kanji

Meaning

Body

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)本Book, Origin

Example Word

肉体: body. The Japanese noun '肉体 (にくたい)' refers to the physical body, particularly in contrast to the mind or spirit. It emphasizes the corporeal, tangible aspect of a living being. This term is often used in contexts discussing physicality, health, or the contrast between body and soul. For example: He trained his body every day「彼は毎日肉体を鍛えた」(かれはまいにちにくたいをきたえた). The mind and body are connected「心と肉体は繋がっている」(こころとにくたいはつながっている). Note that '肉体' carries a slightly more formal or literary tone compared to the more common word for body, '体 (からだ)'.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

115

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Determine

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 正Correct

Example Word

定期券: commuter pass. The Japanese noun '定期券 (ていきけん)' refers to a 'commuter pass', which is a type of ticket used for regular travel, typically between home and work or school, on public transportation systems like trains or buses. This pass is usually valid for a set period, such as one month, three months, or six months, and offers unlimited travel within the specified route during that time. Example sentences: I bought a commuter pass「定期券を買いました」(ていきけんをかいました). He lost his commuter pass「彼は定期券をなくしました」(かれはていきけんをなくしました).

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

237

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Order, Extent

Reading

Parts

禾Cereal 呈Display, Present

Example Word

程度: degree. The Japanese noun '程度 (ていど)' refers to the extent, degree, or level of something. It is often used to describe the magnitude, intensity, or scope of a situation, condition, or action. For example: to what degree is it damaged?「どの程度壊れていますか？」(どのていどこわれていますか？). The degree of difficulty is high「難易度の程度は高い」(なんいどのていどはたかい). This word is versatile and can be applied to various contexts, such as measuring the severity of an issue, the intensity of an emotion, or the scope of an event. It is commonly used in both formal and informal settings.

Radical

禾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

307

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Bottom

Reading

Parts

广Dotted cliff 氐

Example Word

徹底的: thorough. The Japanese adjective '徹底的 (てっていてき)' means 'thorough'. It describes something that is done completely, meticulously, or exhaustively, leaving no room for oversight. This word is often used in contexts where precision, completeness, or intensity is emphasized. For example: He conducted a thorough investigation「彼は徹底的な調査を行った」(かれはてっていてきなちょうさをおこなった). The company implemented thorough reforms「その会社は徹底的な改革を実施した」(そのかいしゃはてっていてきなかいかくをじっしした). Note that '徹底的' is often used in formal or professional settings to emphasize the depth or completeness of an action.

Radical

广

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

373

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Garden

Reading

Parts

广Dotted cliff 廷Court

Example Word

庭: garden. The Japanese noun '庭 (にわ)' means 'garden'. It refers to an outdoor area, typically adjacent to a house or building, that is cultivated with plants, flowers, or trees. This word is commonly used to describe both traditional Japanese gardens and more general garden spaces. For example: The garden is beautiful「庭がきれいです」(にわがきれいです). I play in the garden「庭で遊びます」(にわであそびます). It can also be used in compound words like '庭園 (ていえん)' (garden or park) or '家庭 (かてい)' (home or household), though the latter is unrelated to the meaning of 'garden'.

Radical

广

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

402

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Younger brother

Reading

Parts

丿Katakana no 弓Bow 丨Stick 丷Divide

Example Word

兄弟: siblings. The Japanese noun '兄弟 (きょうだい)' refers to siblings, including both brothers and sisters. It is a gender-neutral term that can be used to describe a group of siblings or to refer to one's own brothers and sisters collectively. For example: I have three siblings「私には兄弟が三人います」(わたしにはきょうだいがさんにんいます). My siblings are kind「私の兄弟は優しいです」(わたしのきょうだいはやさしいです). Note that '兄弟' can also be used in a broader sense to refer to close friends or comrades, implying a bond similar to that of siblings, though this usage is less common and context-dependent.

Radical

弓

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

518

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Street

Reading

Parts

一One 亅Barb

Example Word

丁目: district. The Japanese suffix '丁目 (ちょうめ)' is used to denote a specific district or block within a city or town. It is commonly used in addresses to specify a particular area or neighborhood. For example: I live in the third district「私は3丁目に住んでいます」(わたしはさんちょうめにすんでいます). The restaurant is in the fifth district「そのレストランは5丁目にあります」(そのレストランはごちょうめにあります). This suffix is essential for navigating and understanding Japanese addresses, as it helps to pinpoint locations within larger areas.

