Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Door

Reading

Parts

一One 尸Corpse

Example Word

戸: door. The Japanese noun '戸 (と)' refers to a 'door', specifically a traditional sliding door or panel used in Japanese architecture. It is commonly used in contexts related to traditional Japanese homes, where sliding doors (fusuma or shoji) are prevalent. For example: Please close the door「戸を閉めてください」(とをしめてください). The door is made of wood「その戸は木でできています」(そのとはきでできています). Note that '戸' is often used in compound words, such as '引き戸 (ひきど)' (sliding door) or '雨戸 (あまど)' (storm shutter).

Radical

戶

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

196

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Old

Reading

Parts

十Ten 口Mouth

Example Word

古: old. The Japanese prefix '古 (こ)' means 'old' and is used to indicate something ancient, traditional, or from the past. It often carries a sense of historical significance or antiquity. This prefix is commonly used in compound words to describe things like old buildings, traditions, or artifacts. For example: ancient capital「古都」(こと). old book「古本」(ふるほん). Note that while '古' can also be read as 'ふる' in some contexts, as a prefix it is typically read as 'こ'. The reading and meaning depend on the compound word it is part of.

Radical

口

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

208

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Invite, Call

Reading

Parts

口Mouth 乎

Example Word

呼吸: breathing. The Japanese verbal noun '呼吸 (こきゅう)' means 'breathing'. It refers to the act of inhaling and exhaling air, which is essential for life. This word is often used in both literal and metaphorical contexts. For example: deep breathing is important for relaxation「深呼吸はリラックスに重要です」(しんこきゅうはりらっくすにじゅうようです). The athlete focused on his breathing during the race「その選手はレース中に呼吸に集中した」(そのせんしゅはれーすちゅうにこきゅうにしゅうちゅうした). In a metaphorical sense, it can also describe the rhythm or flow of something, such as in music or teamwork.

Radical

口

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

256

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Past

Reading

Parts

厶Private 土Soil

Example Word

去年: last year. The Japanese noun '去年 (きょねん)' means 'last year'. It is used to refer to the year immediately preceding the current one. This word is commonly used in everyday conversation and writing to indicate events or situations that occurred in the previous year. For example: I went to Japan last year「去年、日本に行きました」(きょねん、にほんにいきました). Last year was very busy「去年はとても忙しかった」(きょねんはとてもいそがしかった). It is important to note that '去年' is a specific term and should not be confused with '昨年 (さくねん)', which is a more formal term also meaning 'last year'.

Radical

厶

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

344

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Reason, Deceased

Reading

Parts

古Old 攵Strike

Example Word

何故: why. The Japanese adverb '何故 (なぜ)' means 'why'. It is used to ask for the reason or cause of something. This word is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. For example: Why did you come?「何故来たの？」(なぜきたの？). Why is it so expensive?「何故そんなに高いの？」(なぜそんなにたかいの？). The word '何故' can also be written as 'なぜ' in hiragana, and it is often used interchangeably with other words that mean 'why', such as 'どうして' and 'なんで', though '何故' can sometimes carry a slightly more formal or literary tone.

Radical

攴

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

374

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Oneself

Reading

Example Word

自己: self. The Japanese noun '自己 (じこ)' means 'self'. It refers to one's own identity, personality, or being. This term is often used in contexts related to psychology, philosophy, or self-reflection. For example: self-introduction「自己紹介」(じこしょうかい). He is reflecting on himself「彼は自己を反省している」(かれはじこをはんせいしている). The term can also be used in compound words to express concepts related to the self, such as 'self-control' (自己制御, じこせいぎょ) or 'self-esteem' (自己評価, じこひょうか).

Radical

己

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

548

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Individual

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)固Hard

Example Word

個: counter. The Japanese suffix '個 (こ)' is a counter used for small, compact, or individual items. It is one of the most common counters in Japanese and is used for objects like fruits, eggs, stones, or other small, discrete items. For example: three apples「りんご三個」(りんごさんこ). two eggs「卵二個」(たまごにこ). It is important to note that '個' is often used when the exact shape or type of the object is not specified, making it a versatile counter. However, for specific items like books or cars, other counters like '冊 (さつ)' or '台 (だい)' are more appropriate.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

678

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Hard

Reading

Parts

囗Box 古Old

Example Word

固定: fixation. The Japanese verbal noun '固定 (こてい)' refers to the act of fixing, securing, or making something immovable. It is often used in contexts where something is being anchored, stabilized, or set in place, such as in physical objects, ideas, or systems. For example: The shelf is fixed to the wall「棚は壁に固定されている」(たなはかべにこていされている). The company has a fixed policy「会社は固定された方針を持っている」(かいしゃはこていされたほうしんをもっている). This term can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is unchanging or rigid, such as a fixed idea or belief.

