kanji

Meaning

Extreme, Pole

Reading

Parts

木Tree, Wood 亟

Example Word

極端: extreme. The Japanese adjectival noun '極端 (きょくたん)' means 'extreme'. It is used to describe something that is far beyond the norm or is at the furthest end of a spectrum. This word can be applied to actions, opinions, or situations that are notably excessive or radical. For example: His opinion is extreme「彼の意見は極端だ」(かれのいけんはきょくたんだ). She has an extreme way of thinking「彼女の考え方は極端だ」(かのじょのかんがえかたはきょくたんだ). It can also describe physical extremes, such as extreme weather「極端な天気」(きょくたんなてんき). Note that '極端' is often used in a negative context to imply something is overly excessive or unreasonable.

Radical

木

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

394

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Music, Bend

Reading

Parts

日Day, Sun 丨Stick

Example Word

曲げる: bend. The Japanese verb '曲げる (まげる)' means 'to bend'. It is used to describe the action of physically bending something, such as a piece of metal or a limb, or metaphorically bending rules or principles. For example: bend the wire「針金を曲げる」(はりがねをまげる). He bent the rules to help his friend「彼は友達を助けるためにルールを曲げた」(かれはともだちをたすけるためにルールをまげた). The verb can also imply a sense of distortion or alteration, as in bending the truth '真実を曲げる (しんじつをまげる)'.

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