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

594

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Low

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)氐

Example Word

低下: decline. The Japanese verbal noun '低下 (ていか)' means 'decline' or 'decrease'. It is used to describe a reduction or drop in quality, quantity, level, or status. This term is often used in formal or technical contexts, such as economics, health, or performance. For example: a decline in academic performance「学力の低下」(がくりょくのていか). The decrease in temperature「気温の低下」(きおんのていか). It can also be used to describe a decline in physical or mental condition, such as '体力の低下 (たいりょくのていか) (decline in physical strength)'. Note that '低下' is often paired with nouns using the particle 'の' to indicate what is declining.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

739

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Present, Submit

Reading

Parts

扌Hand (手)是Right, Absolutely

Example Word

提案: proposal. The Japanese verbal noun '提案 (ていあん)' means 'proposal' or 'suggestion'. It refers to the act of formally presenting an idea, plan, or solution for consideration. This word is commonly used in professional, academic, or organizational settings. For example: I submitted a proposal to the company「会社に提案を提出しました」(かいしゃにていあんをていしゅつしました). His proposal was accepted「彼の提案は受け入れられました」(かれのていあんはうけいれられました). The word can also be used in everyday contexts, such as suggesting an idea to friends: Let's consider his proposal「彼の提案を考えましょう」(かれのていあんをかんがえましょう).

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

855

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Emperor, Sovereign

Reading

Parts

亠Lid 丷Divide 冖Crown 巾Towel

Example Word

帝国: empire. The Japanese noun '帝国 (ていこく)' means 'empire'. It refers to a large and powerful group of states or countries under a single supreme authority, often an emperor or empress. This term is commonly used in historical contexts to describe vast territories ruled by a central power, such as the Roman Empire or the British Empire. In modern usage, it can also metaphorically describe large, dominant organizations or entities. Example sentences: The Roman Empire was vast「ローマ帝国は広大だった」(ろーまていこくはこうだいだった). The company is an empire in the tech industry「その会社はテック業界の帝国だ」(そのかいしゃはてっくぎょうかいのていこくだ).

Radical

巾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

922

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Inn, Pavilion

Reading

Parts

亠Lid 口Mouth 冖Crown 丁Street

Example Word

亭主: husband or innkeeper. The Japanese noun '亭主 (ていしゅ)' has two distinct meanings. The first and most common meaning is 'husband', often used in a somewhat traditional or old-fashioned context. For example: my husband is kind「私の亭主は優しい」(わたしのていしゅはやさしい). The second meaning is 'innkeeper' or 'proprietor of a traditional Japanese inn (ryokan)', which is less commonly used in modern Japanese. For example: the innkeeper welcomed us warmly「亭主が私たちを温かく迎えてくれた」(ていしゅがわたしたちをあたたかくむかえてくれた). The word carries a slightly formal or traditional nuance, and its usage depends heavily on context.

Radical

亠

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1036

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Spy

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)貞Chastity

Example Word

探偵: detective. The Japanese noun '探偵 (たんてい)' refers to a 'detective', someone who investigates and solves crimes or mysteries. This term is commonly used in contexts involving private investigators, fictional detectives, or professional sleuths. For example: He is a famous detective「彼は有名な探偵です」(かれはゆうめいなたんていです). The detective solved the case「探偵が事件を解決した」(たんていがじけんをかいけつした). The word can also appear in compound terms like '探偵小説 (たんていしょうせつ)' (detective novel) or '探偵事務所 (たんていじむしょ)' (detective agency).

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1105

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Residence

Reading

Parts

氐 ⻏Mound (阜)

Example Word

邸: residence. The Japanese suffix '邸 (てい)' is used to denote a residence or mansion, often implying a certain level of grandeur or formality. It is commonly attached to family names to refer to someone's home in a respectful manner. For example: Mr. Tanaka's residence「田中邸」(たなかてい). The mansion of the wealthy family「裕福な家族の邸」(ゆうふくなかぞくのてい). This suffix is typically used in formal contexts and can be found in addresses or when referring to the homes of notable individuals.

