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Nihongo

Classroom

Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

ぼう bou

 

    kanji

    Meaning

    Hope, Ambition

    Reading

    kunyomiのぞ

    nozo

    onyomiもう

    mou

    ぼう

    bou

    Parts

    Death, Deceased Moon, Month King

    Example Word

    有望: promising. The Japanese adjectival noun '有望 (ゆうぼう)' means 'promising'. It is used to describe something or someone that has a high potential for success or a bright future. This term is often used in contexts related to career prospects, business opportunities, or talent. For example: He is a promising young actor「彼は有望な若手俳優です」(かれはゆうぼうなわかてはいゆうです). This project seems promising「このプロジェクトは有望です」(このプロジェクトはゆうぼうです). The word can also be used to describe a promising future, as in '有望な未来 (ゆうぼうなみらい) (promising future)'.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    11

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    4

    Frequency

    367

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Forget

    Reading

    kunyomiわす

    wasu

    onyomiぼう

    bou

    Parts

    Death, Deceased Heart

    Example Word

    度忘れ: forget. The Japanese verbal noun '度忘れ (どわすれ)' refers to the act of temporarily forgetting something, often something that one usually knows well. It implies a momentary lapse in memory rather than a permanent forgetfulness. This term is commonly used in everyday conversation to describe situations where someone can't recall a word, name, or fact they are familiar with. For example: I forgot the word for a moment「その言葉を度忘れした」(そのことばをどわすれした). He forgot his friend's name「彼は友達の名前を度忘れした」(かれはともだちのなまえをどわすれした). The nuance here is that the memory is expected to return soon, as it is a temporary forgetfulness.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    7

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    6

    Frequency

    441

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Tassel, Chamber

    Reading

    kunyomiふさ

    fusa

    onyomiぼう

    bou

    Parts

    Door Direction

    Example Word

    文房具: stationery. The Japanese noun '文房具 (ぶんぼうぐ)' refers to 'stationery' or 'writing materials'. This term encompasses items used for writing, drawing, or office work, such as pens, pencils, erasers, notebooks, and other similar tools. It is a common word in everyday Japanese, especially in contexts related to school, work, or office supplies. Example sentences: I bought new stationery「新しい文房具を買いました」(あたらしいぶんぼうぐをかいました). This store sells a variety of stationery「この店はいろいろな文房具を売っています」(このみせはいろいろなぶんぼうぐをうっています).

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    8

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    8

    Frequency

    577

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Boy, Sonny

    Reading

    onyomiぼう

    bou

    Parts

    Soil Direction

    Example Word

    坊主: monk or bald. The Japanese noun '坊主 (ぼうず)' primarily refers to a 'monk', particularly a Buddhist monk. It is a colloquial term and can sometimes carry a slightly informal or even humorous tone. Additionally, '坊主' can also mean 'bald', often used to describe someone with a shaved head, which is common among monks. Example sentences: The monk is meditating「坊主が瞑想している」(ぼうずがめいそうしている). He became bald「彼は坊主になった」(かれはぼうずになった). Note that while '坊主' can mean 'bald', it is more commonly used to refer to monks in everyday conversation.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    7

    Grade

    7

    Frequency

    656

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Side, Nearby

    Reading

    kunyomiはた

    hata

    おか

    oka

    かたわ

    katawa

    わき

    waki

    そば

    soba

    onyomiぼう

    bou

    Parts

    Person (人)

    Example Word

    傍ら: while or beside. The Japanese noun '傍ら (かたわら)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'beside', referring to a physical location next to something or someone. For example: She sat beside the river「彼女は川の傍らに座った」(かのじょはかわのかたわらにすわった). The second meaning is 'while', indicating that an action is happening simultaneously with another. For example: He worked while studying「彼は勉強の傍ら働いていた」(かれはべんきょうのかたわらはたらいていた). This dual meaning makes '傍ら' a versatile word in Japanese, used both spatially and temporally.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    12

