kanji

Meaning

Body

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)本Book, Origin

Example Word

体力: stamina. The Japanese noun '体力 (たいりょく)' refers to physical strength, stamina, or endurance. It is commonly used to describe one's physical ability to perform tasks or endure physical exertion. For example: I need to build up my stamina「体力をつけなければならない」(たいりょくをつけなければならない). He has a lot of stamina「彼は体力がある」(かれはたいりょくがある). This word is often used in contexts related to sports, work, or health, emphasizing the physical aspect of endurance.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

115

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Determine

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 正Correct

Example Word

定員: capacity. The Japanese noun '定員 (ていいん)' refers to the fixed number of people or items that a place, vehicle, or institution can accommodate. It is commonly used in contexts such as seating capacity in theaters, passenger limits in vehicles, or enrollment limits in schools. For example: The bus has a capacity of 50 passengers「バスの定員は50人です」(ばすのていいんはごじゅうにんです). The classroom has a capacity of 30 students「教室の定員は30人です」(きょうしつのていいんはさんじゅうにんです). This term is often seen in public transportation, event planning, and educational settings.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

237

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Order, Extent

Reading

Parts

禾Cereal 呈Display, Present

Example Word

日程: schedule. The Japanese noun '日程 (にってい)' refers to a 'schedule' or 'itinerary'. It is commonly used to describe a planned sequence of events or activities, often in a formal or organized context. For example: the schedule for the meeting is set「会議の日程が決まった」(かいぎのにっていがきまった). Please check the itinerary for the trip「旅行の日程を確認してください」(りょこうのにっていをかくにんしてください). This word is often used in professional or planning contexts, such as business meetings, events, or travel arrangements.

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: younger brother. The Japanese noun '弟 (おとうと)' means 'younger brother'. It specifically refers to a male sibling who is younger than the speaker. This term is commonly used in family contexts and is neutral in tone. For example: my younger brother is kind「私の弟は優しい」(わたしのおとうとはやさしい). I have a younger brother「私は弟がいます」(わたしはおとうとがいます). Note that '弟' is used only for younger brothers; older brothers are referred to as '兄 (あに)'. The term does not change based on the speaker's gender.

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

低気圧: low pressure. The Japanese noun '低気圧 (ていきあつ)' refers to a 'low-pressure system' in meteorology. It is commonly used to describe weather conditions associated with such systems, which often bring cloudy skies, rain, and sometimes storms. In a more figurative sense, it can also describe a tense or oppressive atmosphere in social or emotional contexts. For example: The low-pressure system is approaching「低気圧が近づいている」(ていきあつがちかづいている). The meeting had a low-pressure atmosphere「会議は低気圧な雰囲気だった」(かいぎはていきあつなふんいきだった).

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

739

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Present, Submit

Reading

Parts

扌Hand (手)是Right, Absolutely

Example Word

提起: raising. The Japanese noun '提起 (ていき)' means 'raising' or 'bringing up' an issue, question, or topic. It is often used in formal or legal contexts to indicate the act of presenting something for consideration or discussion. For example: The lawyer raised an important question「弁護士が重要な問題を提起した」(べんごしがじゅうようなもんだいをていきした). The professor brought up a new topic in class「教授が授業で新しい話題を提起した」(きょうじゅがじゅぎょうであたらしいわだいをていきした). This word is commonly used in discussions, debates, or when initiating a formal inquiry.

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

皇帝: emperor. The Japanese noun '皇帝 (こうてい)' refers to an 'emperor', specifically a sovereign ruler of an empire. This term is often used in historical or formal contexts to describe the supreme monarch of a large territory or empire. For example: The emperor ruled the vast empire「皇帝は広大な帝国を治めた」(こうていはこうだいなていこくをおさめた). The emperor's palace was magnificent「皇帝の宮殿は壮大だった」(こうていのきゅうでんはそうだいだった). In modern usage, it is less common but still appears in historical discussions or titles, such as 'Roman Emperor'「ローマ皇帝」(ろーまこうてい).

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

バス停: bus stop. The Japanese noun 'バス停 (ばすてい)' refers to a 'bus stop', which is a designated place where buses stop to pick up and drop off passengers. This word is commonly used in everyday conversation when discussing transportation or giving directions. For example: The bus stop is over there「バス停はあそこです」(ばすていはあそこです). I will meet you at the bus stop「バス停で会いましょう」(ばすていであいましょう). It's important to note that 'バス停' is a compound noun formed by combining 'バス' (bus) and '停' (stop), and it is widely understood in Japanese-speaking regions.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1135

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Resist, Match

Reading

Parts

扌Hand (手)氐

Example Word

大抵: usually. The Japanese adverb '大抵 (たいてい)' means 'usually' or 'generally'. It is used to indicate that something happens most of the time or is typical in a given situation. This word is often used to describe habitual actions or general tendencies. For example: I usually go to bed early「大抵早く寝ます」(たいていはやくねます). He usually takes the train to work「彼は大抵電車で仕事に行きます」(かれはたいていでんしゃでしごとにいきます). Note that '大抵' can also imply a sense of 'most likely' or 'in most cases', but the primary meaning is 'usually'.

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

握り締める: clench. The Japanese verb '握り締める (にぎりしめる)' means 'to clench' or 'to grasp tightly'. It is often used to describe the action of tightly holding something in one's hand, such as a fist, an object, or even abstract concepts like hope or determination. This verb conveys a sense of firmness and intensity in the act of holding. For example: He clenched his fists in anger「彼は怒りで拳を握り締めた」(かれはおこりでこぶしをにぎりしめた). She tightly grasped the letter「彼女は手紙を握り締めた」(かのじょはてがみをにぎりしめた). The verb can also be used metaphorically, as in 'to hold onto hope'「希望を握り締める」(きぼうをにぎりしめる).

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