字Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Door

Reading

Parts

尸Corpse 一One

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

口Mouth 十Ten

Example Word

古い: old. The Japanese adjective '古い (ふるい)' means 'old'. It is used to describe something that has existed for a long time or is not new. This can refer to objects, traditions, or even ideas. For example: This book is old「この本は古い」(このほんはふるい). That temple is old「あの寺は古い」(あのてらはふるい). The word can also imply something is outdated or no longer in fashion, as in '古い考え (ふるいかんがえ) (old-fashioned idea)'. It is important to note that '古い' is used for inanimate objects or abstract concepts, while '年老いた (としおいた)' is used for living beings to describe old age.

Radical

口

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

208

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Invite, Call

Reading

Parts

口Mouth 乎

Example Word

呼ぶ: call. The Japanese verb '呼ぶ (よぶ)' primarily means 'to call'. It can be used in various contexts, such as calling someone's name, summoning someone, or inviting someone. For example: I called my friend「友達を呼んだ」(ともだちをよんだ). Please call the doctor「医者を呼んでください」(いしゃをよんでください). Additionally, '呼ぶ' can also mean 'to refer to' or 'to be called' in certain contexts, such as naming or labeling something. For example: This is called sushi「これは寿司と呼ばれます」(これはすしとよばれます). The verb is versatile and widely used in everyday conversation.

Radical

口

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

256

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Past

Reading

Parts

土Soil 厶Private

Example Word

過去: past. The Japanese noun '過去 (かこ)' means 'past'. It refers to a time that has already happened, or events that have occurred before the present. This word is often used in contexts discussing history, personal experiences, or time in general. For example: I cannot change the past「過去を変えることはできない」(かこをかえることはできない). He often talks about his past「彼はよく自分の過去について話す」(かれはよくじぶんのかこについてはなす). It can also be used in phrases like '過去の出来事 (かこのできごと)' (past events) or '過去を振り返る (かこをふりかえる)' (to look back on the past).

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

個人: individual. The Japanese noun '個人 (こじん)' means 'individual'. It refers to a single person as distinct from a group or society. This term is often used in contexts emphasizing the rights, responsibilities, or characteristics of a single person. For example: respect for the individual「個人の尊重」(こじんのそんちょう). The decision was made by an individual「その決定は個人によってなされた」(そのけっていはこじんによってなされた). It is also commonly used in legal, social, and philosophical discussions to highlight the importance of the individual within a larger context.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

678

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Hard

Reading

Parts

古Old 囗Box

Example Word

固い: hard. The Japanese adjective '固い (かたい)' primarily means 'hard'. It is used to describe something that is physically firm or rigid, such as a hard object or surface. For example: this bread is hard「このパンは固い」(このパンはかたい). Additionally, '固い' can also describe something that is strict, unyielding, or inflexible in a metaphorical sense, such as a strict rule or a firm belief. For example: his attitude is firm「彼の態度は固い」(かれのたいどはかたい). It is important to note that '固い' can also imply reliability or steadfastness in certain contexts, such as a strong friendship or a solid plan. For example: their friendship is strong「彼らの友情は固い」(かれらのゆうじょうはかたい).

Radical

囗

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

765

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Basis, Based on

Reading

Parts

扌Hand (手)処Deal with

Example Word

拠る: base or rely. The Japanese verb '拠る (よる)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'to base' or 'to be based on,' indicating that something is founded or established on a particular source or principle. For example: This theory is based on solid evidence「この理論は確かな証拠に拠る」(このりろんはたしかなしょうこによる). The second meaning is 'to rely' or 'to depend on,' suggesting that something or someone is dependent on another for support or existence. For example: We rely on your help「私たちはあなたの助けに拠る」(わたしたちはあなたのたすけによる). The verb is often used in formal or written contexts and can be combined with nouns to form compound expressions, such as '根拠 (こんきょ) (basis)' or '依拠 (いきょ) (reliance).'

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

946

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Empty, Void

Reading

Parts

业Business (業)虍

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

古Old 木Tree, Wood

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

广Dotted cliff 車Car

Example Word

冷蔵庫: refrigerator. The Japanese noun '冷蔵庫 (れいぞうこ)' means 'refrigerator'. It refers to an electrical appliance used to store food and keep it cold or frozen. This word is commonly used in everyday life when discussing household items or food storage. For example: Please put the milk in the refrigerator「牛乳を冷蔵庫に入れてください」(ぎゅうにゅうをれいぞうこにいれてください). The refrigerator is broken「冷蔵庫が壊れている」(れいぞうこがこわれている). It's important to note that this word is a compound noun, with '冷蔵' meaning 'cold storage' and '庫' meaning 'storage house' or 'repository'.

Radical

广

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1255

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Boast

Reading

Parts

訁Say (言)夸

Example Word

誇り: pride. The Japanese noun '誇り (ほこり)' means 'pride'. It refers to a feeling of deep satisfaction or self-respect derived from one's own achievements, qualities, or associations. This word is often used to express a sense of honor or dignity. For example: I take pride in my work「私は自分の仕事に誇りを持っています」(わたしはじぶんのしごとにほこりをもっています). She felt pride in her son's success「彼女は息子の成功に誇りを感じた」(かのじょはむすこのせいこうにほこりをかんじた). Note that '誇り' can also sometimes refer to a sense of pride in one's heritage or community, as in '彼は自分の文化に誇りを持っている (かれはじぶんのぶんかにほこりをもっている) (He takes pride in his culture).'

Radical

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1288

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Orphan, Solitary

Reading

Parts

瓜 子Child

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

儿Legs 虍

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

頁Page 雇Employ, Hire

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

固Hard ⺮Bamboo (竹)

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

隹Bird 戸Door

Example Word

雇用: employment. The Japanese verbal noun '雇用 (こよう)' means 'employment'. It refers to the act of hiring or employing someone, or the state of being employed. This term is commonly used in contexts related to jobs, labor, and workforce. For example: The company is increasing employment「その会社は雇用を増やしている」(そのかいしゃはこようをふやしている). Stable employment is important「安定した雇用は重要だ」(あんていしたこようはじゅうようだ). Note that '雇用' can also be used in compound words like '雇用契約 (こようけいやく)' (employment contract) or '雇用主 (こようぬし)' (employer).

Radical

隹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1636

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Arc, Arch

Reading

Parts

瓜 弓Bow

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

固Hard 釒Gold (金)

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2136

Handwriting