kanji

Meaning

Body

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)本Book, Origin

Example Word

主体: subject. The Japanese noun '主体 (しゅたい)' primarily means 'subject'. It refers to the main entity or the central figure in a context, often used in philosophical, grammatical, or organizational discussions. In grammar, it denotes the subject of a sentence. In a broader sense, it can refer to the main body or core part of an organization or movement. Example sentences include: The subject of the sentence is clear「文の主体は明確です」(ぶんのしゅたいはめいかくです). The organization's main body decided to change the policy「組織の主体が方針を変えることに決めた」(そしきのしゅたいがほうしんをかえることにきめた).

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

115

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Determine

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 正Correct

Example Word

推定: estimation. The Japanese noun '推定 (すいてい)' refers to an estimation, inference, or presumption based on available information or evidence. It is commonly used in contexts such as statistics, law, or general reasoning to describe a calculated guess or assumption. For example: The population estimation is 10 million「人口の推定は1000万人です」(じんこうのすいていはせんまんにんです). The court made a presumption of innocence「裁判所は無罪の推定をした」(さいばんしょはむざいのすいていをした). This term often implies a logical or scientific basis for the estimation.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

237

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Order, Extent

Reading

Parts

禾Cereal 呈Display, Present

Example Word

過程: process. The Japanese noun '過程 (かてい)' means 'process'. It refers to a series of actions, changes, or functions that lead to a particular result or outcome. This word is often used in contexts where the focus is on the steps or stages involved in achieving something, rather than just the end result. For example: the process of making bread「パンを作る過程」(パンをつくるかてい). The process of learning a new language「新しい言語を学ぶ過程」(あたらしいげんごをまなぶかてい). It can also be used in more abstract contexts, such as the process of personal growth「個人の成長の過程」(こじんのせいちょうのかてい).

Radical

禾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

307

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Bottom

Reading

Parts

广Dotted cliff 氐

Example Word

到底: cannot. The Japanese adverb '到底 (とうてい)' is used to express that something is absolutely impossible or cannot be done under any circumstances. It is often used in negative sentences to emphasize the impossibility of an action or situation. For example: I cannot possibly understand「到底理解できない」(とうていりかいできない). It is impossible to finish this by today「到底今日中には終わらない」(とうていきょうじゅうにはおわらない). This adverb carries a strong sense of finality and is typically used in formal or written contexts.

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

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

包丁: knife. The Japanese noun '包丁 (ほうちょう)' refers specifically to a 'kitchen knife' or 'chef's knife'. It is commonly used in the context of cooking and food preparation. This word is often associated with professional chefs or home cooks who use it for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients. For example: I bought a new kitchen knife「新しい包丁を買いました」(あたらしいほうちょうをかいました). The chef sharpened the knife「シェフは包丁を研ぎました」(シェフはほうちょうをとぎました). Note that '包丁' is distinct from other types of knives, such as pocket knives or utility knives, as it is specifically designed for culinary use.

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

594

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Low

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)氐

Example Word

低温: low temperature. The Japanese noun '低温 (ていおん)' means 'low temperature'. It refers to a state or condition where the temperature is significantly lower than normal or average. This term is commonly used in scientific, meteorological, and everyday contexts to describe cold environments or conditions. For example: The low temperature today is 5 degrees Celsius「今日の低温は5度です」(きょうのていおんはごどです). This food should be stored at low temperature「この食品は低温で保存するべきです」(このしょくひんはていおんでほぞんするべきです).

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: emperor. The Japanese noun '帝 (みかど)' refers to an 'emperor', specifically the sovereign ruler of an empire. This term is deeply rooted in Japanese history and culture, often associated with the imperial family of Japan. It carries a formal and respectful tone, typically used in historical or ceremonial contexts. Example sentences: The emperor resides in the Imperial Palace「帝は皇居に住んでいます」(みかどはこうきょにすんでいます). The emperor's decree was announced「帝の勅令が発表された」(みかどのちょくれいがはっぴょうされた).

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

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