kanji

Meaning

Direction

Reading

Parts

丶Dot 万Ten thousand

Example Word

方針: policy. The Japanese noun '方針 (ほうしん)' refers to a 'policy', 'plan', or 'course of action' that is established to guide decisions or actions. It is often used in formal or organizational contexts to describe a set of principles or strategies. For example: The company's policy is clear「会社の方針は明確です」(かいしゃのほうしんはめいかくです). We need to decide on a course of action「方針を決める必要があります」(ほうしんをきめるひつようがあります). This word is commonly used in business, government, and other structured environments to outline a clear direction or approach.

Radical

方

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

22

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Law, Method

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)去Past

Example Word

手法: technique. The Japanese noun '手法 (しゅほう)' refers to a method, technique, or approach used to achieve something. It is often used in contexts related to art, craftsmanship, problem-solving, or strategy. For example: This artist's technique is unique「このアーティストの手法は独特だ」(このアーティストのしゅほうはどくとくだ). We need a new approach to solve this problem「この問題を解決するには新しい手法が必要だ」(このもんだいをかいけつするにはあたらしいしゅほうがひつようだ). The word emphasizes the systematic or skillful nature of the method being described.

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

169

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Release

Reading

Parts

方Direction 攵Strike

Example Word

追放: expulsion or banishment. The Japanese verbal noun '追放 (ついほう)' refers to the act of expelling or banishing someone or something. It is often used in contexts where a person is forced to leave a place, group, or organization, or when something is removed or eliminated. For example: The dictator was banished from the country「独裁者は国から追放された」(どくさいしゃはくにからついほうされた). The company expelled the corrupt employee「会社は不正な従業員を追放した」(かいしゃはふせいなじゅうぎょういんをついほうした). This term can also be used metaphorically, such as expelling harmful ideas or practices.

Radical

攴

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

435

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Hug, Embrace

Reading

Parts

扌Hand (手)包Wrap

Example Word

抱く: embrace. The Japanese verb '抱く (いだく)' primarily means 'to embrace' or 'to hold in one's arms'. It can also metaphorically mean 'to harbor' feelings or thoughts, such as hopes or suspicions. This verb is often used in both literal and figurative contexts. For example: She embraced her child「彼女は子供を抱いた」(かのじょはこどもをいだいた). He harbors a deep love for her「彼は彼女に深い愛を抱いている」(かれはかのじょにふかいあいをいだいている). Note that '抱く' can also be read as 'だく' with a slightly different nuance, often implying a more physical or intimate embrace.

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

543

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Report, News

Reading

Parts

幸Happiness

Example Word

電報: telegram. The Japanese noun '電報 (でんぽう)' refers to a 'telegram', which is a message sent by telegraph and then delivered in written or printed form. This term is somewhat outdated in modern times due to the prevalence of digital communication, but it is still understood and occasionally used in formal or historical contexts. Example sentences: I received a telegram「電報を受け取った」(でんぽうをうけとった). Send a telegram to inform them「彼らに知らせるために電報を送る」(かれらにしらせるためにでんぽうをおくる).

Radical

土

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

655

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Visit

Reading

Parts

言Say 方Direction

Example Word

訪れる: visit. The Japanese verb '訪れる (おとずれる)' means 'to visit'. It is used to describe the act of going to a place, often with a sense of formality or significance. This verb can be used for visiting people, places, or even abstract concepts like seasons or events. For example: I visited my friend's house「友達の家を訪れた」(ともだちのいえをおとずれた). Spring has arrived「春が訪れた」(はるがおとずれた). Note that '訪れる' often carries a slightly more formal or poetic tone compared to the more casual '行く (いく)' or '訪ねる (たずねる)'.

Radical

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

726

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Dedicate, Observance

Reading

Example Word

奉行: magistrate. The Japanese noun '奉行 (ぶぎょう)' refers to a magistrate or a high-ranking official in feudal Japan, typically responsible for administrative or judicial duties. This term is historically significant and often associated with the Edo period, where such officials played crucial roles in governance. For example: The magistrate issued a new decree「奉行が新しい法令を出した」(ぶぎょうがあたらしいほうれいをだした). The magistrate's decision was final「奉行の決定は最終的だった」(ぶぎょうのけっていはさいしゅうてきだった). It's important to note that this term is largely historical and may not be commonly used in modern contexts, except when referring to historical settings or figures.

