kanji

Meaning

Extreme, Pole

Reading

Parts

木Tree, Wood 亟

Example Word

消極的: passive. The Japanese adjective '消極的 (しょうきょくてき)' means 'passive'. It describes a lack of active involvement or initiative, often implying reluctance or hesitation to take action. This word is commonly used to describe behavior, attitudes, or approaches. For example: he has a passive attitude「彼は消極的な態度だ」(かれはしょうきょくてきなたいどだ). Her response was passive「彼女の反応は消極的だった」(かのじょのはんのうはしょうきょくてきだった). The term can also be used in contexts like '消極的な性格 (しょうきょくてきなせいかく)' (passive personality) or '消極的な選択 (しょうきょくてきなせんたく)' (passive choice).

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

当局: authorities. The Japanese noun '当局 (とうきょく)' refers to 'authorities' or 'the relevant authorities'. It is commonly used to describe government bodies, administrative organizations, or officials in charge of a specific matter. This term is often used in formal or official contexts. For example: The authorities are investigating the incident「当局はその事件を調査中です」(とうきょくはそのじけんをちょうさちゅうです). The local authorities issued a warning「地元当局は警告を発しました」(じもととうきょくはけいこくをはっしました). The word is neutral in tone and does not carry any inherent positive or negative connotations.

Radical

尸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

734

Handwriting