Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading
い i
kanji
意Meaning
Idea
Reading
i
Parts
音Sound 心Heart
Example Word
意: meaning. The Japanese noun '意 (い)' refers to 'meaning', 'intention', or 'purpose'. It is often used in contexts where the focus is on understanding the underlying significance or intent behind something. For example: I understand the meaning of his words「彼の言葉の意がわかる」(かれのことばのいがわかる). Her intention was clear「彼女の意は明らかだった」(かのじょのいはあきらかだった). This word can also appear in compound words, such as '意思 (いし)' (intention) or '意見 (いけん)' (opinion), where it contributes the sense of 'meaning' or 'intent'.
Radical
心
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
59
Handwriting
kanji
以Meaning
By means of
Reading
i
Example Word
以来: since. The Japanese noun '以来 (いらい)' means 'since' and is used to indicate a period of time starting from a specific point in the past up to the present. It is often used to describe events, situations, or conditions that have continued from a past moment until now. For example: I haven't seen him since last year「 去年以来彼に会っていない」(きょねんいらいかれにあっていない). Since moving to Tokyo, I've been very busy「東京に引っ越して以来、とても忙しい」(とうきょうにひっこしていらい、とてもいそがしい). The word is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts and can be paired with various time expressions to specify the starting point.
Radical
人
Stroke Count
5JLPT
N4Grade
4Frequency
128
Handwriting
kanji
違Meaning
Differ, Different
Reading
chiga
onyomiいi
Parts
⻌Walk 韋
Example Word
違い: difference. The Japanese noun '違い (ちがい)' means 'difference'. It is used to describe a distinction or contrast between two or more things. This word is commonly used in comparisons or when pointing out discrepancies. For example: There is a big difference between these two「この二つには大きな違いがある」(このふたつにはおおきなちがいがある). I noticed the difference「違いに気づいた」(ちがいにきづいた). It can also be used in phrases like '違いがない (ちがいがない)' meaning 'there is no difference' or 'it makes no difference'.
Radical
辵
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N3Grade
7Frequency
184
Handwriting
kanji
位Meaning
Rank
Reading
kurai
onyomiいi
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
7JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
366
Handwriting
kanji
為Meaning
Do, Sake
Reading
na
すsu
ためtame
onyomiいi
Example Word
為さる: do. The Japanese verb '為さる (なさる)' is a highly respectful and honorific form of the verb 'する (to do)'. It is used to show deep respect towards the person performing the action, often when referring to someone of higher status or authority. This verb is commonly used in formal or polite contexts. For example: What will the teacher do?「先生は何をなさいますか?」(せんせいはなにをなさいますか?). Please do as you like「どうぞご自由になさってください」(どうぞごじゆうになさってください). Note that '為さる' is often used in combination with honorific prefixes like 'ご' or 'お' to further elevate the politeness level, as in 'ご覧になる (ごらんになる)' or 'お召しになる (おめしになる)'.
Radical
火
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
436
Handwriting
kanji
異Meaning
Rare, Different
Reading
koto
onyomiいi
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
11JLPT
N1Grade
6Frequency
453
Handwriting
kanji
衣Meaning
Clothes
Reading
koromo
onyomiいi
Parts
亠Lid 𧘇Garment (衣)
Example Word
衣類: clothing. The Japanese noun '衣類 (いるい)' refers to 'clothing' or 'garments'. It is a general term used to describe items of clothing collectively, such as shirts, pants, dresses, and other wearable items. This word is often used in contexts related to laundry, storage, or fashion. For example: I washed my clothing「衣類を洗った」(いるいをあらった). She has a lot of clothing「彼女は衣類をたくさん持っている」(かのじょはいるいをたくさんもっている). The word can also be used in formal or business contexts, such as in the clothing industry or when discussing clothing care.
Radical
衣
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
600
Radical Form
𧘇
Handwriting
kanji
医Meaning
Doctor
Reading
i
Parts
矢Arrow 匸Side enclosure
Example Word
医者: doctor. The Japanese noun '医者 (いしゃ)' means 'doctor'. It refers to a medical professional who diagnoses and treats illnesses. This term is commonly used in everyday conversation and is neutral in tone. For example: I went to the doctor「医者に行きました」(いしゃにいきました). The doctor is kind「その医者は優しいです」(そのいしゃはやさしいです). Note that '医者' is often used interchangeably with '医師 (いし)', though '医師' is more formal and typically used in professional or legal contexts.
