Page 1
kanji
時Meaning
Time, Hour
Reading
kunyomiときtoki
onyomiじji
Parts
日Day, Sun 寺Temple
Example Word
時々: sometimes. The Japanese adverb '時々 (ときどき)' means 'sometimes'. It is used to indicate that an action or event occurs occasionally, but not regularly or frequently. This adverb can be placed at the beginning or middle of a sentence, depending on the emphasis. For example: I sometimes go to the park「時々公園に行きます」(ときどきこうえんにいきます). She sometimes reads books「彼女は時々本を読みます」(かのじょはときどきほんをよみます). It is a versatile word that can be used in both casual and formal contexts.
Radical
日
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N5Grade
2Frequency
14
Handwriting
kanji
事Meaning
Thing
Reading
kunyomiことkoto
onyomiじji
Parts
⺕Hand 亅Barb 一One 口Mouth
Example Word
事務: office work. The Japanese noun '事務 (じむ)' refers to 'office work' or 'administrative tasks'. It is commonly used to describe tasks related to managing paperwork, organizing schedules, or handling general administrative duties in an office setting. For example: I handle office work「私は事務を担当しています」(わたしはじむをたんとうしています). Office work is busy today「今日は事務が忙しい」(きょうはじむがいそがしい). This word is often used in professional contexts and can be combined with other words to form compound nouns, such as '事務所 (じむしょ)' (office) or '事務員 (じむいん)' (office worker).
Radical
亅
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
16
Handwriting
kanji
自Meaning
Self
Reading
kunyomiみずかmizuka
onyomiじji
しshi
Parts
目Eye 丿Katakana no
Example Word
自主的: voluntary. The Japanese adjective '自主的 (じしゅてき)' means 'voluntary' or 'self-directed'. It is used to describe actions, behaviors, or decisions that are undertaken by one's own initiative, without external compulsion. This word often carries a positive connotation, emphasizing independence and self-motivation. For example: She made a voluntary decision to help「彼女は自主的に助けることにした」(かのじょはじしゅてきにたすけることにした). The students organized the event voluntarily「学生たちは自主的にイベントを企画した」(がくせいたちはじしゅてきにイベントをきかくした). It is commonly used in contexts related to education, work, or personal responsibility.
Radical
自
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
20
Handwriting
kanji
持Meaning
Hold
Reading
kunyomiもmo
onyomiじji
Parts
寺Temple 扌Hand (手)
Example Word
支持: support. The Japanese verbal noun '支持 (しじ)' means 'support'. It is commonly used to express backing, endorsement, or approval for a person, idea, organization, or policy. This word is often used in political, social, or professional contexts. For example: I support this policy「この政策を支持します」(このせいさくをしじします). The candidate gained public support「その候補者は国民の支持を得た」(そのこうほしゃはこくみんのしじをえた). Note that '支持' can also imply a sense of reliance or dependence, as in 'the support of a structure' or 'the support of a family'.
Radical
手
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
47
Handwriting
kanji
地Meaning
Ground
Reading
onyomiじji
ちchi
Parts
土Soil 也To be
Example Word
目的地: destination. The Japanese noun '目的地 (もくてきち)' means 'destination'. It refers to the place to which someone or something is going or being sent. This word is commonly used in travel contexts, such as when discussing the endpoint of a journey or trip. For example: The destination is still far away「目的地はまだ遠い」(もくてきちはまだとおい). We arrived at our destination「目的地に着きました」(もくてきちにつきました). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe a goal or objective, though this usage is less common.
Radical
土
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
53
Handwriting
kanji
次Meaning
Next
Reading
kunyomiつtsu
つぎtsugi
onyomiじji
しshi
Parts
冫Ice (水)欠Lack
Example Word
次第に: gradually. The Japanese adverb '次第に (しだいに)' means 'gradually'. It is used to describe a process or change that occurs slowly over time. This adverb is often used in contexts where something is evolving or progressing in a steady manner. For example: The sky gradually darkened「空が次第に暗くなった」(そらがしだいにくらくなった). Her health gradually improved「彼女の健康は次第に回復した」(かのじょのけんこうはしだいにかいふくした). It can also be used to indicate that something will happen in due course, depending on circumstances, as in 'I will contact you as soon as possible「次第に連絡します」(しだいにれんらくします)'. Note that this usage is less common and more formal.