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    7

    Frequency

    759

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Death, Deceased

    Reading

    kunyomi

    na

    onyomiもう

    mou

    ぼう

    bou

    Parts

    Lid

    Example Word

    亡くなる: die. The Japanese verb '亡くなる (なくなる)' is a polite and respectful way to say 'to die'. It is commonly used when referring to the death of someone, especially in formal or sensitive contexts. This term is often preferred over the more direct '死ぬ (しぬ)' as it conveys a sense of respect and solemnity. For example: my grandfather passed away last year「私の祖父は去年亡くなりました」(わたしのそふはきょねんなくなりました). The famous author died at the age of 80「その有名な作家は80歳で亡くなりました」(そのゆうめいなさっかははちじゅっさいでなくなりました). Note that '亡くなる' is typically used for humans, not animals or objects.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    3

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    6

    Frequency

    770

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Violent, Outburst

    Reading

    kunyomiあば

    aba

    onyomiばく

    baku

    ぼう

    bou

    Parts

    Day, Sun Together Water (水)

    Example Word

    暴れる: rampage. The Japanese verb '暴れる (あばれる)' means 'to rampage' or 'to act violently'. It is used to describe someone or something behaving in a wild, uncontrollable, or destructive manner. This verb can be applied to people, animals, or even natural phenomena. For example: The horse rampaged through the field「馬が野原で暴れた」(うまがのはらであばれた). The child threw a tantrum and started rampaging「子供がかんしゃくを起こして暴れ始めた」(こどもがかんしゃくをおこしてあばれはじめた). The storm rampaged across the countryside「嵐が田舎を暴れ回った」(あらしがいなかをあばれまわった). Note that this verb often carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of control or restraint.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    15

    JLPT

    N2

    Grade

    5

    Frequency

    897

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Pole, Bar

    Reading

    onyomiぼう

    bou

    Parts

    Tree, Wood Dedicate, Observance

    Example Word

    棒: stick. The Japanese noun '棒 (ぼう)' means 'stick'. This word refers to a long, thin, and usually cylindrical object made of wood, metal, or another material. It is commonly used to describe objects like a walking stick, a rod, or even a baton. For example: He picked up a stick「彼は棒を拾った」(かれはぼうをひろった). The conductor waved the baton「指揮者が棒を振った」(しきしゃがぼうをふった). In some contexts, '棒' can also refer to a straight line or a bar, such as in graphs or diagrams. However, the primary and most common meaning is 'stick'.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    12

    JLPT

    N2

    Grade

    6

    Frequency

    918

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Hat, Headgear

    Reading

    onyomiぼう

    bou

    Parts

    Towel Risk

    Example Word

    帽子: hat. The Japanese noun '帽子 (ぼうし)' means 'hat'. This word refers to any type of head wear, such as caps, beanies, or formal hats. It is commonly used in everyday conversations when discussing clothing or accessories. For example: I bought a new hat「新しい帽子を買いました」(あたらしいぼうしをかいました). She is wearing a red hat「彼女は赤い帽子をかぶっています」(かのじょはあかいぼうしをかぶっています). The word can also be used metaphorically in some contexts, but its primary meaning is literal.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    12

    JLPT

    N2

    Grade

    7

    Frequency

    1060

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Prevent, Defend

    Reading

    kunyomiふせ

    fuse

    onyomiぼう

    bou

    Parts

    Direction

    Example Word

    消防署: fire station. The Japanese noun '消防署 (しょうぼうしょ)' refers to a 'fire station', which is a facility where firefighters and firefighting equipment are stationed. This term is commonly used in contexts related to emergency services, fire safety, and public safety infrastructure. For example: The fire station is near the park「消防署は公園の近くです」(しょうぼうしょはこうえんのちかくです). I called the fire station to report the fire「火事を報告するために消防署に電話しました」(かじをほうこくするためにしょうぼうしょにでんわしました). The word is a compound of '消防 (しょうぼう)', meaning 'firefighting', and '署 (しょ)', meaning 'office' or 'station'.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    7

