Page 1
kanji
九Meaning
Nine
Reading
kunyomiここのkokono
onyomiくku
きゅうkyuu
Parts
乙Second, Latter 丿Katakana no
Example Word
九: nine. The Japanese noun '九 (きゅう)' means 'nine'. It is used to represent the number nine in various contexts, such as counting, age, or quantities. For example: I have nine apples「りんごが九つあります」(りんごがきゅうつあります). She is nine years old「彼女は九歳です」(かのじょはきゅうさいです). This word is commonly used in everyday conversations and is essential for basic counting and numerical expressions in Japanese.
Radical
乛
Stroke Count
2JLPT
N5Grade
1Frequency
225
Handwriting
kanji
急Meaning
Urgent
Reading
kunyomiいそiso
onyomiきゅうkyuu
Parts
心Heart 刍Mow
Example Word
大急ぎ: hurry. The Japanese adjectival noun '大急ぎ (おおいそぎ)' means 'hurry' or 'great haste'. It is used to describe a situation or action that is done quickly or urgently, often due to limited time. This word is commonly used in contexts where speed is essential, such as rushing to complete a task or moving quickly to a destination. For example: I left in a hurry「大急ぎで出かけた」(おおいそぎででかけた). She finished her homework in a rush「彼女は大急ぎで宿題を終わらせた」(かのじょはおおいそぎでしゅくだいをおわらせた). Note that '大急ぎ' often implies a sense of urgency or necessity, and it can be used both as a noun and as an adverb when combined with particles like 'で'.
Radical
心
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
283
Handwriting
kanji
泣Meaning
Weep, Cry
Reading
kunyomiなna
onyomiきゅうkyuu
Parts
氵Water (水)立Stand
Example Word
泣く: cry. The Japanese verb '泣く (なく)' means 'to cry'. It is used to describe the act of shedding tears, often due to sadness, pain, or overwhelming emotion. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as crying because of a sad movie, a personal loss, or even tears of joy. For example: The child cried loudly「子供は大声で泣いた」(こどもはおおごえでないた). She cried when she heard the news「彼女はその知らせを聞いて泣いた」(かのじょはそのしらせをきいてないた). The verb can also be used metaphorically to describe something that evokes a strong emotional response, such as a touching story.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N1Grade
4Frequency
454
Handwriting
kanji
久Meaning
Long time
Reading
kunyomiひさhisa
onyomiくku
きゅうkyuu
Example Word
久しい: long. The Japanese adjective '久しい (ひさしい)' means 'long' in the sense of a considerable amount of time having passed. It is often used to describe a period that feels lengthy or to express that something has not happened for a long time. For example: It has been a long time since we last met「私たちが最後に会ってから久しい」(わたしたちがさいごにあったからひさしい). It's been a long time since it rained「雨が降ってから 久しい」(あめがふってからひさしい). This adjective conveys a sense of nostalgia or the passage of time and is typically used in written or formal contexts.
Radical
丿
Stroke Count
3JLPT
N2Grade
5Frequency
459
Handwriting
kanji
宮Meaning
Palace
Reading
kunyomiみやmiya
onyomiきゅうkyuu
ぐうguu
Parts
宀Roof 呂Bath
Example Word
宮: palace or shrine. The Japanese suffix '宮 (きゅう)' can mean either 'shrine' or 'palace', depending on the context. When referring to a shrine, it is often used in the names of Shinto shrines, such as '明治神宮 (めいじじんぐう)' (Meiji Shrine). When referring to a palace, it is used in the names of imperial palaces or residences, such as '皇居 (こうきょ)' (Imperial Palace). Example sentences: I visited the Meiji Shrine「明治神宮を訪れました」(めいじじんぐうをおとずれました). The Imperial Palace is in Tokyo「皇居は東京にあります」(こうきょはとうきょうにあります).
Radical
宀
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N1Grade
3Frequency
496
Handwriting
kanji
及Meaning
Reach, Extend
Reading
kunyomiおよoyo
onyomiきゅうkyuu
Parts
ノ 乃
Example Word
及ぶ: reach. The Japanese verb '及ぶ (およぶ)' primarily means 'to reach' or 'to extend to'. It is often used to describe something that extends to a certain point, level, or degree. This verb can be used in both physical and abstract contexts. For example: The damage reached the entire city「被害は全市に及んだ」(ひがいぜんしにおよんだ). His influence extends to many fields「彼の影響は多くの分野に及ぶ」(かれのえいきょうはおおくのぶんやにおよぶ). Additionally, '及ぶ' can also imply 'to amount to' or 'to come to' in certain contexts, such as in the phrase '及ばずながら' (およばずながら), which means 'though it may not be enough'.