Radical
匸
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
601
Handwriting
kanji
唯Meaning
Only, Solely
Reading
tada
onyomiいi
ゆいyui
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
11JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
702
Handwriting
kanji
囲Meaning
Surround
Reading
kako
onyomiいi
Parts
井Well 口Mouth
Example Word
範囲: range. The Japanese noun '範囲 (はんい)' means 'range'. It refers to the extent or scope of something, such as a physical area, a set of values, or a field of activity. This word is commonly used in both everyday and technical contexts. For example: the range of the mountains「山の範囲」(やまのはんい). The temperature range is wide「温度の範囲は広い」(おんどのはんいはひろい). It can also be used metaphorically, as in 'the range of his knowledge is impressive'「彼の知識の範囲はすごい」(かれのちしきのはんいはすごい).
Radical
囗
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
711
Handwriting
kanji
易Meaning
Easy
Reading
yasa
onyomiえきeki
いi
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
8JLPT
N3Grade
5Frequency
718
Handwriting
kanji
移Meaning
Move, Transfer
Reading
utsu
onyomiいi
Parts
禾Cereal 多Many
Example Word
移植: transplant. The Japanese noun '移植 (いしょく)' means 'transplant'. It is commonly used in medical contexts to refer to the process of moving an organ, tissue, or cells from one body to another, or from one part of the body to another. It can also be used in non-medical contexts, such as transplanting plants. For example: He received a heart transplant「彼は心臓の移植を受けた」(かれはしんぞうのいしょくをうけた). The farmer transplanted the seedlings「農夫は苗を移植した」(のうふはなえをいしょくした). The word is neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
Radical
禾
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N2Grade
5Frequency
742
Handwriting
kanji
遺Meaning
Leave behind
Reading
noko
onyomiいi
ゆいyui
Parts
⻌Walk 貴Precious
Example Word
遺言: will. The Japanese noun '遺言 (ゆいごん)' refers to a 'will' or 'testament', specifically a legal document that states a person's wishes regarding the distribution of their property and the care of any minor children after their death. It can also refer to a dying wish or last words. For example: He left a will「彼は遺言を残した」(かれはゆいごんをのこした). The will was read after the funeral「遺言は葬式の後に読まれた」(ゆいごんはそうしきのあとによまれた). It's important to note that this word is often used in legal contexts, but can also be used more generally to refer to a person's final wishes.
Radical
辵
Stroke Count
15JLPT
N1Grade
6Frequency
876
Handwriting
kanji
依Meaning
Reliant, Depend on
Reading
yo
onyomiえe
いi
Parts
亻Person (人)衣Clothes
Example Word
依然: still or unchanged. The Japanese adverb '依然 (いぜん)' means 'still' or 'unchanged'. It is used to indicate that a situation or condition remains the same as before, often implying a lack of progress or change. This word is commonly used in formal or written contexts. For example: The problem is still unresolved「問題は依然として解決されていない」(もんだいはいぜんとしてかいけつされていない). The situation remains unchanged「状況は依然として変わらない」(じょうきょうはいぜんとしてかわらない). Note that '依然' is often paired with particles like 'として' to emphasize the continuity of a state.
Radical
人
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N2Grade
7Frequency
896
Handwriting
kanji
威Meaning
Might, Intimidate
Reading
i
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
9JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
925
Handwriting
kanji
椅Meaning
Chair
Reading
i
Parts
木Tree, Wood 奇Strange, Unusual
Example Word
椅子: chair. The Japanese noun '椅子 (いす)' means 'chair'. This word refers to a piece of furniture designed for sitting, typically having a back and four legs. It is commonly used in everyday conversation and can refer to various types of chairs, such as office chairs, dining chairs, or armchairs. For example: Please sit on the chair「椅子に座ってください」(いすにすわってください). This chair is comfortable「この椅子は快適です」(このいすはかいてきです). The word '椅子' is straightforward and does not carry additional nuanced meanings, making it easy to use in various contexts.