    JLPT

    N2

    Grade

    5

    Frequency

    1088

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Scanty, Scarce

    Reading

    kunyomiとぼ

    tobo

    onyomiぼう

    bou

    Parts

    丿Katakana no

    Example Word

    貧乏: poor. The Japanese adjectival noun '貧乏 (びんぼう)' means 'poor' in the sense of lacking financial resources. It describes a state of poverty or being impoverished. This word is often used to describe individuals, families, or situations where there is a lack of money or material wealth. For example: he is poor「彼は貧乏だ」(かれはびんぼうだ). We grew up poor「私たちは貧乏に育った」(わたしたちはびんぼうにそだった). It can also be used in compound words like '貧乏人 (びんぼうにん)' (poor person) or '貧乏生活 (びんぼうせいかつ)' (life of poverty). Note that this word carries a neutral to slightly negative connotation and is not typically used in formal contexts.

    Radical

    丿

    Stroke Count

    4

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    8

    Frequency

    1139

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Busy

    Reading

    kunyomiいそが

    isoga

    onyomiぼう

    bou

    Parts

    Death, Deceased

    Example Word

    多忙: busy. The Japanese adjectival noun '多忙 (たぼう)' means 'busy'. It is used to describe a state of being very occupied or having a lot of tasks to do. This term is often used in formal or written contexts to convey a high level of busyness. For example: He is busy with work「彼は仕事で多忙だ」(かれはしごとでたぼうだ). Due to the busy schedule, I couldn't attend the meeting「多忙なスケジュールのため、会議に出席できなかった」(たぼうなスケジュールのため、かいぎにしゅっせきできなかった). Note that '多忙' is more formal than the more commonly used '忙しい (いそがしい)', which also means 'busy' but is used in everyday conversation.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    6

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    7

    Frequency

    1327

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Plot, Conspire

    Reading

    kunyomiはか

    haka

    onyomiぼう

    bou

    mu

    Parts

    Say (言)A certain

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    16

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    8

    Frequency

    1401

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Countenance

    Reading

    kunyomiかたち

    katachi

    かたどる

    katadoru

    onyomiばく

    baku

    ぼう

    bou

    Parts

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    14

    Grade

    10

    Frequency

    1418

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    A certain

    Reading

    kunyomiなにがし

    nanigashi

    それがし

    soregashi

    onyomiぼう

    bou

    Parts

    Sweet Tree, Wood

    Example Word

    某: certain. The Japanese noun '某 (ぼう)' is used to refer to a certain or unspecified person, place, or thing. It is often used when the speaker does not want to or cannot specify the exact identity of the subject. For example: a certain person came to visit「某が訪ねてきた」(ぼうがたずねてきた). I heard it from a certain source「某から聞いた」(ぼうからきいた). The word is somewhat formal and is commonly used in written language or formal speech. It can also be used to anonymize or generalize a subject in a narrative or report.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    9

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    8

    Frequency

    1444

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Risk

    Reading

    kunyomiおか

    oka

    onyomiぼう

    bou

    Parts

    Day, Sun Eye

    Example Word

    冒頭: beginning. The Japanese noun '冒頭 (ぼうとう)' refers to the 'beginning' or 'start' of something, such as a speech, story, or event. It is often used in formal or literary contexts to describe the opening part of a narrative or presentation. For example: at the beginning of the story「冒頭の部分」(ぼうとうのぶぶん). The speaker started with a joke at the beginning「スピーカーは冒頭でジョークを言った」(スピーカーはぼうとうでジョークをいった). This word emphasizes the initial part of something, setting the stage for what follows.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    9

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    7

    Frequency

    1610

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Hinder, Disturb

    Reading

    kunyomiさまた

    samata

    onyomiぼう

    bou

    Parts

    Woman Direction

    Example Word

    妨害: obstruction. The Japanese verbal noun '妨害 (ぼうがい)' means 'obstruction' or 'interference'. It refers to the act of hindering or preventing something from happening, often intentionally. This word is commonly used in contexts such as communication, progress, or activities being disrupted. For example: The noise was an obstruction to our conversation「騒音が会話の妨害になった」(そうおんがかいわのぼうがいになった). The protest caused an obstruction to traffic「デモが交通の妨害になった」(デモがこうつうのぼうがいになった). It can also be used in legal or technical contexts, such as 'signal interference'「信号の妨害」(しんごうのぼうがい).

