kanji

Meaning

Idea

Reading

Parts

音Sound 心Heart

Example Word

得意: good or pride. The Japanese adjectival noun '得意 (とくい)' has two primary meanings. The first meaning is 'good', referring to being skilled or proficient at something. For example: I am good at math「私は数学が得意です」(わたしはすうがくがとくいです). The second meaning is 'pride', referring to something one takes pride in or is proud of. For example: This dish is my pride「この料理は私の得意です」(このりょうりはわたしのとくいです). The word is often used to describe skills, abilities, or areas of expertise, and can also imply a sense of confidence or satisfaction in one's abilities.

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

59

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

By means of

Reading

Example Word

以降: after. The Japanese noun '以降 (いこう)' means 'after' or 'from a certain point onward'. It is used to indicate a time or event that marks the beginning of a period, and everything that follows it. This word is often used in formal or written contexts. For example: after 5 PM「5時以降」(ごじいこう). From tomorrow onward「明日以降」(あしたいこう). It can also be used to refer to events or situations that occur after a specific point in time, such as 'after the war'「戦争以降」(せんそういこう). Note that '以降' is typically used for time-related contexts and is more formal than other similar words like '後 (あと)'.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

128

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Differ, Different

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 韋

Example Word

勘違い: misunderstanding. The Japanese verbal noun '勘違い (かんちがい)' means 'misunderstanding' or 'mistaken assumption'. It refers to a situation where someone has misunderstood or misinterpreted something, often leading to confusion or incorrect conclusions. This word is commonly used in everyday conversation to describe minor or significant errors in perception or judgment. For example: I misunderstood the time「時間を勘違いした」(じかんをかんちがいした). She thought I was angry, but it was a misunderstanding「彼女は私が怒っていると勘違いした」(かのじょはわたしがおこっているとかんちがいした). The term can also imply a sense of self-awareness when realizing one's own mistake, as in 'I was mistaken'「勘違いしていた」(かんちがいしていた).

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

184

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Rank

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)立Stand

Example Word

位: rank or about. The Japanese noun '位 (くらい)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'rank', referring to a position or status within a hierarchy. For example: he holds a high rank「彼は高い位にある」(かれはたかいくらいにある). The second meaning is 'about', used to indicate an approximate amount or degree. For example: it's about 10 kilometers「10キロくらいです」(じゅっキロくらいです). The context usually makes it clear which meaning is intended. When used to mean 'about', it often follows a quantity or measurement.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

366

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Do, Sake

Reading

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

436

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Rare, Different

Reading

Parts

田Rice field 井Well

Example Word

異性: opposite sex. The Japanese noun '異性 (いせい)' refers to the 'opposite sex'. It is commonly used in contexts discussing relationships, gender dynamics, or biological distinctions. For example: He is interested in the opposite sex「彼は異性に興味がある」(かれはいせいに関心がある). The event is for people of the opposite sex to meet「そのイベントは異性が出会うためのものです」(そのイベントはいせいがであうためのものです). This term is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings.

Radical

田

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

453

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Clothes

Reading

Parts

亠Lid 𧘇Garment (衣)

Example Word

衣: clothing. The Japanese noun '衣 (い)' refers to 'clothing' or 'garments'. It is often used in a formal or literary context to describe attire or apparel. This word can be found in compound words or phrases related to clothing, such as '衣装 (いしょう)' meaning 'costume' or 'outfit'. Example sentences include: She wore beautiful clothing「彼女は美しい衣を着ていた」(かのじょはうつくしいいをきていた). The clothing was made of silk「その衣は絹でできていた」(そのいはきぬでできていた). Note that '衣' is less commonly used in everyday conversation compared to '服 (ふく)', which is a more general term for clothing.

Radical

衣

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

600

Radical Form

𧘇

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Doctor

Reading

Parts

矢Arrow 匸Side enclosure

Example Word

医師: doctor. The Japanese noun '医師 (いし)' refers to a medical doctor, specifically someone who is licensed to practice medicine. This term is formal and is often used in professional or official contexts. It is distinct from more casual terms like 'お医者さん (おいしゃさん)', which is also used to refer to a doctor but in a more conversational or friendly tone. Example sentences: The doctor examined the patient「医師は患者を診察した」(いしはかんじゃをしんさつした). She became a doctor「彼女は医師になった」(かのじょはいしになった). Note that '医師' is typically used in written or formal speech, while 'お医者さん' is more common in everyday conversation.

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

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

711

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Easy

Reading

Parts

日Day, Sun 勿Must not

Example Word

易い: easy. The Japanese suffix '易い (やすい)' is attached to the stem of verbs to indicate that something is easy to do. It conveys the idea that the action described by the verb is simple or effortless. For example: This book is easy to read「この本は読み易い」(このほんはよみやすい). This problem is easy to solve「この問題は解き易い」(このもんだいはときやすい). Note that '易い' is often written in hiragana as 'やすい' when used as a suffix. It is important to distinguish this from the adjective '安い (やすい)', which means 'cheap'.

Radical

日

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

718

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Move, Transfer

Reading

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

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

依存: dependence. The Japanese noun '依存 (いぞん)' means 'dependence'. It refers to a state of relying on or being controlled by something or someone else. This term is often used in contexts such as addiction, reliance on substances, or emotional dependence. For example: He has a dependence on alcohol「彼はアルコールに依存している」(かれはアルコールにいぞんしている). The country's dependence on foreign oil is increasing「その国の外国産石油への依存が増えている」(そのくにのがいこくさんせきゆへのいぞんがふえている). It can also be used in psychological or social contexts to describe reliance on others for emotional support or decision-making.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

896

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Might, Intimidate

Reading

Parts

女Woman 戌

Example Word

権威: authority. The Japanese noun '権威 (けんい)' refers to 'authority' in the sense of power, influence, or expertise. It is often used to describe someone or something that commands respect or is recognized as an expert in a particular field. For example: He is an authority in the field of science「彼は科学の分野で権威です」(かれはかがくのぶんやでけんいです). This book is considered an authority on Japanese history「この本は日本の歴史に関する権威とされています」(このほんはにほんのれきしにかんするけんいとされています). The word can also imply a sense of legitimacy or official power, such as in the context of institutions or leaders.

Radical

女

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

925

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Chair

Reading

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

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

委託: consignment. The Japanese noun '委託 (いたく)' refers to the act of entrusting or consigning something to someone else, often in a business or legal context. It implies that responsibility or authority is being delegated to another party. For example: The company consigned the task to a specialist「会社はその仕事を専門家に委託した」(かいしゃはそのしごとをせんもんかにいたくした). The goods were sent on consignment「商品は委託で送られた」(しょうひんはいたくでおくられた). This term is commonly used in contexts involving outsourcing, agency agreements, or the transfer of responsibilities.

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

維持: maintenance. The Japanese verbal noun '維持 (いじ)' means 'maintenance'. It refers to the act of keeping something in its current state or condition, or preserving it. This word is often used in contexts related to maintaining systems, relationships, health, or order. For example: maintenance of peace「平和の維持」(へいわのいじ). Maintaining good health「健康を維持する」(けんこうをいじする). It can also be used in technical or mechanical contexts, such as maintaining equipment「設備の維持」(せつびのいじ).

Radical

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1546

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Stomach

Reading

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

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