kanji

Meaning

Body

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)本Book, Origin

Example Word

個体: individual or organism. The Japanese noun '個体 (こたい)' refers to an individual entity or organism, often used in contexts such as biology, sociology, or general descriptions of distinct units. It emphasizes the uniqueness or separateness of the entity. For example: Each individual has its own characteristics「個体にはそれぞれ特徴がある」(こたいにはそれぞれとくちょうがある). This organism is a rare species「この個体は珍しい種です」(このこたいはめずらしいしゅです). The word can also be used in abstract contexts, such as describing individual components within a system.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

115

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Determine

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 正Correct

Example Word

制定: enactment. The Japanese noun '制定 (せいてい)' refers to the act of establishing, enacting, or formulating laws, rules, or systems. It is commonly used in legal, governmental, or organizational contexts to describe the creation of formal regulations or frameworks. For example: the enactment of a new law「新しい法律の制定」(あたらしいほうりつのせいてい). The company established new rules「会社は新しい規則を制定した」(かいしゃはあたらしいきそくをせいていした). This term emphasizes the formal and official nature of the process.

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: thoroughness. The Japanese noun '徹底 (てってい)' means 'thoroughness' or 'completeness'. It refers to the quality of being thorough, meticulous, or exhaustive in carrying out a task or understanding a concept. This word is often used in contexts where attention to detail and leaving no stone unturned are emphasized. For example: The company emphasizes thoroughness in its training「その会社は徹底を訓練に重視する」(そのかいしゃはてっていをくんれんにじゅうしする). His research is known for its thoroughness「彼の研究は徹底で知られている」(かれのけんきゅうはてっていでしられている). The word can also imply a sense of rigor or intensity in approach.

Radical

广

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

373

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Garden

Reading

Parts

广Dotted cliff 廷Court

Example Word

家庭: family or home. The Japanese noun '家庭 (かてい)' refers to both 'home' and 'family', depending on the context. It emphasizes the domestic environment or household, often including the family unit living together. For example: My home is peaceful「私の家庭は平和です」(わたしのかていはへいわです). A happy family「幸せな家庭」(しあわせなかてい). It is commonly used in contexts discussing family life, household management, or domestic situations. The word carries a sense of warmth and togetherness, often implying a close-knit family unit.

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

弟子: disciple. The Japanese noun '弟子 (でし)' refers to a 'disciple' or 'apprentice'. It is used to describe someone who is learning under the guidance of a master or teacher, often in a specific art, skill, or discipline. This term is commonly associated with traditional arts, martial arts, or religious contexts. For example: He is my disciple「彼は私の弟子です」(かれはわたしのでしです). The master taught his disciple the art of calligraphy「師匠は弟子に書道を教えた」(ししょうはでしにしょどうをおしえた). The word carries a sense of respect and dedication, emphasizing the relationship between the teacher and the student.

Radical

弓

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

518

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Street

Reading

Parts

一One 亅Barb

Example Word

丁度: exactly. The Japanese adverb '丁度 (ちょうど)' means 'exactly' or 'just'. It is used to indicate precision in time, quantity, or condition. It can also imply that something happens at the perfect moment or fits perfectly. For example: It's exactly 3 o'clock「ちょうど3時です」(ちょうどさんじです). This shirt fits me just right「このシャツはちょうどいい」(このシャツはちょうどいい). The train arrived exactly on time「電車はちょうど時間通りに到着した」(でんしゃはちょうどじかんどおりにとうちゃくした). Note that 'ちょうど' is often used in casual and formal contexts alike, making it a versatile word in Japanese.

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

停電: blackout. The Japanese verbal noun '停電 (ていでん)' refers to a 'blackout' or 'power outage'. It describes a situation where the supply of electricity is interrupted, causing a loss of power. This term is commonly used in everyday conversation, news reports, and warnings. For example: There was a blackout last night「昨夜、停電があった」(さくや、ていでんがあった). The blackout lasted for three hours「停電は3時間続いた」(ていでんはさんじかんつづいた). It can also be used in compound phrases like '停電対策 (ていでんたいさく)' (blackout countermeasures).

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

締め切り: deadline. The Japanese noun '締め切り (しめきり)' refers to a 'deadline'. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to indicate the final date or time by which something must be completed or submitted. For example: The deadline is tomorrow「締め切りは明日です」(しめきりはあしたです). I missed the deadline「締め切りに間に合わなかった」(しめきりにまにあわなかった). This word is often used in academic, professional, and personal settings to emphasize the importance of completing tasks on time.

Radical

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1250

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Court

Reading

Parts

廴

Example Word

朝廷: court. The Japanese noun '朝廷 (ちょうてい)' refers to the imperial court or the government under the emperor in historical contexts. It specifically denotes the central administrative and ceremonial institution of the Japanese monarchy, particularly during the Heian period and earlier. This term is often used in historical or literary contexts to describe the political and social center of ancient Japan. For example: The emperor held power at the court「天皇は朝廷で権力を握っていた」(てんのうはちょうていでけんりょくをにぎっていた). The court was the center of politics「朝廷は政治の中心だった」(ちょうていはせいじのちゅうしんだった). Note that this term is archaic and not commonly used in modern contexts.

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