Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Idea

Reading

Parts

音Sound 心Heart

Example Word

任意: voluntary or optional. The Japanese noun '任意 (にんい)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'optional', referring to something that is not required or mandatory. For example: participation is optional「参加は任意です」(さんかはにんいです). The second meaning is 'voluntary', referring to something done by choice or free will. For example: voluntary work「任意の仕事」(にんいのしごと). This word is often used in formal or legal contexts to describe actions or decisions that are not compulsory. It can also imply a sense of freedom or discretion in making choices.

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

59

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

By means of

Reading

Example Word

以外: except. The Japanese noun '以外 (いがい)' means 'except' or 'excluding'. It is used to indicate that something or someone is not included in a particular group or category. For example: everyone except me went to the party「私以外みんなパーティーに行った」(わたしいがいみんなパーティーにいった). This store sells everything except books「この店は本以外何でも売っている」(このみせはほんいがいなんでもうっている). It can also be used to express something beyond or outside of a certain scope, as in 'beyond expectations'「期待以外の結果」(きたいいがいのけっか).

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

128

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Differ, Different

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 韋

Example Word

違いない: certain. The Japanese adjective '違いない (ちがいない)' means 'certain' or 'without a doubt'. It is used to express strong confidence or conviction about something being true or accurate. This phrase is often used at the end of a sentence to emphasize certainty. For example: He is definitely coming「彼は来るに違いない」(かれはくるにちがいない). This must be the right answer「これが正しい答えに違いない」(これがただしいこたえにちがいない). The nuance here is that the speaker is almost entirely sure of the statement being made.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

184

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Rank

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)立Stand

Example Word

単位: unit. The Japanese noun '単位 (たんい)' primarily means 'unit'. It is used to refer to a standard measurement, such as in science, mathematics, or everyday contexts. For example: The unit of length is the meter「長さの単位はメートルです」(ながさのたんいはメートルです). Additionally, in educational contexts, it can refer to academic credits: I need three more units to graduate「卒業するにはあと3単位必要です」(そつぎょうするにはあと3たんいひつようです). The word is versatile and widely used in both technical and casual settings.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

366

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Do, Sake

Reading

Example Word

為替: exchange. The Japanese noun '為替 (かわせ)' refers to 'exchange', particularly in the context of financial transactions. It is commonly used to describe the exchange of money, such as foreign exchange or money transfers. For example: I need to exchange dollars for yen「ドルを円に為替する必要がある」(ドルをえんにかわせするひつようがある). The bank handles international money transfers「その銀行は国際為替を扱っている」(そのぎんこうはこくさいかわせをあつかっている). This term is often used in financial and banking contexts, and it can also refer to bills of exchange or promissory notes in business transactions.

Radical

火

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

436

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Rare, Different

Reading

Parts

田Rice field 井Well

Example Word

異なる: differ. The Japanese verb '異なる (ことなる)' means 'to differ' or 'to be different'. It is used to indicate a distinction or variation between two or more things, ideas, or situations. This verb is often used in formal or written contexts to highlight differences. For example: Their opinions differ「彼らの意見は異なる」(かれらのいけんはことなる). The two cultures are different「二つの文化は異なる」(ふたつのぶんかはことなる). Note that '異なる' is typically used in its dictionary form or in polite forms like '異なります (ことなります)', and it is less common in casual speech.

Radical

田

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

453

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Clothes

Reading

Parts

亠Lid 𧘇Garment (衣)

Example Word

衣食住: necessities. The Japanese noun '衣食住 (いしょくじゅう)' refers to the basic necessities of life: clothing (衣), food (食), and shelter (住). It is often used to discuss the fundamental aspects of living or to emphasize the importance of these basic needs. For example: The government must ensure the necessities of life for its citizens「政府は国民の衣食住を確保しなければならない」(せいふはこくみんのいしょくじゅうをかくほしなければならない). In modern society, the concept of '衣食住' has expanded to include other essentials like healthcare and education. This term is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and reflects the importance of simplicity and practicality in daily life.

Radical

衣

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

600

Radical Form

𧘇

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Doctor

Reading

Parts

矢Arrow 匸Side enclosure

Example Word

医療: medical care. The Japanese noun '医療 (いりょう)' means 'medical care'. This word refers to the professional services provided for the prevention, treatment, and management of illness and injuries. It can be used to refer to both general medical care and specialized treatments. For example: She works in medical care 「彼女は医療に従事している」 (かのじょはいりょうにじゅうじしている). Access to medical care is important 「医療へのアクセスは重要です」 (いりょうへのあくせすはじゅうようです). The word is often used in contexts related to healthcare facilities, insurance, and public health systems.