Radical
欠
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
101
Handwriting
kanji
治Meaning
Cure, Reign
Reading
kunyomiおさosa
なおnao
onyomiじji
ちchi
Parts
氵Water (水)台Pedestal, Machine
Example Word
明治: Meiji. The Japanese noun '明治 (めいじ)' refers to the Meiji era, a historical period in Japan from 1868 to 1912. This era is significant for marking Japan's rapid modernization and westernization. The term is often used in historical contexts or to describe things related to this period. For example: The Meiji Restoration was a pivotal event「明治維新は重要な出来事だった」(めいじいしんはじゅうようなできごとだった). This building is from the Meiji era「この建物は明治時代のものです」(このたてものはめいじじだいのものです). The word can also be used in names of institutions or products to evoke a sense of tradition or historical significance.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
317
Handwriting
kanji
字Meaning
Character
Reading
kunyomiあざaza
onyomiじji
Parts
子Child 宀Roof
Example Word
ローマ字: romaji. The Japanese noun 'ローマ字 (ろーまじ)' refers to the Roman alphabet or the Latin script used to write Japanese words. It is commonly used to represent Japanese sounds using the letters A-Z, making it easier for non-Japanese speakers to read and pronounce Japanese words. For example: Please write your name in romaji「名前をローマ字で書いてください」(なまえをろーまじでかいてください). This word is romaji「この単語はローマ字です」(このたんごはろーまじです). Romaji is often used in language learning materials, signage, and for inputting Japanese text on computers and smartphones.
Radical
子
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N4Grade
1Frequency
370
Handwriting
kanji
寺Meaning
Temple
Reading
kunyomiてらtera
onyomiじji
Parts
土Soil 寸Measurement
Example Word
寺院: temple. The Japanese noun '寺院 (じいん)' refers to a 'temple', specifically a Buddhist temple. This term is used to describe a place of worship and practice for Buddhists, often characterized by its architecture, statues, and religious activities. For example: I visited a famous temple「有名な寺院を訪れました」(ゆうめいなじいんをおとずれました). The temple is very old「その寺院はとても古いです」(そのじいんはとてもふるいです). It's important to note that '寺院' is distinct from '神社 (じんじゃ)', which refers to Shinto shrines.
Radical
寸
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N2Grade
2Frequency
408
Handwriting
kanji
似Meaning
Resemble
Reading
kunyomiにni
onyomiじji
Parts
亻Person (人)以By means of
Example Word
類似: similarity. The Japanese noun '類似 (るいじ)' means 'similarity'. It refers to the state or quality of being similar or alike, often used in contexts comparing two or more things. This word is commonly used in both formal and informal settings, such as academic discussions, everyday conversations, or technical comparisons. For example: There is a similarity between the two theories「二つの理論には類似がある」(ふたつのりろんにはるいじがある). The similarity between these two paintings is striking「これらの二つの絵画の類似は驚くべきものだ」(これらのふたつのかいがのるいじはおどろくべきものだ). Note that '類似' can also be used in compound words like '類似点 (るいじてん)' (points of similarity) or '類似性 (るいじせい)' (similarity in nature).
Radical
人
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N3Grade
5Frequency
464
Handwriting
kanji
耳Meaning
Ear
Reading
kunyomiみみmimi
onyomiじji
Parts
一One 三Three 丨Stick
Example Word
耳鼻科: otolaryngology. The Japanese noun '耳鼻科 (じびか)' refers to the medical field of otolaryngology, which deals with conditions related to the ear, nose, and throat. This term is commonly used in medical contexts and is often seen on signs or in hospital departments. For example: I went to the otolaryngology department「耳鼻科に行きました」(じびかにいきました). The otolaryngology clinic is on the third floor「耳鼻科の診察室は3階です」(じびかのしんさつしつは さんかいです). This word is a combination of three kanji: 耳 (ear), 鼻 (nose), and 科 (department or field).
