字Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Not

Reading

Example Word

不: not. The Japanese prefix '不 (ふ)' is used to negate or express the absence of a quality, state, or action. It is commonly attached to nouns or adjectives to form words that mean the opposite of the original term. For example: '不安 (ふあん)' means 'unease' or 'anxiety' (literally 'not peace'), and '不満 (ふまん)' means 'dissatisfaction' (literally 'not satisfaction'). This prefix is versatile and widely used in both formal and informal contexts. Example sentences: He is not satisfied「彼は不満です」(かれはふまんです). This situation is uncertain「この状況は不確かです」(このじょうきょうはふたしかです).

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

61

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Wind, Style

Reading

Parts

凡Common 虫Insect

Example Word

風: wind. The Japanese noun '風 (かぜ)' primarily means 'wind'. It refers to the natural movement of air, especially in the form of a current of air blowing from a particular direction. This word is commonly used in weather-related contexts. For example: The wind is strong today「今日は風が強い」(きょうはかぜがつよい). I can hear the sound of the wind「風の音が聞こえる」(かぜのおとがきこえる). Additionally, '風' can sometimes be used metaphorically to describe trends or influences, such as in '時代の風 (じだいのかぜ)', meaning 'the wind of the times', referring to the trends or spirit of an era.

Radical

風

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

102

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Man, Husband

Reading

Parts

二Two 人Person

Example Word

夫: husband. The Japanese noun '夫 (おっと)' means 'husband'. It is used to refer to a married man in relation to his spouse. This term is neutral and commonly used in everyday conversation. For example: my husband is kind「私の夫は優しい」(わたしのおっとはやさしい). Her husband works at a bank「彼女の夫は銀行で働いています」(かのじょのおっとはぎんこうではたらいています). Note that '夫' is more formal than other terms like '主人 (しゅじん)' or '旦那 (だんな)', which can also mean 'husband' but carry different nuances.

Radical

大

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

133

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Father

Reading

Parts

八Eight 乂Govern

Example Word

父: father. The Japanese noun '父 (ちち)' means 'father'. It is a common and respectful term used to refer to one's own father. This word is typically used in formal or polite contexts, and it carries a sense of respect and affection. For example: my father is kind「私の父は優しい」(わたしのちちはやさしい). I talked to my father yesterday「昨日、父と話しました」(きのう、ちちとはなしました). It's important to note that '父 (ちち)' is used when referring to one's own father, while 'お父さん (おとうさん)' is a more casual and commonly used term, often used when addressing or referring to someone else's father.

Radical

父

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

137

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Attach

Reading

Parts

寸Measurement 亻Person (人)

Example Word

付ける: attach or turn on. The Japanese verb '付ける (つける)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'to attach' or 'to affix', referring to physically adding something to another object. For example: I attached a label to the box「箱にラベルを付けた」(はこにラベルをつけた). The second meaning is 'to turn on' (a device or light). For example: She turned on the light「彼女は電気を付けた」(かのじょはでんきをつけた). This verb is versatile and widely used in daily conversations. It can also imply adding something abstract, like skills or habits, as in 'to acquire a habit' (習慣を付ける, しゅうかんをつける).

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

252

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Lady

Reading

Parts

帚 女Woman

Example Word

夫婦: married couple. The Japanese noun '夫婦 (ふうふ)' means 'married couple'. This word refers to two people who are married to each other, regardless of gender. It is used to describe the relationship between the spouses. For example: They are a married couple 「彼らは夫婦です」 (かれらはふうふです). The married couple went on a trip 「夫婦は旅行に行きました」 (ふうふはりょこうにいきました). Note that this word is neutral and does not imply any particular marital status other than being married.

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

浮かぶ: float or come to mind. The Japanese verb '浮かぶ (うかぶ)' has two primary meanings. The first meaning is 'to float', referring to something physically rising or staying on the surface of a liquid or in the air. For example: the boat floats on the water「ボートが水に浮かぶ」(ボートがみずにうかぶ). The second meaning is 'to come to mind', referring to an idea, thought, or memory appearing in one's consciousness. For example: a good idea came to mind「いいアイデアが浮かんだ」(いいアイデアがうかんだ). The verb is versatile and can be used in both literal and figurative contexts. Note that the past tense form is '浮かんだ (うかんだ)'.