Radical

大

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

813

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Wrap

Reading

Parts

勹Wrap 己Oneself

Example Word

包む: wrap. The Japanese verb '包む (つつむ)' means 'to wrap'. It is used to describe the action of enclosing something completely, often with paper, cloth, or another material. This verb can also be used metaphorically to describe enveloping or surrounding something, such as emotions or atmospheres. For example: I wrapped the gift「プレゼントを包んだ」(ぷれぜんとをつつんだ). The mountain was wrapped in mist「山は霧に包まれていた」(やまはきりにつつまれていた). Note that '包む' can also imply a sense of protection or concealment, depending on the context.

Radical

勹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

825

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Plentiful

Reading

Parts

曲Music, Bend 豆Beans

Example Word

豊富: abundant. The Japanese adjectival noun '豊富 (ほうふ)' means 'abundant' or 'plentiful'. It is used to describe a large quantity or variety of something, often in a positive context. For example: This region has abundant resources「この地域は資源が豊富だ」(このちいきはしげんがほうふだ). The library has a plentiful collection of books「図書館には本が豊富にある」(としょかんにはほんがほうふにある). '豊富' is commonly used in both formal and informal settings to emphasize the richness or sufficiency of something.

Radical

豆

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1008

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Treasure

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 玉Ball, Jewel

Example Word

宝石: gem. The Japanese noun '宝石 (ほうせき)' means 'gem' or 'jewel'. It refers to precious or semi-precious stones that are often used in jewelry or as decorative items. This word is commonly used in contexts related to luxury, beauty, and value. For example: She loves wearing gems「彼女は宝石を身につけるのが好きです」(かのじょはほうせきをみにつけるのがすきです). This necklace has a beautiful gem「このネックレスには美しい宝石がついています」(このネックレスにはうつくしいほうせきがついています). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something or someone as precious or valuable.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1018

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Seal

Reading

Parts

圭 寸Measurement

Example Word

同封: enclosure. The Japanese verbal noun '同封 (どうふう)' refers to the act of enclosing something within a letter, package, or document. It is commonly used in formal or business contexts when sending additional materials along with the main content. For example: I enclosed a brochure with the letter「手紙にパンフレットを同封しました」(てがみにぱんふれっとをどうふうしました). Please find the document enclosed in the envelope「封筒に書類を同封しております」(ふうとうにしょるいをどうふうしております). The term emphasizes the inclusion of supplementary items and is often used in written communication.

Radical

寸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1176

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Gun, Cannon

Reading

Parts

石Stone 包Wrap

Example Word

鉄砲: gun. The Japanese noun '鉄砲 (てっぽう)' refers to a 'gun' or 'firearm'. Historically, it specifically refers to matchlock guns introduced to Japan in the 16th century. In modern usage, it broadly refers to firearms. Example sentences: He bought a gun「彼は鉄砲を買った」(かれはてっぽうをかった). The samurai used guns「侍は鉄砲を使った」(さむらいはてっぽうをつかった). Note that this word is often associated with historical or traditional contexts, though it can also be used in modern settings.

Radical

石

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1236

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Collapse, Crumble

Reading

Parts

山Mountain 朋

Example Word

崩壊: collapse. The Japanese noun '崩壊 (ほうかい)' means 'collapse'. This term is used to describe the sudden and complete failure or breakdown of a system, structure, or organization. It can refer to physical collapses, such as buildings or mountains, as well as metaphorical collapses, such as societal systems or relationships. For example: the collapse of the old regime「旧体制の崩壊」(きゅうたいせいのほうかい). The mountain collapsed due to the earthquake「地震で山が崩壊した」(じしんでやまがほうかいした). The term can also be used in a more abstract sense, such as the collapse of a theory or idea.

Radical

山

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1242

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Shelf

Reading

Parts

木Tree, Wood 朋

Example Word

棚: shelf. The Japanese noun '棚 (たな)' refers to a 'shelf', typically used for storing or displaying items. It is commonly found in homes, stores, and other spaces where organization is needed. For example: Please put the book on the shelf「本を棚に置いてください」(ほんをたなおいてください). The shelf is full of dishes「棚にはお皿がいっぱいです」(たなにはおさらがいっぱいです). This word can also be used metaphorically to describe something being set aside or postponed, as in '棚上げ (たなあげ)', which means 'to shelve' or 'to postpone'.

