of desolation or melancholy, often in relation to places or situations that feel abandoned or quiet. For example: I feel lonely without you「あなたがいなくて寂しい」(あなたがいなくてさびしい). The town was lonely after everyone left「みんなが去った後、町は寂しかった」(みんながさったあと、まちはさびしかった). Note that '寂しい' can sometimes imply a nostalgic longing or a wistful feeling, adding depth to its emotional context.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

974

Handwriting