Radical
耳
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N3Grade
1Frequency
465
Handwriting
kanji
示Meaning
Show, Indicate
Reading
kunyomiしめshime
onyomiじji
しshi
Parts
二Two 小Small
Example Word
掲示板: bulletin board. The Japanese noun '掲示板 (けいじばん)' refers to a 'bulletin board' or 'notice board'. It is commonly used to describe a physical or digital board where information, announcements, or messages are posted for public viewing. In modern contexts, it often refers to online forums or message boards. For example: I saw the notice on the bulletin board「掲示板にそのお知らせを見ました」(けいじばんにそのおしらせをみました). This online forum is very active「この掲示板はとても活発です」(このけいじばんはとてもかっぱつです). The word is widely used in both physical and digital contexts, making it a versatile term in Japanese.
Radical
示
Stroke Count
5JLPT
N3Grade
5Frequency
574
Radical Form
礻
Handwriting
kanji
児Meaning
Child
Reading
onyomiにni
じji
Parts
儿Legs 旧Old, Past
Example Word
小児: child. The Japanese noun '小児 (しょうに)' refers to a 'child', specifically in the context of young children, often in medical or formal settings. It is commonly used in terms like '小児科 (しょうにか)', which means 'pediatrics'. This word is more formal and clinical compared to everyday terms like '子供 (こども)'. Example sentences: The pediatrician treats children「小児科医は小児を治療する」(しょうにかいはしょうにをちりょうする). This medicine is for children「この薬は小児用です」(このくすりはしょうにようです).
Radical
儿
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
750
Handwriting
kanji
辞Meaning
Word, Resign
Reading
kunyomiやya
onyomiじji
Parts
舌Tongue 辛Hard, Spicy
Example Word
辞める: quit. The Japanese verb '辞める (やめる)' means 'to quit' or 'to resign'. It is commonly used when someone leaves a job, position, or stops doing something they were previously engaged in. For example: I quit my job「仕事を辞めました」(しごとをやめました). He decided to quit smoking「彼はタバコを辞めると決めた」(かれはタバコをやめるときめた). The verb can also be used in a broader sense, such as quitting a habit or activity. It is important to note that '辞める' is often used in formal or professional contexts, while 'やめる' can be used more casually.
Radical
辛
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
941
Handwriting
kanji
侍Meaning
Attend to, Samurai
Reading
kunyomiさむらいsamurai
onyomiじji
Parts
亻Person (人)寺Temple
Example Word
侍: samurai. The Japanese noun '侍 (さむらい)' refers to a 'samurai', a member of the warrior class in feudal Japan. Samurai were known for their strict code of honor, discipline, and martial skills. The term is often associated with loyalty, bravery, and the bushido (the way of the warrior). Example sentences: The samurai fought bravely「侍は勇敢に戦った」(さむらいはゆうかんにたたかった). He is a descendant of a samurai family「彼は侍の家系の子孫です」(かれはさむらいのかけいのしそんです). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who embodies the qualities of a samurai, such as honor and discipline.
Radical
人
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
961
Handwriting
kanji
除Meaning
Exclude, Remove
Reading
kunyomiのぞnozo
onyomiじょjo
じji
Parts
⻖ 余Excess
Example Word
排除: exclusion or elimination. The Japanese noun '排除 (はいじょ)' refers to the act of excluding or eliminating something or someone. It is often used in contexts where something is removed or kept out, whether physically, socially, or conceptually. For example: the exclusion of harmful substances「有害物質の排除」(ゆうがいぶっしつのはいじょ). The elimination of outdated rules「古い規則の排除」(ふるいきそくのはいじょ). This word can be used in various contexts, such as social exclusion, elimination of waste, or removal of obstacles.
Radical
阜
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N3Grade
6Frequency
1003
Handwriting
kanji
餌Meaning
Feed
Reading
kunyomiもちmochi
えさesa
えばeba
onyomiにni
じji
Parts
飠Eat (食)耳Ear
Example Word
餌: feed or bait. The Japanese noun '餌 (えさ)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'feed', referring to food given to animals, such as pets or livestock. For example: I gave feed to the dog「犬に餌をあげた」(いぬにえ さをあげた). The second meaning is 'bait', used in the context of fishing or trapping. For example: He put bait on the hook「彼は針に餌をつけた」(かれははりにえさをつけた). The word is versatile and can be used in both domestic and outdoor settings, depending on the context.
Radical
食
Stroke Count
14JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
1696
Handwriting