Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Extreme, Pole

Reading

Parts

木Tree, Wood 亟

Example Word

南極: Antarctica. The Japanese noun '南極 (なんきょく)' refers to 'Antarctica', the southernmost continent on Earth. It is often used in geographical or scientific contexts. For example: Antarctica is very cold「南極はとても寒い」(なんきょくはとてもさむい). Penguins live in Antarctica「ペンギンは南極に住んでいる」(ペンギンはなんきょくにすんでいる). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something extremely cold or remote, though this usage is less common.

Radical

木

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

394

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Music, Bend

Reading

Parts

日Day, Sun 丨Stick

Example Word

曲がり角: corner. The Japanese noun '曲がり角 (まがりかど)' refers to a 'corner' or 'bend' in a road or path. It is often used both literally and metaphorically. Literally, it describes a physical turn or curve in a street or path. Metaphorically, it can signify a turning point or critical moment in life or a situation. For example: Turn right at the corner「曲がり角を右に曲がってください」(まがりかどをみぎにまがってください). This is a turning point in my life「これは私の人生の曲がり角です」(これはわたしのじんせいのまがりかどです). The word is commonly used in everyday conversation and literature to describe both physical and abstract concepts.

Radical

曰

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

479

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Bureau

Reading

Parts

尸Corpse 句Phrase, Paragraph

Example Word

局: office. The Japanese noun '局 (きょく)' primarily means 'office' or 'bureau', referring to a place where administrative or professional work is conducted. It is often used in the context of government or organizational departments, such as '郵便局 (ゆうびんきょく)' (post office) or '放送局 (ほうそうきょく)' (broadcasting station). For example: I went to the post office「郵便局に行きました」(ゆうびんきょくにいきました). The broadcasting station is nearby「放送局は近くです」(ほうそうきょくはちかくです). Additionally, '局' can also refer to a 'situation' or 'state of affairs' in certain contexts, though this usage is less common.

Radical

尸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

734

Handwriting