Radical

囗

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

765

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Basis, Based on

Reading

Parts

扌Hand (手)処Deal with

Example Word

証拠: evidence. The Japanese noun '証拠 (しょうこ)' means 'evidence'. It refers to information, objects, or facts that are used to prove or disprove something, often in legal, scientific, or investigative contexts. For example: The police found evidence「警察は証拠を見つけた」(けいさつはしょうこをみつけた). This document is important evidence「この書類は重要な証拠です」(このしょるいはじゅうようなしょうこです). The word is commonly used in formal or serious situations, such as court cases or academic discussions. It can also be used metaphorically to describe proof of abstract concepts, like trust or intentions.

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

946

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Empty, Void

Reading

Parts

虍 业Business (業)

Radical

虍

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1045

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Lake

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)胡Barbarian

Example Word

湖: lake. The Japanese noun '湖 (みずうみ)' means 'lake'. It refers to a large body of water surrounded by land. This word is commonly used in geographical contexts or when describing natural landscapes. For example: The lake is beautiful「湖は美しい」(みずうみはうつくしい). I went to the lake yesterday「昨日、湖に行きました」(きのう、みずうみにいきました). The word '湖' is often used in compound words, such as '湖岸 (こがん)' meaning 'lakeshore' or '湖畔 (こはん)' meaning 'lakeside'.

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1189

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Wither

Reading

Parts

木Tree, Wood 古Old

Example Word

枯れる: wither. The Japanese verb '枯れる (かれる)' means 'to wither' or 'to dry up'. It is commonly used to describe plants, flowers, or trees that have lost their vitality and are drying out or dying. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something losing its energy, spirit, or relevance. For example: The flowers withered「花が枯れた」(はながかれた). His passion for the project withered「彼のプロジェクトへの情熱が枯れた」(かれのプロジェクトへのじょうねつがかれた). Note that this verb is intransitive, meaning it does not take a direct object.

Radical

木

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1217

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Warehouse

Reading

Parts

車Car 广Dotted cliff

Example Word

庫: storage. The Japanese suffix '庫 (こ)' means 'storage' and is commonly used in compound words to denote a place or facility where something is stored. It is often attached to nouns to specify the type of storage, such as a warehouse, garage, or repository. For example: car garage「車庫」(しゃこ). warehouse「倉庫」(そうこ). It is important to note that '庫' is rarely used as a standalone word and is typically part of a larger compound. The suffix carries a formal or technical nuance, often used in contexts related to infrastructure, logistics, or organization.

Radical

广

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1255

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Boast

Reading

Parts

訁Say (言)夸

Example Word

誇る: boast. The Japanese verb '誇る (ほこる)' means 'to boast' or 'to take pride in'. It is used when someone feels a sense of pride or satisfaction about something they or someone else has achieved or possesses. This verb can be used in both positive and negative contexts, depending on the tone and situation. For example: He boasts about his achievements「彼は自分の業績を誇る」(かれはじぶんのぎょうせきをほこる). This town boasts a beautiful park「この町は美しい公園を誇る」(このまちはうつくしいこうえんをほこる). Note that while '誇る' often implies pride, it can sometimes carry a nuance of arrogance if used inappropriately.

Radical

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1288

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Orphan, Solitary

Reading

Parts

子Child 瓜

Example Word

孤独: loneliness. The Japanese adjectival noun '孤独 (こどく)' means 'loneliness'. It describes the state of being alone, isolated, or feeling disconnected from others. This word often carries an emotional weight, emphasizing the sadness or emptiness associated with being alone. For example: he felt deep loneliness「彼は深い孤独を感じた」(かれはふかいこどくをかんじた). Loneliness is a common theme in literature「孤独は文学のよくあるテーマだ」(こどくはぶんがくのよくあるテーマだ). It can also be used to describe a physical state of being alone, but it is more commonly associated with emotional isolation.