Radical
又
Stroke Count
3JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
540
Handwriting
kanji
求Meaning
Request, Seek
Reading
kunyomiもとmoto
onyomiきゅうkyuu
Parts
水Water
Example Word
欲求: demand or desire. The Japanese verbal noun '欲求 (よっきゅう)' primarily means 'desire' or 'demand'. It refers to a strong feeling of wanting something or needing something. This word is often used in psychological or formal contexts to describe innate or instinctual desires, such as basic human needs. For example: His desire for success is strong「彼の成功への欲求は強い」(かれのせいこうへのよっきゅうはつよい). The demand for the product increased「その製品への欲求が高まった」(そのせいひんへのよっきゅうがたかまった). Note that while 'desire' is more emotional or personal, 'demand' can imply a more practical or market-driven need.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
562
Handwriting
kanji
究Meaning
Research
Reading
kunyomiきわkiwa
onyomiきゅうkyuu
Parts
穴Hole 九Nine
Example Word
研究: research. The Japanese verbal noun '研究 (けんきゅう)' means 'research'. It refers to the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions. This term is commonly used in academic, scientific, and professional contexts. For example: I am conducting research on Japanese history「私は日本の歴史を研究しています」(わたしはにほんのれきしをけんきゅうしています). His research was published in a scientific journal「彼の研究は科学雑誌に掲載された」(かれのけんきゅうはかがくざっしにけいさいされた). The word can also be used to describe the act of studying or investigating something in depth, as in '研究する (けんきゅうする)' which means 'to research' or 'to study'.
Radical
穴
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
579
Handwriting
kanji
給Meaning
Supply, Salary
Reading
onyomiきゅうkyuu
Parts
糸Thread 合Fit, Match
Example Word
月給: salary. The Japanese noun '月給 (げっきゅう)' refers to a monthly salary or wage. It is commonly used in professional and business contexts to describe the fixed amount of money an employee receives each month for their work. For example: His salary is high「彼の月給は高い」(かれのげっきゅうはたかい). I receive my salary at the end of the month「月末に月給をもらいます」(げつまつにげっきゅうをもらいます). The term is often used in formal settings and is distinct from other forms of payment like hourly wages or bonuses.
Radical
糸
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
659
Handwriting
kanji
休Meaning
Rest
Reading
kunyomiやすyasu
onyomiきゅうkyuu
Parts
木Tree, Wood 亻Person (人)
Example Word
休憩: break. The Japanese verbal noun '休憩 (きゅうけい)' means 'break'. It refers to a short period of rest or pause, often taken during work, study, or other activities. This word is commonly used in contexts like taking a break at work or during a long journey. For example: Let's take a break「休憩しましょう」(きゅうけいしましょう). We took a break after two hours of work「2時間働いた後、休憩しました」(にじかんはたらいたあと、きゅうけいしました). It's important to note that '休憩' is often used in formal or semi-formal settings, and it implies a temporary pause with the intention to resume the activity afterward.
Radical
人
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N5Grade
1Frequency
740
Handwriting
kanji
吸Meaning
Inhale, Suck
Reading
kunyomiすsu
onyomiきゅうkyuu
Parts
口Mouth 及Reach, Extend
Example Word
吸収: absorption. The Japanese verbal noun '吸収 (きゅうしゅう)' means 'absorption'. It refers to the process of taking in or assimilating something, such as liquids, knowledge, or resources. This word is often used in scientific, economic, or everyday contexts. For example: The sponge absorbs water「スポンジは水を吸収する」(スポンジはみずをきゅうしゅうする). The company absorbed its competitor「その会社は競争相手を吸収した」(そのかいしゃはきょうそうあいてをきゅうしゅうした). It can also be used metaphorically, such as absorbing knowledge or culture.
Radical
口
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N3Grade
6Frequency
872
Handwriting
kanji
級Meaning
Grade, Rank
Reading
onyomiきゅうkyuu
Parts
糸Thread 及Reach, Extend
Example Word
級: grade or rank. The Japanese noun '級 (きゅう)' refers to a level, grade, or rank, often used in contexts such as school grades, martial arts rankings, or classifications. For example: He is in the fifth grade「彼は5級です」(かれはごきゅうです). She holds a black belt rank「彼女は黒帯の級を持っています」(かのじょはくろおびのきゅうをもっています). The word can also be used in broader contexts to indicate a level of quality or classification, such as 'first-class' or 'second-class'.