Radical

邑

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1134

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Halt

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)亭Inn, Pavilion

Example Word

停車: stop. The Japanese verbal noun '停車 (ていしゃ)' means 'stop' and is specifically used in the context of vehicles, such as trains, buses, or cars, coming to a halt. It is often used in transportation-related contexts. For example: the train stopped at the station「電車が駅に停車した」(でんしゃがえきにていしゃした). The bus will stop here「バスはここで停車します」(バスはここでていしゃします). Note that '停車' is distinct from other words for stopping, as it specifically refers to the stopping of vehicles.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1135

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Resist, Match

Reading

Parts

扌Hand (手)氐

Example Word

抵当: mortgage. The Japanese noun '抵当 (ていとう)' refers to a 'mortgage' or 'collateral'. It is used in financial and legal contexts to describe property or assets pledged as security for a loan. If the borrower fails to repay the loan, the lender can take possession of the collateral. For example: The house is used as collateral for the loan「その家はローンに抵当に入れられている」(そのいえはローンにていとうにいれられている). He lost his property because he couldn't repay the mortgage「彼は抵当の返済ができずに財産を失った」(かれはていとうのへんさいができずにざいさんをうしなった). This term is commonly used in banking and real estate discussions.

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1160

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Chastity

Reading

Parts

⺊ 貝Shellfish

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1235

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Tighten, Bind

Reading

Parts

糸Thread 帝Emperor, Sovereign

Example Word

締まる: close or tighten. The Japanese verb '締まる (しまる)' has two primary meanings. The first meaning is 'to tighten,' which refers to something becoming physically tighter or more secure. For example: The screw tightened「ネジが締まった」(ねじがしまった). The second meaning is 'to close,' often used in contexts like doors or events coming to an end. For example: The meeting closed「会議が締まった」(かいぎがしまった). It's important to note that '締まる' is an intransitive verb, meaning it describes a state or action that happens on its own, without a direct object. This verb is commonly used in both everyday and formal contexts.

Radical

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1250

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Court

Reading

Parts

廴

Example Word

宮廷: court. The Japanese noun '宮廷 (きゅうてい)' refers to the 'court' in the sense of a royal or imperial court. It is used to describe the place where a monarch or emperor resides and conducts official business, as well as the people and activities associated with it. This term is often used in historical or formal contexts. For example: The emperor held a grand ceremony at the court「天皇は宮廷で盛大な儀式を行った」(てんのうはきゅうていでせいだいなぎしきをおこなった). The court was filled with nobles and dignitaries「宮廷には貴族や高官が集まっていた」(きゅうていにはきぞくやこうかんがあつまっていた).

Radical

廴

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1547

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Embankment

Reading

Parts

土Soil 是Right, Absolutely

Radical

土

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1633

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Abandon, Give up

Reading

Parts

言Say 帝Emperor, Sovereign

Example Word

諦める: give up. The Japanese verb '諦める (あきらめる)' means 'to give up' or 'to abandon'. It is used when someone decides to stop trying to achieve something because they believe it is no longer possible or worth the effort. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as giving up on a dream, a goal, or a relationship. For example: I gave up on the idea「その考えを諦めた」(そのかんがえをあきらめた). He gave up smoking「彼はタバコを諦めた」(かれはタバコをあきらめた). It's important to note that '諦める' often carries a sense of resignation or acceptance of reality, rather than just quitting without thought.

Radical

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1635

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Boat, Rowboat

Reading

Parts

舟Boat 廷Court

Radical

舟

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1643

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Display, Present

Reading

Parts

口Mouth 王King

Radical

口

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1833

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Correct, Revise

Reading

Parts

言Say 丁Street

Example Word

訂正: correction. The Japanese verbal noun '訂正 (ていせい)' means 'correction'. It refers to the act of revising or amending something to make it right or accurate. This term is commonly used in contexts such as correcting errors in documents, statements, or data. For example: Please make the necessary corrections「必要な訂正をしてください」(ひつようなていせいをしてください). The teacher made a correction to the student's answer「先生は学生の答えを訂正しました」(せんせいはがくせいのこたえをていせいしました). It is important to note that '訂正' is often used in formal or professional settings where accuracy is crucial.

Radical

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1960

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Relay, Parcel post

Reading

Parts

辶Walk 乕

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2123

Handwriting