kanji

Meaning

Body

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)本Book, Origin

Example Word

自体: itself. The Japanese noun '自体 (じたい)' means 'itself' or 'in itself'. It is used to emphasize the subject or object being discussed, often to indicate that something is being considered independently or inherently. For example: The problem itself is not difficult「問題自体は難しくない」(もんだいじたいはむずかしくない). The book itself is interesting「本自体は面白い」(ほんじたいはおもしろい). This word is often used to shift focus to the core nature of something, excluding external factors or influences.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

115

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Determine

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 正Correct

Example Word

定食: set meal. The Japanese noun '定食 (ていしょく)' refers to a 'set meal' or 'meal set' commonly served in Japanese restaurants. It typically includes a main dish (such as fish, meat, or tofu), rice, miso soup, and a small side dish or pickles. This term is widely used in casual dining settings and is a convenient option for a balanced meal. For example: I ordered a grilled fish set meal「焼き魚の定食を注文しました」(やきさかのていしょくをちゅうもんしました). The lunch set meal comes with miso soup「ランチの定食には味噌汁が付きます」(ランチのていしょくにはみそしるがつきます). The word emphasizes the completeness and fixed nature of the meal, making it a popular choice for quick and satisfying dining.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

237

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Order, Extent

Reading

Parts

禾Cereal 呈Display, Present

Example Word

然程: not very. The Japanese adverb '然程 (さほど)' is used to express that something is 'not very' or 'not particularly' in degree or extent. It often carries a nuance of understatement or modesty. This word is typically used in negative sentences to downplay the intensity or significance of something. For example: It's not very cold today「今日は然程寒くない」(きょうはさほどさむくない). The movie was not particularly interesting「その映画は然程面白くなかった」(そのえいがはさほどおもしろくなかった). Note that '然程' is somewhat formal and is less commonly used in casual conversation.

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

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: block. The Japanese noun '丁 (てい)' refers to a 'block' or 'district' in a city or town. It is commonly used in addresses to specify a particular area or section within a larger administrative division. For example: I live in block 3「私は3丁に住んでいます」(わたしは3ちょうにすんでいます). The store is in block 5「その店は5丁にあります」(そのみせは5ちょうにあります). This term is often seen in Japanese addresses, where it helps to organize urban areas into manageable sections.

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

提供: provide. The Japanese verbal noun '提供 (ていきょう)' means 'provide' or 'supply'. It is commonly used in contexts where something is being offered or made available, such as services, information, or goods. For example: The company provides free Wi-Fi「その会社は無料のWi-Fiを提供しています」(そのかいしゃはむりょうのWi-Fiをていきょうしています). This restaurant provides vegetarian options「このレストランはベジタリアン向けのメニューを提供しています」(このレストランはベジタリアンむけのメニューをていきょうしています). The word is often used in formal or business settings, and it emphasizes the act of giving or making something accessible to others.

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

抵抗: resistance. The Japanese verbal noun '抵抗 (ていこう)' primarily means 'resistance'. It can refer to physical resistance, such as opposing a force or pressure, or metaphorical resistance, such as opposing an idea, authority, or change. For example: He showed resistance to the new policy「彼は新しい方針に抵抗した」(かれはあたらしいほうしんにていこうした). The material has high resistance to heat「その材料は熱に強い抵抗がある」(そのざいりょうはねつにつよいていこうがある). In some contexts, it can also imply reluctance or hesitation, as in 'I felt resistance to the idea'「その考えに抵抗を感じた」(そのかんがえにていこうをかんじた).

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

締める: close or tighten. The Japanese verb '締める (しめる)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'to tighten', which refers to making something more secure or firm, such as a screw or a knot. For example: tighten the screw「ネジを締める」(ねじをしめる). The second meaning is 'to close', which refers to shutting something, like a door or a business. For example: close the door「ドアを締める」(ドアをしめる). This verb is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts, such as closing a deal or tightening a budget. It is important to note that the context of the sentence will usually clarify which meaning is intended.

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