Radical

匸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

601

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Only, Solely

Reading

Parts

口Mouth 隹Bird

Example Word

唯一: only. The Japanese noun '唯一 (ゆいいつ)' means 'only' or 'sole'. It is used to emphasize that something is unique, singular, or unparalleled in a given context. This word often carries a sense of exclusivity or rarity. For example: This is the only chance「これは唯一のチャンスです」(これはゆいいつのチャンスです). He is the only person who knows the truth「彼は唯一真実を知っている人です」(かれはゆいいつしんじつをしっているひとです). The word can also be used in more abstract contexts, such as 'the only solution'「唯一の解決策」(ゆいいつのかいけつさく). Note that '唯一' is often used in formal or written contexts, and it conveys a strong sense of uniqueness.

Radical

口

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

702

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Surround

Reading

Parts

井Well 口Mouth

Example Word

雰囲気: atmosphere. The Japanese noun '雰囲気 (ふんいき)' refers to the 'atmosphere' or 'mood' of a place, situation, or event. It describes the overall feeling or vibe that is perceived in a particular environment. This word is often used to convey the intangible qualities that make a setting unique or memorable. For example: The atmosphere of the cafe was cozy「カフェの雰囲気は居心地が良かった」(かふぇのふんいきはいごこちがよかった). The party had a lively atmosphere「パーティーの雰囲気は活気があった」(ぱーてぃーのふんいきはかっきがあった). It can also be used to describe the mood of a person or group, such as '彼の雰囲気は優しかった (かれのふんいきはやさしかった)' (His demeanor was gentle).

Radical

囗

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

711

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Easy

Reading

Parts

日Day, Sun 勿Must not

Example Word

貿易: trade. The Japanese verbal noun '貿易 (ぼうえき)' refers to 'trade', specifically the exchange of goods and services between countries or regions. It is commonly used in contexts related to international commerce, economics, and business. For example: Japan trades with many countries「日本は多くの国と貿易をしている」(にほんはおおくのくにとぼうえきをしている). International trade is important for the economy「国際貿易は経済にとって重要だ」(こくさいぼうえきはけいざいにとってじゅうようだ). The term can also be used in compound words like '貿易会社 (ぼうえきがいしゃ)' (trading company) or '貿易赤字 (ぼうえきあかじ)' (trade deficit).

Radical

日

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

718

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Move, Transfer

Reading

Parts

禾Cereal 多Many

Example Word

移行: transition. The Japanese noun '移行 (いこう)' means 'transition'. It refers to the process of changing from one state, condition, or system to another. This word is often used in contexts such as technology, business, or social changes. For example: the transition to a new system「新しいシステムへの移行」(あたらしいシステムへのいこう). The transition period was challenging「移行期間は大変だった」(いこうきかんはたいへんだった). It can also be used in broader contexts, such as the transition from one era to another「時代の移行」(じだいのいこう).

Radical

禾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

742

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Leave behind

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 貴Precious

Example Word

遺体: corpse. The Japanese noun '遺体 (いたい)' refers to a 'corpse' or 'dead body'. It is a formal term used in contexts such as funerals, crime scenes, or medical settings. This word carries a respectful and somber tone, often used when discussing the deceased in a serious or official manner. Example sentences: The police found the corpse「警察は遺体を発見した」(けいさつはいたいをはっけんした). The family identified the body「家族が遺体を確認した」(かぞくがいたいをかくにんした). Note that this term is not used casually and is reserved for formal or sensitive situations.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

876

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Reliant, Depend on

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)衣Clothes

Example Word

依頼: request. The Japanese verbal noun '依頼 (いらい)' means 'request'. It is used to refer to the act of asking someone to do something or to provide a service. This word is commonly used in formal or business contexts, such as when requesting a service from a company or asking someone to complete a task. For example: I made a request to the company「会社に依頼をしました」(かいしゃにいらいをしました). Please accept my request「私の依頼を受け入れてください」(わたしのいらいをうけいれてください). The word can also imply a sense of reliance or dependence on the person being asked, as in '彼に依頼する (かれにいらいする) (to rely on him)'.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

896

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Might, Intimidate

Reading

Parts

女Woman 戌

Example Word

威張る: boast. The Japanese verb '威張る (いばる)' means 'to boast' or 'to act arrogantly'. It is used to describe someone who is showing off or behaving in a self-important manner. This verb often carries a negative connotation, implying that the person is being overly proud or domineering. For example: he boasts about his success「彼は成功を威張る」(かれはせいこうをいばる). She acts arrogantly in front of others「彼女は他人の前で威張る」(かのじょはたにんのまえでいばる). The verb can also be used to describe someone who is trying to assert dominance or authority in a way that is seen as unnecessary or excessive.

