Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Not

Reading

Example Word

不可欠: essential. The Japanese adjectival noun '不可欠 (ふかけつ)' means 'essential' or 'indispensable'. It is used to describe something that is absolutely necessary or cannot be done without. This term is often used in formal or academic contexts to emphasize the importance of a particular element. For example: Sleep is essential for health「睡眠は健康に不可欠です」(すいみんはけんこうにふかけつです). Teamwork is indispensable for success「チームワークは成功に不可欠だ」(チームワークはせいこうにふかけつだ). Note that '不可欠' is often followed by particles like 'に' or 'な' to modify nouns, as in '不可欠な要素 (ふかけつなようそ) (essential element)'.

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

61

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Wind, Style

Reading

Parts

虫Insect 凡Common

Example Word

風呂: bath. The Japanese noun '風呂 (ふろ)' refers to a bath, specifically a traditional Japanese bath. This term is commonly used to describe the bathing area or the act of bathing itself. In Japanese culture, taking a bath is often a relaxing and cleansing ritual, and '風呂' can refer to both the bathtub and the entire bathroom area. For example: I will take a bath「風呂に入ります」(ふろにはいります). The bath is ready「風呂が沸きました」(ふろがわきました). It's important to note that '風呂' is often used in the context of a traditional Japanese bathhouse or '銭湯 (せんとう)', where people go to bathe communally.

Radical

風

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

102

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Man, Husband

Reading

Parts

人Person 二Two

Example Word

太夫: actor. The Japanese noun '太夫 (たゆう)' refers to a leading actor in traditional Japanese theater, particularly in Noh or Kabuki. This term is often used to denote a highly skilled and respected performer who takes on principal roles. For example: The actor performed brilliantly「太夫の演技は素晴らしかった」(たゆうのえんぎはすばらしかった). In Kabuki, the leading actor is called '太夫'「歌舞伎では主役を太夫と呼ぶ」(かぶきではしゅやくをたゆうとよぶ). The term carries a sense of prestige and expertise in the performing arts.

Radical

大

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

133

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Father

Reading

Parts

八Eight 乂Govern

Example Word

父親: father. The Japanese noun '父親 (ちちおや)' refers to one's father, specifically in the context of being a parent. It is a formal and respectful term, often used when discussing family roles or relationships. For example: My father is strict「私の父親は厳しい」(わたしのちちおやはきびしい). His father is a doctor「彼の父親は医者です」(かれのちちおやはいしゃです). The term emphasizes the role of the father within the family structure and is commonly used in both spoken and written Japanese.

Radical

父

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

137

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Attach

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)寸Measurement

Example Word

名付ける: name. The Japanese verb '名付ける (なづける)' means 'to name'. It is used when giving a name to someone or something, often in a formal or deliberate manner. This verb is commonly used in contexts such as naming a child, a pet, or even a project. For example: They named their daughter Sakura「彼らは娘をさくらと名付けた」(かれらはむすめをさくらとなづけた). The scientist named the new species『科学者は新種を名付けた』(かがくしゃはしんしゅをなづけた). The verb can also imply a sense of significance or thoughtfulness in the naming process, as it is not used casually.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

252

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Lady

Reading

Parts

女Woman 帚

Example Word

婦: woman. The Japanese suffix '婦 (ふ)' is used to denote a woman, often in a formal or respectful context. It is commonly appended to other words to specify a type of woman, such as in professional or social roles. For example: a housewife「主婦」(しゅふ). a nurse「看護婦」(かんごふ). It's important to note that while '婦' is traditionally used, some terms are being updated to more gender-neutral language, such as '看護師' (かんごし) for nurse, replacing '看護婦'.

Radical

女

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

346

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Spread, Lay

Reading

Parts

旉 攵Strike

Example Word

屋敷: mansion. The Japanese noun '屋敷 (やしき)' refers to a large, often luxurious residence or estate, typically associated with wealth or nobility. It can also imply a historical or traditional property. This word is commonly used to describe grand homes or estates, often with significant land. For example: that mansion is beautiful「あの屋敷は美しい」(あのやしきはうつくしい). The old mansion has a large garden「古い屋敷には大きな庭がある」(ふるいやしきにはおおきなにわがある). The term can also carry a sense of historical or cultural significance, as many '屋敷' are preserved as landmarks.