Radical

木

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1268

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Peak, Summit

Reading

Parts

山Mountain 夆

Example Word

峰: peak. The Japanese suffix '峰 (ほう)' means 'peak' and is used to refer to the summit or highest point of a mountain. It is often attached to the names of mountains or used in compound words related to mountain peaks. For example: Mount Fuji's peak「富士山の峰」(ふじさんのほう). The peak of the mountain is covered in snow「山の峰は雪で覆われている」(やまのほうはゆきでおおわれている). This suffix is typically used in formal or literary contexts and is less common in everyday conversation.

Radical

山

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1393

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Sated, Satiated

Reading

Parts

飠Eat (食)包Wrap

Example Word

飽きる: tire. The Japanese verb '飽きる (あきる)' means 'to tire of' or 'to get bored with'. It is used to express the feeling of losing interest in something after experiencing it for a while. This verb is often used to describe a change in emotional state, such as becoming bored with a hobby, a job, or even a relationship. For example: I got tired of playing video games「ゲームに飽きた」(ゲームにあきた). She got bored with her job「彼女は仕事に飽きた」(かのじょはしごとにあきた). It's important to note that '飽きる' is often used with the particle 'に' to indicate the object of boredom or tiredness.

Radical

食

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1442

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Sew

Reading

Parts

糸Thread 逢

Example Word

縫う: sew. The Japanese verb '縫う (ぬう)' means 'to sew'. It refers to the act of joining or attaching pieces of fabric together using a needle and thread. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as sewing clothes, repairing fabric, or even metaphorically describing something that connects or binds. For example: She sews a dress「彼女はドレスを縫う」(かのじょはドレスをぬう). I will sew the torn shirt「破れたシャツを縫います」(やぶれたシャツをぬいます). The word can also be used in idiomatic expressions, such as '縫い目 (ぬいめ)', which means 'seam'.

Radical

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1453

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fragrant, Perfume

Reading

Parts

艹Grass 方Direction

Radical

艸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1471

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Bee

Reading

Parts

虫Insect 夆

Radical

虫

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1620

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

State, Japan

Reading

Parts

丰 ⻏Mound (阜)

Example Word

連邦: federation. The Japanese noun '連邦 (れんぽう)' refers to a 'federation', which is a political entity characterized by a union of partially self-governing states or regions under a central federal government. This term is often used in the context of political science and international relations to describe countries like the United States or Russia, which are federations. For example: The United States is a federation「アメリカは連邦です」(アメリカはれんぽうです). Russia is also a federation「ロシアも連邦です」(ロシアもれんぽうです). The term can also be used in historical contexts, such as referring to the Holy Roman Empire as a federation「神聖ローマ帝国は連邦でした」(しんせいローマていこくはれんぽうでした).

Radical

邑

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1641

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Praise

Reading

Parts

亠Lid 保Preserve

Example Word

褒める: praise. The Japanese verb '褒める (ほめる)' means 'to praise' or 'to compliment'. It is used when expressing admiration or approval for someone's actions, qualities, or achievements. This verb is commonly used in both formal and informal settings. For example: The teacher praised the student「先生は生徒を褒めた」(せんせいはせいとをほめた). I praised my friend for her hard work「私は友達の努力を褒めた」(わたしはともだちのどりょくをほめた). Note that '褒める' is often used in contexts where positive reinforcement or encouragement is intended.

Radical

衣

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1736

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Bubbles

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)包Wrap

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1748

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Placenta, Membranous sac

Reading

Parts

月Moon, Month 包Wrap

Example Word

細胞: cell. The Japanese noun '細胞 (さいぼう)' refers to a 'cell', the basic structural and functional unit of living organisms. This term is commonly used in biological and medical contexts. For example: cells divide「細胞が分裂する」(さいぼうがぶんれつする). The human body is made up of many cells「人体は多くの細胞でできている」(じんたいはおおくのさいぼうでできている). It can also be used metaphorically to describe the smallest unit of an organization or system, such as a 'cell' in a political or social group.

Radical

肉

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1887

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Emulate, Copy after

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)放Release

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1919

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Pan

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)凡Common

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2063

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Salary

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)奉Dedicate, Observance

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2065

Handwriting