kanji

Meaning

Idea

Reading

Parts

音Sound 心Heart

Example Word

注意深い: careful. The Japanese adjective '注意深い (ちゅういぶかい)' means 'careful'. It describes someone who is attentive, cautious, or meticulous in their actions or observations. This word is often used to praise someone's thoroughness or attention to detail. For example: She is a careful observer「彼女は注意深い観察者だ」(かのじょはちゅういぶかいかんさつしゃだ). He listened carefully to the instructions「彼は注意深く指示を聞いた」(かれはちゅういぶかくしじをきいた). The nuance of '注意深い' emphasizes a deliberate and thoughtful approach, often implying a high level of awareness or consideration.

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

59

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

By means of

Reading

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

128

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Differ, Different

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 韋

Example Word

相違: difference. The Japanese noun '相違 (そうい)' means 'difference'. It is used to describe a distinction or discrepancy between two or more things, ideas, or situations. This word is often used in formal or written contexts to highlight contrasts or disagreements. For example: there is a difference in opinion「意見に相違がある」(いけんにそういがある). The difference between the two plans is clear「二つの計画の相違は明らかだ」(ふたつのけいかくのそういはあきらかだ). Note that '相違' is more formal than other words like '違い (ちがい)', which is more commonly used in everyday conversation.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

184

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Rank

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)立Stand

Example Word

上位: higher rank or superior position. The Japanese noun '上位 (じょうい)' refers to a higher rank or superior position within a hierarchy, system, or classification. It is often used in contexts such as rankings, competitions, or organizational structures. For example: He is in a higher rank in the company「彼は会社で上位にいる」(かれはかいしゃでじょういにいる). This product is in the superior position in the market「この製品は市場で上位にある」(このせいひんはしじょうでじょういにある). The word can also be used in abstract contexts, such as '上位概念 (じょういがいねん)' meaning 'superordinate concept'.

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

歯医者: dentist. The Japanese noun '歯医者 (はいしゃ)' means 'dentist'. It refers to a medical professional who specializes in the care and treatment of teeth and oral health. This word is commonly used in everyday conversation when discussing dental appointments or issues. For example: I went to the dentist「歯医者に行きました」(はいしゃにいきました). The dentist is kind「その歯医者は優しいです」(そのはいしゃはやさしいです). It is important to note that '歯医者' is often used interchangeably with '歯科医 (しかい)', though '歯医者' is more casual and commonly used in spoken language.

Radical

匸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

601

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Only, Solely

Reading

Parts

口Mouth 隹Bird

Example Word

唯: only. The Japanese adverb '唯 (ただ)' means 'only' or 'merely'. It is used to emphasize that something is limited to a specific condition, state, or action, often implying simplicity or lack of complexity. For example: I only want to help「ただ助けたいだけです」(ただたすけたいだけです). It's just a rumor「ただの噂です」(ただのうわさです). This word can also carry a nuance of humility or modesty, as in 'I am just a student'「私はただの学生です」(わたしはただのがくせいです). Note that '唯' is often used in formal or literary contexts, while 'だけ' is more common in casual speech.

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

推移: transition. The Japanese noun '推移 (すいい)' refers to a 'transition' or 'change over time'. It is commonly used to describe the process or progression of events, trends, or states. For example: the transition of seasons「季節の推移」(きせつのすいい). The change in economic conditions「経済状況の推移」(けいざいじょうきょうのすいい). This word is often used in formal or analytical contexts to discuss shifts or developments in various fields such as economics, history, or science.

Radical

禾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

742

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Leave behind

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 貴Precious

Example Word

遺伝: heredity. The Japanese noun '遺伝 (いでん)' refers to 'heredity' or the passing of traits from parents to offspring through genes. It is commonly used in scientific, medical, and everyday contexts to discuss genetic inheritance. For example: Heredity influences eye color「遺伝は目の色に影響する」(いでんはめのいろにえいきょうする). This disease is caused by heredity「この病気は遺伝によるものです」(このびょうきはいでんによるものです). The word is also used in compound terms like '遺伝子 (いでんし)' (gene) and '遺伝学 (いでんがく)' (genetics).

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

876

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Reliant, Depend on

Reading

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

896

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Might, Intimidate

Reading

Parts

女Woman 戌

Example Word

脅威: threat. The Japanese noun '脅威 (きょうい)' means 'threat'. It refers to something or someone that poses a danger or risk, often causing fear or concern. This word is commonly used in contexts such as security, politics, or natural disasters. For example: The new virus is a threat to public health「新しいウイルスは公衆衛生への脅威です」(あたらしいウイルスはこうしゅうえいせいへのきょういです). Climate change is a global threat「気候変動は世界的な脅威です」(きこうへんどうはせかいてきなきょういです). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something that challenges or endangers stability or progress.

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

偉大: great. The Japanese adjective '偉大 (いだい)' means 'great' and is used to describe something or someone of extraordinary significance, importance, or magnitude. It often conveys a sense of awe or admiration. This word is typically used in formal or literary contexts to describe historical figures, achievements, or monumental events. For example: He is a great leader「彼は偉大なリーダーです」(かれはいだいなリーダーです). The discovery was a great achievement「その発見は偉大な業績でした」(そのはっけんはいだいなぎょうせきでした). Note that '偉大' carries a stronger and more formal tone compared to other words like 'すごい' or '大きい'.

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

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