Radical

攴

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

400

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Float

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)孚

Example Word

思い浮かべる: recall. The Japanese verb '思い浮かべる (おもいうかべる)' means 'to recall' or 'to bring to mind'. It is used when someone thinks of something or someone, often spontaneously or vividly. This verb is commonly used in contexts where memories, images, or ideas come to mind. For example: I recalled my childhood「私は子供時代を思い浮かべた」(わたしはこどもじだいをおもいうかべた). He recalled her smile「彼は彼女の笑顔を思い浮かべた」(かれはかのじょのえがおをおもいうかべた). The verb can also imply a sense of visualization or imagination, as in '思い浮かべる' often involves picturing something in one's mind.

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

458

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Attach, Affixed

Reading

Parts

⻖ 付Attach

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

536

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Defeat

Reading

Parts

⺈Wrap 貝Shellfish

Example Word

負傷: injury. The Japanese verbal noun '負傷 (ふしょう)' refers to an injury, typically physical, that someone sustains. It is often used in formal or medical contexts to describe wounds or harm to the body. For example: he suffered a serious injury「彼は重い負傷を負った」(かれはおもいふしょうをおった). The accident caused many injuries「その事故で多くの負傷者が出た」(そのじこでおおくのふしょうしゃがでた). Note that '負傷' is more formal than casual terms like 'けが (kega)' and is commonly used in news reports or official statements.

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

575

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Wealth, Rich

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 畐Fill

Example Word

富: wealth. The Japanese noun '富 (とみ)' refers to 'wealth' or 'riches'. It is used to describe an abundance of valuable possessions, money, or resources. This word can be used in both literal and figurative contexts, such as material wealth or the wealth of knowledge. For example: He accumulated great wealth「彼は大きな富を築いた」(かれはおおきなとみをきずいた). The wealth of this country is vast「この国の富は大きい」(このくにのとみはおおきい). Note that '富' can also be used in compound words, such as '富国 (ふこく)' meaning 'wealthy nation'.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

649

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Cloth, Linen

Reading

Example Word

分布: distribution. The Japanese noun '分布 (ぶんぷ)' means 'distribution'. This term is commonly used in contexts such as statistics, geography, biology, and other fields to describe how something is spread or arranged over an area or among a group. For example: the distribution of population「人口の分布」(じんこうのぶんぷ). The distribution of resources「資源の分布」(しげんのぶんぷ). It can also refer to the spread of data points in a statistical context, such as 'normal distribution'「正規分布」(せいきぶんぷ). The word is neutral and can be applied to both physical and abstract distributions.

Radical

巾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

728

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fearful, Dreadful

Reading

Parts

忄 布Cloth, Linen

Example Word

怖がる: fear. The Japanese verb '怖がる (こわがる)' means 'to fear' or 'to be afraid'. It is used to describe the act of feeling fear or being scared of something. This verb often implies a visible or noticeable reaction to fear, such as trembling or avoiding the feared object. For example: The child is afraid of the dark「子供は暗闇を怖がる」(こどもはくらやみをこわがる). She is scared of dogs「彼女は犬を怖がる」(かのじょはいぬをこわがる). The verb can also be used to describe someone who is generally fearful or easily frightened, as in 'He is a fearful person'「彼は怖がりだ」(かれはこわがりだ).

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

744

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Government office, Urban prefecture

Reading

Parts

广Dotted cliff 付Attach

Example Word

政府: government. The Japanese noun '政府 (せいふ)' refers to the governing body of a nation or state, commonly translated as 'government'. It is used to describe the system or group of people governing an organized community, often a state. This term is neutral and can refer to any form of government, whether democratic, autocratic, or otherwise. Example sentences include: The government announced a new policy「政府は新しい政策を発表した」(せいふはあたらしいせいさくをはっぴょうした). The government is responsible for public safety「政府は公共の安全に責任がある」(せいふはこうきょうのあんぜんにせきにんがある).

