kanji

Meaning

Direction

Reading

Parts

丶Dot 万Ten thousand

Example Word

方面: direction or field. The Japanese noun '方面 (ほうめん)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'direction', referring to a specific area or region, often in a geographical sense. For example: the train is heading in the direction of Tokyo「電車は東京方面に向かっています」(でんしゃはとうきょうほうめんにむかっています). The second meaning is 'field', referring to a specific area of expertise, interest, or activity. For example: he is an expert in the field of science「彼は科学方面の専門家です」(かれはかがくほうめんのせんもんかです). The word is versatile and can be used in both literal and figurative contexts.

Radical

方

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

22

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Law, Method

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)去Past

Example Word

法人: corporation. The Japanese noun '法人 (ほうじん)' refers to a 'corporation' or 'legal entity'. It is used to describe an organization that is recognized by law as a single entity, separate from its members, and has legal rights and responsibilities. This term is commonly used in business and legal contexts. For example: The corporation was established last year「その法人は去年設立されました」(そのほうじんはきょねんせつりつされました). Non-profit organizations are also considered legal entities「非営利団体も法人とみなされます」(ひえいりだんたいもほうじんとみなされます).

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

169

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Release

Reading

Parts

方Direction 攵Strike

Example Word

放る: throw or neglect. The Japanese verb '放る (ほうる)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'to throw', which refers to the action of tossing or hurling something. For example: he threw the ball「彼はボールを放った」(かれはボールをほうった). The second meaning is 'to neglect', which refers to ignoring or disregarding something. For example: she neglected her duties「彼女は仕事を放った」(かのじょはしごとをほうった). The verb can be used in both casual and formal contexts, but the nuance of neglect is more common in informal speech.

Radical

攴

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

435

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Hug, Embrace

Reading

Parts

扌Hand (手)包Wrap

Example Word

抱き締める: hug. The Japanese verb '抱き締める (だきしめる)' means 'to hug tightly' or 'to embrace firmly'. It conveys a sense of holding someone or something closely, often with strong emotion such as love, comfort, or relief. This verb is commonly used in situations where the act of hugging is more intense or heartfelt than a casual hug. For example: She hugged her child tightly「彼女は子供を抱き締めた」(かのじょはこどもをだきしめた). He hugged his friend tightly after a long time「彼は久しぶりに友達を抱き締めた」(かれはひさしぶりにともだちをだきしめた). The verb emphasizes the physical and emotional closeness of the action.

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

543

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Report, News

Reading

Parts

幸Happiness

Example Word

報告: report. The Japanese verbal noun '報告 (ほうこく)' means 'report'. It refers to the act of providing information or giving an account of something, often in a formal or official context. This word is commonly used in workplaces, schools, and other settings where communication of information is necessary. For example: I will report the results「結果を報告します」(けっかをほうこくします). He gave a detailed report「彼は詳細な報告をした」(かれはしょうさいなほうこくをした). The nuance of '報告' often implies a sense of responsibility or duty to inform someone about a specific matter.

Radical

土

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

655

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Visit

Reading

Parts

言Say 方Direction

Example Word

訪ねる: visit. The Japanese verb '訪ねる (たずねる)' means 'to visit'. It is used when someone goes to a place or person with a specific purpose, often to meet someone or to explore a location. This verb carries a nuance of intentionality and purposefulness in the visit. For example: I visited my friend「友達を訪ねた」(ともだちをたずねた). She visited the old temple「彼女は古い寺を訪ねた」(かのじょはふるいてらをたずねた). Note that '訪ねる' is often used in more formal or intentional contexts compared to the more casual '訪れる (おとずれる)', which can also mean 'to visit' but is less specific in purpose.

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

包丁: knife. The Japanese noun '包丁 (ほうちょう)' refers specifically to a 'kitchen knife' or 'chef's knife'. It is commonly used in the context of cooking and food preparation. This word is often associated with professional chefs or home cooks who use it for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients. For example: I bought a new kitchen knife「新しい包丁を買いました」(あたらしいほうちょうをかいました). The chef sharpened the knife「シェフは包丁を研ぎました」(シェフはほうちょうをとぎました). Note that '包丁' is distinct from other types of knives, such as pocket knives or utility knives, as it is specifically designed for culinary use.

Radical

勹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

825

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Plentiful

Reading

Parts

曲Music, Bend 豆Beans

Example Word

豊か: abundant. The Japanese adjective '豊か (ゆたか)' means 'abundant' or 'rich'. It is used to describe something that is plentiful, bountiful, or full of resources. This can refer to material wealth, natural resources, or even abstract qualities like emotions or experiences. For example: This region has abundant nature「この地域は自然が豊かだ」(このちいきはしぜんがゆたかだ). She has a rich imagination「彼女は想像力が豊かだ」(かのじょはそうぞうりょくがゆたかだ). The word can also imply a sense of richness in quality or depth, such as in '豊かな人生 (ゆたかなじんせい)' (a fulfilling life).

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

崩す: break or ruin. The Japanese verb '崩す (くずす)' primarily means 'to break' or 'to ruin'. It is used to describe the act of breaking something down, either physically or metaphorically. For example, it can refer to breaking a structure, such as a wall or a pile, or ruining a plan or a mood. Example sentences: He broke the wall「彼は壁を崩した」(かれはかべをくずした). The bad news ruined the mood「悪いニュースが雰囲気を崩した」(わるいニュースがふんいきをくずした). The verb can also be used in a more abstract sense, such as disrupting a schedule or ruining a relationship.

Radical

山

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1242

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Shelf

Reading

Parts

木Tree, Wood 朋

Example Word

戸棚: cupboard. The Japanese noun '戸棚 (とだな)' refers to a 'cupboard' or 'cabinet', typically used for storage. It is commonly found in kitchens, living rooms, or other areas of a home or workplace. The word is often used to describe furniture with doors and shelves for organizing items. For example: Please put the dishes in the cupboard「お皿を戸棚に入れてください」(おさらをとだなにいれてください). The cupboard is full of books「戸棚は本でいっぱいです」(とだなはほんでいっぱいです). This word is neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal settings.

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

飽くまで: thoroughly. The Japanese adverb '飽くまで (あくまで)' means 'thoroughly' or 'to the very end'. It conveys a sense of persistence, determination, or doing something completely without compromise. This word is often used to emphasize that something is done to the fullest extent or that a stance is unwavering. For example: He thoroughly denied the accusations「彼は飽くまでその非難を否定した」(かれはあくまでそのひなんをひていした). I will thoroughly pursue this matter「私は飽くまでこの問題を追求します」(わたしはあくまでこのもんだいをついきゅうします). The nuance of '飽くまで' often implies a strong resolve or an unyielding attitude.

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