Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Not

Reading

Example Word

不可能: impossible. The Japanese adjectival noun '不可能 (ふかのう)' means 'impossible'. It is used to describe situations, tasks, or events that cannot be achieved or realized. This word is often used in formal or serious contexts to emphasize the unfeasibility of something. For example: It is impossible to finish this task today「このタスクを今日中に終わらせるのは不可能だ」(このタスクをきょうじゅうにおわらせるのはふかのうだ). Climbing that mountain without equipment is impossible「その山を装備なしで登るのは不可能だ」(そのやまをそうびなしでのぼるのはふかのうだ). Note that '不可能' is often used in conjunction with verbs or nouns to express the impossibility of an action or state.

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

工夫: device or scheme. The Japanese verbal noun '工夫 (くふう)' refers to a device, scheme, or contrivance, often implying a clever or inventive solution to a problem. It can be used in various contexts, from physical devices to abstract strategies. For example: He devised a clever scheme to solve the problem「彼は問題を解決するための工夫をした」(かれはもんだいをかいけつするためのくふうをした). This machine is equipped with various devices「この機械には様々な工夫が施されている」(このきかいにはさまざまなくふうがほどこされている). The term emphasizes ingenuity and resourcefulness in overcoming challenges.

Radical

大

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

133

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Father

Reading

Parts

八Eight 乂Govern

Example Word

祖父: grandfather. The Japanese noun '祖父 (そふ)' refers to one's paternal grandfather. It is a formal term used to denote the father of one's father. This word is commonly used in both spoken and written Japanese when referring to or addressing one's grandfather. For example: My grandfather is kind「私の祖父は優しい」(わたしのそふはやさしい). I visited my grandfather「祖父を訪ねた」(そふをたずねた). It's important to note that '祖父' specifically refers to the paternal grandfather, while '外祖父 (がいそふ)' is used for the maternal grandfather, though '祖父' can sometimes be used more generally in casual contexts.

Radical

父

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

137

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Attach

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)寸Measurement

Example Word

押し付ける: impose. The Japanese verb '押し付ける (おしつける)' means 'to impose' or 'to force something onto someone'. It is often used when someone is making another person accept or deal with something they may not want, such as responsibilities, opinions, or tasks. This verb carries a nuance of pressure or coercion. For example: He imposed his opinion on me「彼は意見を私に押し付けた」(かれはけんをわたしにおしつけた). Don't force your work onto others「仕事を他人に押し付けないで」(しごとをたにんにおしつけないで). The verb can also imply a physical action of pressing or pushing something onto someone or something, though this usage is less common.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

252

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Lady

Reading

Parts

女Woman 帚

Example Word

婦人: woman. The Japanese noun '婦人 (ふじん)' means 'woman'. This term is often used in formal or polite contexts to refer to adult women. It is commonly seen in phrases like '婦人服 (ふじんふく)' (women's clothing) or '婦人会 (ふじんかい)' (women's association). For example: The woman is wearing a beautiful dress「その婦人は美しいドレスを着ています」(そのふじんはうつくしいドレスをきています). The store sells women's accessories「その店は婦人用のアクセサリーを売っています」(そのみせはふじんようのアクセサリーをうっています). Note that '婦人' is more formal than '女性 (じょせい)', which is also commonly used to mean 'woman'.

Radical

女

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

346

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Spread, Lay

Reading

Parts

旉 攵Strike

Example Word

敷く: lay. The Japanese verb '敷く (しく)' primarily means 'to lay' or 'to spread out'. It is used when placing something flat over a surface, such as laying down a carpet, spreading out a blanket, or even laying railroad tracks. For example: I laid a carpet in the room「部屋にカーペットを敷いた」(へやにかーぺっとをしいた). They are laying new train tracks「新しい線路を敷いている」(あたらしいせんろをしいている). Additionally, '敷く' can be used metaphorically, such as establishing rules or foundations. For example: The company laid down new rules「会社は新しい規則を敷いた」(かいしゃはあたらしいきそくをしいた).

Radical

攴

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

400

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Float

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)孚

Example Word

浮気: affair. The Japanese noun '浮気 (うわき)' refers to an extramarital affair or infidelity. It is used to describe a situation where someone is romantically or sexually involved with someone other than their partner. This term carries a negative connotation and is often associated with betrayal. For example: He had an affair「彼は浮気をした」(かれはうわきをした). She found out about her husband's affair「彼女は夫の浮気を知った」(かのじょはおとうとのうわきをしった). The word can also be used more broadly to describe a fleeting interest or flirtation, but this usage is less common and typically context-dependent.

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

宀Roof 畐Fill

Example Word

富む: rich. The Japanese verb '富む (とむ)' means 'to be rich' or 'to abound in'. It is used to describe a state of having an abundance of something, whether it be wealth, resources, or qualities. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as describing a person who is wealthy or a place that is rich in natural resources. For example: This country is rich in natural resources「この国は天然資源に富んでいる」(このくにはてんねんしげんにとんでいる). He is rich in experience「彼は経験に富んでいる」(かれはけいけんにとんでいる). Note that '富む' is often used with the particle 'に' to indicate what the subject is rich in.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

649

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Cloth, Linen

Reading

Example Word

布団: futon. The Japanese noun '布団 (ふとん)' refers to a traditional Japanese-style bedding, which typically includes a mattress and a duvet. Futons are designed to be laid directly on the floor and are commonly used in Japanese homes. They are known for their portability and space-saving qualities, as they can be folded and stored away during the day. Example sentences: I spread out the futon「布団を敷いた」(ふとんをしいた). The futon is comfortable「布団は気持ちいい」(ふとんはきもちいい).

Radical

巾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

728

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fearful, Dreadful

Reading

Parts

忄 布Cloth, Linen

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

府立: prefectural. The Japanese noun '府立 (ふりつ)' refers to something that is established or operated by a prefecture, specifically in the context of institutions like schools, hospitals, or other public facilities. It is often used in the names of such institutions to indicate their affiliation with a prefecture. For example: prefectural high school「府立高校」(ふりつこうこう). prefectural hospital「府立病院」(ふりつびょういん). The term is commonly used in the Kansai region, particularly in Kyoto and Osaka, where '府' refers to the prefectural-level administrative divisions.

Radical

广

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

772

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Universal, Widespread

Reading

Parts

並Line, Row 日Day, Sun

Example Word

普遍: universality. The Japanese noun '普遍 (ふへん)' refers to the concept of 'universality', meaning something that is applicable or common to all cases, situations, or people. It is often used in philosophical, scientific, or abstract contexts to describe principles, truths, or phenomena that are not limited by specific conditions. For example: The universality of human rights is widely recognized「人権の普遍性は広く認められている」(じんけんのふへんせいはひろくみとめられている). This theory has universality「この理論は普遍性を持っている」(このりろんはふへんせいをもっている). The word is typically used in formal or academic discussions.

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