Radical

女

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

925

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Chair

Reading

Parts

木Tree, Wood 奇Strange, Unusual

Example Word

車椅子: wheelchair. The Japanese noun '車椅子 (くるまいす)' refers to a 'wheelchair', a chair with wheels used by people who have difficulty walking or cannot walk. This term is commonly used in medical, caregiving, and everyday contexts. For example: He uses a wheelchair「彼は車椅子を使っています」(かれはくるまいすをつかっています). The hospital provides wheelchairs「病院は車椅子を提供しています」(びょういんはくるまいすをていきょうしています). The word is a combination of '車 (くるま)' meaning 'vehicle' or 'wheel' and '椅子 (いす)' meaning 'chair', emphasizing its function as a mobility aid.

Radical

木

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1035

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Great, Admirable

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)韋

Example Word

偉い: great or respectable. The Japanese adjective '偉い (えらい)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'great', often used to describe someone who has achieved something significant or holds a high status. For example: he is a great person「彼は偉い人だ」(かれはえらいひとだ). The second meaning is 'respectable', used to describe someone who is admirable or deserving of respect. For example: she is a respectable teacher「彼女は偉い先生だ」(かのじょはえらいせんせいだ). It can also be used sarcastically or humorously to describe someone who has done something unexpected or over-the-top. For example: you really went and did that? You're something else!「本当にやったの？偉いね！」(ほんとうにやったの？えらいね！).

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1210

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Console, Consolation

Reading

Parts

尉Company officer, Military officer 心Heart

Example Word

慰める: comfort. The Japanese verb '慰める (なぐさめる)' means 'to comfort' or 'to console'. It is used when someone provides emotional support or solace to another person who is feeling sad, distressed, or troubled. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as comforting a friend, consoling someone after a loss, or soothing someone's feelings. For example: I comforted my friend「友達を慰めた」(ともだちをなぐさめた). She tried to console her crying child「彼女は泣いている子供を慰めようとした」(かのじょはないているこどもをなぐさめようとした). The verb often implies a sense of empathy and care, and it is commonly used in situations where emotional support is needed.

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1315

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Committee

Reading

Parts

禾Cereal 女Woman

Example Word

委員会: committee. The Japanese noun '委員会 (いいんかい)' refers to a 'committee', which is a group of people appointed for a specific function or task. This term is commonly used in organizational, governmental, or corporate contexts to describe a body that makes decisions or oversees certain activities. For example: The committee will meet tomorrow「委員会は明日会議を開きます」(いいんかいはあしたかいぎをひらきます). She is a member of the planning committee「彼女は計画委員会のメンバーです」(かのじょはけいかくいいんかいのメンバーです). The word is often used in formal settings and can refer to various types of committees, such as executive committees, advisory committees, or steering committees.

Radical

女

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1424

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Company officer, Military officer

Reading

Parts

尸Corpse 示Show, Indicate 寸Measurement

Radical

寸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1493

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fiber, Maintain

Reading

Parts

糸Thread 隹Bird

Example Word

繊維: fiber. The Japanese noun '繊維 (せんい)' refers to 'fiber', which can denote natural or synthetic threads used in textiles, or biological fibers in living organisms. It is commonly used in contexts related to materials, textiles, and biology. For example: cotton fiber「綿の繊維」(わたのせんい). This fabric is made from synthetic fibers「この布は合成繊維でできています」(このぬのはごうせいせんいでできています). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something delicate or fine, like the fibers of a relationship.

Radical

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1546

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Stomach

Reading

Parts

田Rice field 月Moon, Month

Example Word

胃: stomach. The Japanese noun '胃 (い)' refers to the stomach, the organ in the body that digests food. It is commonly used in medical, anatomical, and everyday contexts. For example: My stomach hurts「胃が痛い」(いがいたい). He has a strong stomach「彼は胃が強い」(かれはいがつよい). The word can also appear in compound terms like '胃腸 (いちょう)' (stomach and intestines) or '胃炎 (いえん)' (gastritis).

Radical

肉

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1761

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Apprehensive

Reading

Parts

田Rice field

Radical

田

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1783

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Numb

Reading

Parts

艹Grass 委Committee

Radical

艸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1913

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Horizontal, Latitude

Reading

Parts

糸Thread 韋

Example Word

経緯: circumstances or details. The Japanese noun '経緯 (けいい)' refers to the sequence of events, details, or circumstances surrounding a situation. It is often used to explain the background or context of how something happened. For example: I want to know the details of the incident「その事件の経緯を知りたい」(そのじけんのけいいをしりたい). The circumstances leading to the decision were complicated「その決定に至った経緯は複雑だった」(そのけっていにいたったけいはふくざつだった). This word is commonly used in formal or explanatory contexts to provide a clear understanding of the progression of events.

Radical

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2050

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Glossary

Reading

Parts

彑 冖Crown 果Fruit

Radical

彐

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2101

Handwriting