Radical
木
Stroke Count
12JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
1035
Handwriting
kanji
偉Meaning
Great, Admirable
Reading
era
onyomiいi
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
12JLPT
N3Grade
7Frequency
1210
Handwriting
kanji
慰Meaning
Console, Consolation
Reading
nagusa
onyomiいi
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
15JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
1315
Handwriting
kanji
委Meaning
Committee
Reading
yuda
onyomiいi
Parts
禾Cereal 女Woman
Example Word
委ねる: entrust. The Japanese verb '委ねる (ゆだねる)' means 'to entrust' or 'to leave something to someone else'. It is used when you delegate a task, responsibility, or decision to another person, often implying trust or reliance on their judgment or ability. For example: I entrusted the project to him「そのプロジェクトを彼に委ねた」(そのプロジェクトをかれにゆだねた). She left the decision to her manager「その決定をマネージャーに委ねた」(そのけっていをマ ネージャーにゆだねた). The verb can also carry a nuance of surrendering or yielding control, as in 'to leave one's fate to the gods'「運命を神に委ねる」(うんめいをかみにゆだねる).
Radical
女
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N2Grade
3Frequency
1424
Handwriting
kanji
維Meaning
Fiber, Maintain
Reading
i
Parts
糸Thread 隹Bird
Example Word
維新: restoration. The Japanese noun '維新 (いしん)' refers to a significant political or social reform, often implying a restoration or renewal of a system. It is most famously associated with the 'Meiji Restoration' (明治維新, めいじいしん), a period in Japanese history (1868) when the feudal system was abolished, and modernization began. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe any major reform or renewal. Example sentences: The Meiji Restoration changed Japan「明治維新は日本を変えた」(めいじいしんはにほんをかえた). The company underwent a major restoration「その会社は大きな維新を経験した」(そのかいしゃはおおきないしんをけいけんした).
Radical
糸
Stroke Count
14JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
1546
Handwriting
kanji
胃Meaning
Stomach
Reading
i
Parts
田Rice field 月Moon, Month
Example Word
胃腸: stomach or intestines. The Japanese noun '胃腸 (いちょう)' refers to the digestive system, specifically the stomach and intestines. It is often used in medical or health-related contexts to discuss issues or conditions affecting these organs. For example: My stomach and intestines are not feeling well「私の胃腸の調子が悪い」(わたしのいちょうのちょうしがわるい). He has a strong stomach and intestines「彼は胃腸が強い」(かれはいちょうがつよい). This term is commonly used in compound words related to digestion, such as '胃腸炎 (いちょうえん)' (gastroenteritis).
Radical
肉
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
1761
Handwriting
kanji
緯Meaning
Horizontal, Latitude
Reading
nuki
よこいとyokoito
onyomiいi
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
16JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
2050
Handwriting
Page 1 of 1
1 - 26 of 26
- こう kou
- しょう shou
- し shi
- かん kan