Radical

广

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

772

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Universal, Widespread

Reading

Parts

並Line, Row 日Day, Sun

Example Word

普段: usually. The Japanese adverb '普段 (ふだん)' means 'usually' or 'ordinarily'. It refers to something that is done regularly or under normal circumstances. This word is often used to describe habitual actions or states. For example: I usually walk to work「普段は歩いて仕事に行きます」(ふだんはあるいてしごとにいきます). She usually wears glasses「彼女は普段メガネをかけています」(かのじょはふだんめがねをかけています). It can also be used to contrast normal situations with exceptions, as in '普段は静かなのに、今日はにぎやかだ (ふだんはしずかなのに、きょうはにぎやかだ) (It's usually quiet, but today it's lively).'

Radical

日

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

789

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Rot

Reading

Parts

府Government office, Urban prefecture 肉Meat

Example Word

腐る: rot. The Japanese verb '腐る (くさる)' means 'to rot' or 'to decay'. It is used to describe the process of organic matter breaking down, often due to bacterial or fungal activity. This verb can be applied to food, plants, or other organic materials. For example: the fruit rotted「果物が腐った」(くだものがくさった). The fish will rot if left out「魚は放置すると腐る」(さかなはほうちするとくさる). Additionally, '腐る' can be used metaphorically to describe something becoming morally or emotionally corrupt, though this usage is less common. For example: his heart rotted with greed「彼の心は欲望で腐った」(かれのこころはよくぼうでくさった).

Radical

肉

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1332

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Skin

Reading

Parts

虍 胃Stomach

Example Word

皮膚: skin. The Japanese noun '皮膚 (ひふ)' refers to the outer covering of the body, commonly known as 'skin'. It is used in both medical and everyday contexts to describe the physical layer that protects the body. For example: My skin is dry「私の皮膚は乾燥している」(わたしのひふはかんそうしている). The skin is the largest organ of the body「皮膚は体の中で一番大きな器官です」(ひふはからだのなかでいちばんおおきなきかんです). The word can also be used in compound terms, such as '皮膚科 (ひふか)' (dermatology).

Radical

肉

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1589

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Token, Symbol

Reading

Parts

⺮Bamboo (竹)付Attach

Example Word

切符: ticket. The Japanese noun '切符 (きっぷ)' refers to a 'ticket', typically used for transportation such as trains, buses, or airplanes. It can also refer to tickets for events or other services. This word is commonly used in daily life when purchasing or using tickets. For example: I bought a train ticket「電車の切符を買いました」(でんしゃのきっぷをかいました). Please show your ticket「切符を見せてください」(きっぷをみせてください). The word is straightforward and widely understood in contexts involving travel or entry to events.

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1629

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Cauldron

Reading

Parts

父Father 王King

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1720

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Aid, Lend support to

Reading

Parts

扌Hand (手)夫Man, Husband

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1831

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Proceed to

Reading

Parts

走Run 卜Divination

Example Word

赴く: go or proceed. The Japanese verb '赴く (おもむく)' primarily means 'to go' or 'to proceed' towards a specific destination or situation, often implying a sense of purpose or inevitability. It is commonly used in formal or literary contexts to describe moving towards a place, role, or state. For example: He went to the battlefield「彼は戦場に赴いた」(かれはせんじょうにおもむいた). She proceeded to her new job「彼女は新しい仕事に赴いた」(かのじょはあたらしいしごとにおもむいた). The verb can also carry a nuanced sense of moving towards a fate or outcome, as in '赴く運命 (おもむくうんめい) (destined fate)'.

Radical

走

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1845

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Musical score, Systematic record

Reading

Parts

訁Say (言)普Universal, Widespread

Radical

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1911

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Levy, Installment

Reading

Parts

貝Shellfish 武Military

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1980

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Mound

Reading

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2071

Radical Forms

⻏, 阝

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Obituary

Reading

Parts

訁Say (言)卜Divination

Radical

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2128

Handwriting