Radical

子

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1318

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Tiger

Reading

Parts

虍 儿Legs

Example Word

虎: tiger. The Japanese noun '虎 (とら)' refers to a 'tiger', the large carnivorous feline animal. This word is used to describe the animal itself, often in contexts related to wildlife, zoos, or symbolic representations. Tigers are also culturally significant in Japan, often symbolizing strength and courage. Example sentences: The tiger is strong「虎は強い」(とらはつよい). I saw a tiger at the zoo「動物園で虎を見た」(どうぶつえんでとらをみた). In Japanese folklore and art, tigers are frequently depicted as powerful and majestic creatures.

Radical

虍

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1325

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Look back, Review

Reading

Parts

雇Employ, Hire 頁Page

Example Word

顧客: customer. The Japanese noun '顧客 (こきゃく)' means 'customer'. It refers to a person or entity that purchases goods or services from a business. This term is commonly used in business and retail contexts to describe clients or patrons. For example: The store values its customers「その店は顧客を大切にしている」(そのみせはこきゃくをたいせつにしている). We need to attract more customers「もっと顧客を集める必要がある」(もっとこきゃくをあつめるひつようがある). The word is neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal settings.

Radical

頁

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1338

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Drum

Reading

Parts

壴 支Branch, Support

Example Word

太鼓: drum. The Japanese noun '太鼓 (たいこ)' refers to a traditional Japanese drum. It is a percussion instrument that is often used in various traditional Japanese music and performances, such as festivals, theater, and religious ceremonies. The drum is typically made of wood and animal skin, and it is played with sticks called 'bachi'. Example sentences: The sound of the drum is loud「太鼓の音は大きい」(たいこのおとはおおきい). They played the drum at the festival「彼らは祭りで太鼓を叩いた」(かれらはまつりでたいこをたたいた).

Radical

鼓

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1351

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Hem

Reading

Parts

衤 居Reside, Be

Example Word

裾: hem. The Japanese noun '裾 (すそ)' refers to the hem or edge of a piece of clothing, such as the bottom of a skirt, pants, or kimono. It can also metaphorically refer to the lower edge or base of something, like the foot of a mountain. For example: The hem of her dress is dirty「彼女のドレスの裾が汚れている」(かのじょのドレスのすそがよごれている). The foot of the mountain is covered in mist「山の裾が霧に包まれている」(やまのすそがきりにつつまれている). This word is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts to describe the lower edge of an object or area.

Radical

衣

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1419

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Item, Counter for articles

Reading

Parts

⺮Bamboo (竹)固Hard

Example Word

箇月: months. The Japanese suffix '箇月 (かげつ)' is used to indicate a period of time in months. It is often attached to a number to specify how many months. For example: three months「三箇月」(さんかげつ). This suffix is commonly used in formal or written contexts, such as contracts, schedules, or official documents. It is important to note that '箇月' is more formal than the more commonly used 'ヶ月 (かげつ)', which serves the same purpose but is less formal. Example sentences: The project will take two months「このプロジェクトは二箇月かかります」(このプロジェクトはにかげつかかります). I have been studying Japanese for six months「私は日本語を六箇月勉強しています」(わたしはにほんごをろっかげつべんきょうしています).

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1525

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Crotch, Thigh

Reading

Parts

⺼ 殳Pike

Radical

肉

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1607

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Employ, Hire

Reading

Parts

戸Door 隹Bird

Example Word

雇う: hire. The Japanese verb '雇う (やとう)' means 'to hire'. It is used when referring to the act of employing someone, typically for a job or service. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as hiring employees, workers, or even temporary staff. For example: The company hired new employees「会社は新しい従業員を雇った」(かいしゃはあたらしいじゅうぎょういんをやとう). They hired a gardener「彼らは庭師を雇った」(かれらはにわしをやとう). The nuance of '雇う' often implies a formal or contractual employment relationship, distinguishing it from more casual arrangements.

Radical

隹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1636

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Arc, Arch

Reading

Parts

弓Bow 瓜

Example Word

括弧: parentheses. The Japanese verbal noun '括弧 (かっこ)' refers to 'parentheses' or 'brackets'. It is used to indicate a pair of punctuation marks that enclose additional information or asides within a sentence. In Japanese, there are different types of brackets, such as 丸括弧 (まるかっこ) for round brackets (), 角括弧 (かくかっこ) for square brackets [], and 波括弧 (なみかっこ) for curly brackets {}. Example sentences: Please put the word in parentheses「その言葉を括弧に入れてください」(そのことばをかっこにいれてください). The explanation is in brackets「説明は括弧内にあります」(せつめいはかっこないにあります).

Radical

弓

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2096

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

To tie, Confinement

Reading

Parts

釒Gold (金)固Hard

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2136

Handwriting