- とう tou
- そう sou
- き ki
- きょう kyou
- せい sei
- か ka
- けん ken
- せん sen
- けい kei
- しん shin
- ちょう chou
- さい sai
- じょう jou
- かい kai
- しゅう shuu
- ほう hou
- い i
- はん han
- ふ fu
- てい tei
- よう you
- こ ko
- ぼう bou
- きゅう kyuu
- じ ji
- たい tai
- ひ hi
- えん en
- せき seki
- かく kaku
- たん tan
- ゆう yuu
- しゅ shu
- く ku
- げん gen
- そ so
- りょう ryou
- ちゅう chuu
- おう ou
- しゃ sha
- きん kin
- こん kon
- へい hei
- さ sa
- さん san
- ご go
- すい sui
- どう dou
- ろう rou
- じゅう juu
- そく soku
- ばい bai
- がい gai
- ち chi
- せつ setsu
- いん in
- れい rei
- と to
- じん jin
- ごう gou
- しょ sho
- さく saku
- ぎ gi
- きょ kyo
- ぞう zou
- じゅん jun
- はい hai
- はく haku
- り ri
- しょく shoku
- ほ ho
- えい ei
- ゆ yu
- ひょう hyou
- てん ten
- だん dan
- がん gan
- こく koku
- が ga
- ぶ bu
- かつ katsu
- じゅ ju
- ふく fuku
- さつ satsu
- めい mei
- しゃく shaku
- ばん ban
- もう mou
- ふん fun
- ぜん zen
- しつ shitsu
- ばく baku
- たく taku
- やく yaku
- りゅう ryuu
- だ da
- だい dai
- ねん nen
- ぼく boku
- りん rin
- じょ jo
- け ke
- ぼ bo
- けつ ketsu
- へん hen
- しゅく shuku
- てき teki
- ろ ro
- よく yoku
- ちん chin
- に ni
- げ ge
- にん nin
- みょう myou
- す su
- おん on
- そん son
- た ta
- ぎょう gyou
- まい mai
- えき eki
- つい tsui
- み mi
- む mu
- れん ren
- とく toku
- びょう byou
- のう nou
- は ha
- び bi
- らん ran
- ろく roku
- う u
- ど do
- なん nan
- ず zu
- もん mon
- がく gaku
- ちく chiku
- ふう fuu
- ごん gon
- しき shiki
- おく oku
- りょ ryo
- てつ tetsu
- よ yo
- ぞく zoku
- とん ton
- ばつ batsu
- ざい zai
- ひん hin
- ぐ gu
- えつ etsu
- いつ itsu
- もく moku
- でん den
- りつ ritsu
- まん man
- しゅん shun
- え e
- らい rai
- らく raku
- あん an
- べん ben
- びん bin
- ざん zan
- はつ hatsu
- くつ kutsu
- ひつ hitsu
- げい gei
- めん men
- るい rui
- る ru
- れつ retsu
- くん kun
- きつ kitsu
- ぐう guu
- あい ai
- げき geki
- どん don
- ま ma
- にゅう nyuu
- ほん hon
- ぶん bun
- すう suu
- ちょく choku
- じゃく jaku
- や ya
- うん un
- わ wa
- どく doku
- ば ba
- ぎょ gyo
- きゃく kyaku
- きょく kyoku
- ふつ futsu
- ちゃく chaku
- お o
- ぐん gun
- ぼん bon
- ちょ cho
- も mo
- こつ kotsu
- とつ totsu
- へき heki
- ら ra
- いち ichi
- しち shichi
- はち hachi
- じつ jitsu
- にょ nyo
- りょく ryoku
- じき jiki
- ほく hoku
- つう tsuu
- せ se
- ぎん gin
- あく aku
- ざ za
- つ tsu
- ぶつ butsu
- もつ motsu
- じゅつ jutsu
- だつ datsu
- ほつ hotsu
- べつ betsu
- ぜい zei
- そつ sotsu
- ぎゃく gyaku
- まつ matsu
- みん min
- せち sechi
- れき reki
- ごく goku
- ぜつ zetsu
- わん wan
- ちつ chitsu
- じゅく juku
- きち kichi
- ぼつ botsu
- みつ mitsu
- ゆい yui
- まく maku
- だく daku
- じょく joku
- じゃ ja
- にょう nyou
- ずい zui
- な na
- らつ ratsu
- ひゃく hyaku
- げつ getsu
- がつ gatsu
- にち nichi
- くう kuu
- りき riki
- しゅつ shutsu
- ぎょく gyoku
- びゃく byaku
- ない nai
- にく niku
- ぎゅう gyuu
- べい bei
- ちゃ cha
- にゃく nyaku
- たつ tatsu
- すん sun
- ざつ zatsu
- りち richi
- ろん ron
- ぞん zon
- ねつ netsu
- いく iku
- りく riku
- りゃく ryaku
- あつ atsu
- わく waku
- いき iki
- わい wai
- めつ metsu
- でい dei
- きゃ kya
- みゃく myaku
- ねい nei
- ばち bachi
- ちゃん chan
- れふ refu
- すぎ sugi
- じく jiku
- ぜ ze
- また mata
- あ a
- きく kiku
- すく suku
- おつ otsu
- ちゅ chu
- うつ utsu
- きけ kike
- でき deki
- へつ hetsu
- かち kachi