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

負ける: lose. The Japanese verb '負ける (まける)' primarily means 'to lose' in the context of a competition, game, or conflict. It can also imply yielding or giving in to someone or something. This verb is commonly used in both casual and formal settings. For example: I lost the game「試合に負けた」(しあいにまけた). He gave in to the pressure「彼はプレッシャーに負けた」(かれはぷれっしゃーにまけた). Additionally, '負ける' can sometimes be used metaphorically, such as in the phrase '負けないで (まけないで)', which means 'don't give up' or 'don't lose heart'.

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

575

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Wealth, Rich

Reading

Parts

畐Fill 宀Roof

Example Word

豊富: abundant. The Japanese adjectival noun '豊富 (ほうふ)' means 'abundant' or 'plentiful'. It is used to describe a large quantity or variety of something, often in a positive context. For example: This region has abundant resources「この地域は資源が豊富だ」(このちいきはしげんがほうふだ). The library has a plentiful collection of books「図書館には本が豊富にある」(としょかんにはほんがほうふにある). '豊富' is commonly used in both formal and informal settings to emphasize the richness or sufficiency of something.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

649

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Cloth, Linen

Reading

Example Word

毛布: blanket. The Japanese noun '毛布 (もうふ)' refers to a 'blanket'. It is commonly used to describe a thick, warm covering used on beds or for wrapping oneself in. This word is often used in everyday contexts, such as when discussing bedding or staying warm. Example sentences: I bought a new blanket「新しい毛布を買いました」(あたらしいもうふをかいました). This blanket is very warm「この毛布はとても暖かいです」(このもうふはとてもあたたかいです). The word '毛布' can also be used metaphorically to describe something that provides comfort or protection, though this usage is less common.

Radical

巾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

728

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fearful, Dreadful

Reading

Parts

布Cloth, Linen 忄

Example Word

怖い: scary. The Japanese adjective '怖い (こわい)' means 'scary' or 'frightening'. It is used to describe something that causes fear or unease. This can apply to situations, objects, or even people. For example: That movie was scary「あの映画は怖かった」(あのえいがはこわかった). I'm scared of ghosts「幽霊が怖い」(ゆうれいがこわい). The adjective can also express a sense of dread or anxiety, as in 'I'm scared of failing the test (テストに落ちるのが怖い) (テストにおちるのがこわい)'. Note that '怖い' is often used in casual conversation to describe something that is unsettling or intimidating.

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

日Day, Sun 並Line, Row

Example Word

普通: normal. The Japanese adjectival noun '普通 (ふつう)' means 'normal' or 'ordinary'. It is used to describe something that is standard, usual, or not out of the ordinary. This word can be applied to situations, objects, or people. For example: This is a normal day「今日は普通の日です」(きょうはふつうのひです). She is an ordinary person「彼女は普通の人です」(かのじょはふつうのひとです). It can also be used in phrases like '普通に (ふつうに)' to mean 'normally' or 'as usual', as in 'I normally go to school by train「普通に電車で学校に行きます」(ふつうにでんしゃでがっこうにいきます)'. Note that '普通' can sometimes imply a sense of mediocrity or lack of specialness, depending on the context.

Radical

日

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

789

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Rot

Reading

Parts

肉Meat 府Government office, Urban prefecture

Example Word

豆腐: tofu. The Japanese noun '豆腐 (とうふ)' refers to 'tofu', a food made from soybeans. It is a staple in Japanese cuisine and is known for its versatility and high protein content. Tofu can be prepared in various ways, such as fried, boiled, or eaten cold. For example: I ate tofu for dinner「夕食に豆腐を食べた」(ゆうしょくにとうふをたべた). This miso soup has tofu in it「この味噌汁には豆腐が入っている」(このみそしるにはとうふがはいっている). Tofu is often used in vegetarian and vegan diets as a meat substitute due to its texture and nutritional value.

Radical

肉

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1332

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Skin

Reading

Parts

胃Stomach 虍

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

王King 父Father

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

武Military 貝Shellfish

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