Radical
糸
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N1Grade
3Frequency
930
Handwriting
kanji
救Meaning
Rescue
Reading
kunyomiすくsuku
onyomiきゅうkyuu
Parts
求Request, Seek 攵Strike
Example Word
救助: rescue. The Japanese verbal noun '救助 (きゅうじょ)' means 'rescue'. It refers to the act of saving someone from danger, distress, or harm. This term is often used in contexts involving emergencies, such as natural disasters, accidents, or life-threatening situations. For example: The rescue team arrived quickly「救助隊がすぐに到着した」(きゅうじょたいがすぐにとうちゃくした). They provided rescue to the victims「彼らは被害者に救助を提供した」(かれらはひがいしゃにきゅうじょをていきょうした). The word can also be used in a broader sense to describe helping someone in need, but it is most commonly associated with urgent or critical situations.
Radical
攴
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N1Grade
4Frequency
987
Handwriting
kanji
旧Meaning
Old, Past
Reading
onyomiきゅうkyuu
Parts
丨Stick 日Day, Sun
Example Word
旧: old. The Japanese noun '旧 (きゅう)' primarily means 'old' or 'former'. It is often used to refer to something that is outdated, previous, or no longer in use. This word is commonly seen in contexts such as '旧制度 (きゅうせいど)' meaning 'old system' or '旧友 (きゅうゆう)' meaning 'old friend'. It can also be used in historical contexts to refer to past eras or systems. For example: the old calendar「旧暦」(きゅうれき). This is the former president「これは旧大統領です」(これはきゅうだいとうりょうです). The word '旧' is often used in formal or written contexts and carries a nuance of something being replaced or outdated.
Radical
日
Stroke Count
5JLPT
N2Grade
5Frequency
1073
Handwriting
kanji
球Meaning
Ball
Reading
kunyomiたまtama
onyomiきゅうkyuu
Parts
王King 求Request, Seek
Example Word
プロ野球: pro baseball. The Japanese noun 'プロ野球 (プロやきゅう)' refers to 'professional baseball' in Japan. It specifically denotes the organized league of professional baseball teams and players in the country. This term is widely used in sports contexts and media. Example sentences: I enjoy watching professional baseball「プロ野球を見るのが好きです」(プロやきゅうをみるのがすきです). He plays in professional baseball「彼はプロ野球でプレーしています」(かれはプロやきゅうでプレーしています). The term is distinct from amateur or school baseball leagues.
Radical
玉
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
1093
Handwriting
kanji
扱Meaning
Handle
Reading
kunyomiあつかatsuka
onyomiきゅうkyuu
Parts
扌Hand (手)及Reach, Extend
Example Word
扱い: treatment or handling. The Japanese noun '扱い (あつかい)' refers to the way something or someone is handled or treated. It can describe the management of objects, situations, or people. For example: careful handling of fragile items「壊れやすい物の丁寧な扱い」(こわれやすいもののていねいなあつかい). The treatment of employees at that company is unfair「あの会社の従業員の扱いは不公平だ」(あのかいしゃのじゅうぎょういんのあつかいはふこうへいだ). Note that '扱い' can also imply the way someone is dealt with in a social or professional context, such as respect or disregard.
Radical
手
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
1146
Handwriting
kanji
丘Meaning
Hill
Reading
kunyomiおかoka
onyomiきゅうkyuu
Parts
一One 斤Axe, Catty
Example Word
丘: hill. The Japanese noun '丘 (おか)' means 'hill'. This word refers to a naturally raised area of land, not as high as a mountain, often with a rounded top. It is commonly used to describe geographical features in landscapes. For example: There is a small hill near my house「私の家の近くに小さな丘があります」(わたしのいえのちかくにちいさなおかがあります). We had a picnic on the hill「丘の上でピクニックをしました」(おかのうえでぴくにっくをしました). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe a gentle rise or elevation in various contexts.
Radical
一
Stroke Count
5JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
1265
Handwriting
kanji
窮Meaning
Hard up, Be in extremity
Reading
kunyomiきわkiwa
onyomiきゅうkyuu
きょうkyou
Parts
穴Hole 躬
Example Word
窮屈: cramped or restrictive. The Japanese adjective '窮屈 (きゅうくつ)' primarily conveys a sense of physical or emotional tightness, restriction, or discomfort. It can describe something physically cramped, such as a small space, or something emotionally or socially restrictive, like rigid rules or expectations. For example: These shoes feel tight「この靴は窮屈だ」(このくつはきゅうくつだ). The rules here are too restrictive「ここのルールは窮屈すぎる」(ここのルールはきゅうくつすぎる). The nuance of '窮屈' often implies a feeling of being constrained or unable to move freely, whether physically or metaphorically.
Radical
穴
Stroke Count
15JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
1377
Handwriting