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    7

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    8

    Frequency

    1713

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Irrational, Reckless

    Reading

    kunyomiみだ

    mida

    onyomiもう

    mou

    ぼう

    bou

    Parts

    Death, Deceased Woman

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    6

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    9

    Frequency

    1798

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Divide, Cut up

    Reading

    onyomiぼう

    bou

    Parts

    Spit Sword (刀)

    Example Word

    解剖: dissection. The Japanese noun '解剖 (かいぼう)' primarily means 'dissection'. It refers to the act of cutting apart or separating tissues for detailed examination, often used in medical or biological contexts. For example: The dissection of the frog was conducted in the biology class「生物学の授業でカエルの解剖が行われた」(せいぶつがくのじゅぎょうでカエルのかいぼうがおこなわれた). The doctor performed a dissection to understand the cause of death「医師は死因を理解するために解剖を行った」(いしはしいんをりかいするためにかいぼうをおこなった). This term can also metaphorically describe a thorough analysis or examination of a subject, such as in literature or philosophy, where one might dissect an argument or a text to understand its components deeply.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    10

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    9

    Frequency

    1816

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Swell

    Reading

    kunyomiふく

    fuku

    onyomiぼう

    bou

    Parts

    Moon, Month

    Example Word

    膨大: vast or enormous. The Japanese noun '膨大 (ぼうだい)' refers to something that is extremely large in quantity, size, or scope. It is often used to describe things like data, amounts, or tasks that are overwhelming due to their sheer volume. For example: The amount of data is enormous「データの量は膨大だ」(データのりょうはぼうだいだ). The project requires a vast amount of resources「そのプロジェクトには膨大な資源が必要だ」(そのプロジェクトにはぼうだいなしげんがひつようだ). Note that '膨大' is typically used in formal or written contexts and carries a nuance of something being overwhelmingly large.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    16

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    8

    Frequency

    1873

    Handwriting

    kanji

    貿

    Meaning

    Trade

    Reading

    onyomiぼう

    bou

    Example Word

    貿易: trade. The Japanese verbal noun '貿易 (ぼうえき)' refers to 'trade', specifically the exchange of goods and services between countries or regions. It is commonly used in contexts related to international commerce, economics, and business. For example: Japan trades with many countries「日本は多くの国と貿易をしている」(にほんはおおくのくにとぼうえきをしている). International trade is important for the economy「国際貿易は経済にとって重要だ」(こくさいぼうえきはけいざいにとってじゅうようだ). The term can also be used in compound words like '貿易会社 (ぼうえきがいしゃ)' (trading company) or '貿易赤字 (ぼうえきあかじ)' (trade deficit).

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    12

    JLPT

    N2

    Grade

    5

    Frequency

    1958

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Fat, Obese

    Reading

    onyomiぼう

    bou

    Parts

    Direction

    Example Word

    脂肪: fat. The Japanese noun '脂肪 (しぼう)' refers to 'fat', specifically the biological substance found in the bodies of humans and animals, or the fatty component in food. It is commonly used in both medical and everyday contexts. For example: This food contains a lot of fat「この食べ物は脂肪が多い」(このたべものはしぼうがおおい). Exercise helps burn fat「運動は脂肪を燃やす」(うんどうはしぼうをもやす). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe excess or unnecessary elements, though this usage is less common.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    8

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    7

    Frequency

    2030

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Furrow

    Reading

    kunyomi

    se

    うね

    une

    onyomi

    ho

    ぼう

    bou

    mo

    Parts

    Long time

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    10

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    9

    Frequency

    2059

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Spin, Spinning

    Reading

    kunyomiつむ

    tsumu

    onyomiぼう

    bou

    Parts

    Thread Direction

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    10

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    9

    Frequency

    2077

    Handwriting

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Onyomi reading Groups

Group 27 of 305