Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Big

Reading

Parts

一One 人Person

Example Word

大雪: heavy snow. The Japanese noun '大雪 (おおゆき)' refers to 'heavy snow'. It is used to describe a significant snowfall, often implying that the snow is deep or has caused disruptions. This term is commonly used in weather forecasts or when discussing winter conditions. For example: Heavy snow is expected tomorrow「明日は大雪が予想されています」(あしたはおおゆきがよそうされています). The heavy snow blocked the roads「大雪で道路がふさがれた」(おおゆきでどうろがふさがれた). Note that '大雪' can also be used metaphorically to describe something overwhelming or abundant, though this usage is less common.

Radical

大

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

6

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Body

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)本Book, Origin

Example Word

体温計: thermometer. The Japanese noun '体温計 (たいおんけい)' refers to a 'thermometer', specifically one used to measure body temperature. It is commonly used in medical contexts or at home to check for fever. For example: I bought a new thermometer「新しい体温計を買いました」(あたらしいたいおんけいをかいました). Please use the thermometer to check your temperature「体温計で熱を測ってください」(たいおんけいでねつをはかってください). The word is a compound of '体温 (たいおん)' meaning 'body temperature' and '計 (けい)' meaning 'meter' or 'gauge'.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

115

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Thick, Fat

Reading

Parts

大Big 丶Dot

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

大

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

147

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Against

Reading

Parts

寸Measurement 文Sentence

Example Word

対象: target or subject. The Japanese noun '対象 (たいしょう)' can mean 'target' or 'subject', depending on the context. When used as 'target', it refers to something or someone that is the focus of an action, such as in marketing or research. For example: the target of this campaign is young people「このキャンペーンの対象は若者です」(このキャンペーンのたいしょうはわかものです). When used as 'subject', it refers to the main topic or theme of discussion or study. For example: the subject of today's lecture is Japanese history「今日の講義の対象は日本の歴史です」(きょうのこうぎのたいしょうはにほんのれきしです). The word is versatile and can be used in various fields, including business, education, and research.

Radical

寸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

148

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Wait

Reading

Parts

寺Temple 彳Stop

Example Word

待つ: wait. The Japanese verb '待つ (まつ)' means 'to wait'. It is used to describe the action of staying in a place or delaying action until a particular time or event occurs. This verb is commonly used in everyday conversations and can be paired with various particles to indicate what or whom one is waiting for. For example: I will wait for you「あなたを待つ」(あなたをまつ). Please wait a moment「ちょっと待ってください」(ちょっとまってください). The verb can also be used in more abstract contexts, such as waiting for an opportunity or waiting for something to happen. It is important to note that '待つ' is often used in its te-form '待って (まって)' when making requests or giving instructions.

Radical

彳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

241

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Pedestal, Machine

Reading

Parts

厶Private 口Mouth

Example Word

台所: kitchen. The Japanese noun '台所 (だいどころ)' refers to a 'kitchen', the room or area where food is prepared and cooked. It is commonly used in everyday conversation to describe the space in a home or restaurant where cooking takes place. For example: The kitchen is clean「台所はきれいです」(だいどころはきれいです). I am cooking in the kitchen「台所で料理をしています」(だいどころでりょうりをしています). The word can also imply the financial situation of a household, as in '家の台所 (いえのだいどころ)' meaning 'household finances', though this usage is less common in modern conversation.

Radical

口

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

364

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Appearance, Condition

Reading

Parts

心Heart 能Ability

Example Word

形態: form. The Japanese noun '形態 (けいたい)' refers to the 'form' or 'shape' of something, often in a structural or abstract sense. It is commonly used in contexts related to biology, art, or systems to describe the arrangement or configuration of elements. For example: The form of this sculpture is unique「この彫刻の形態は独特だ」(このちょうこくのけいたいはどくとくだ). The company is changing its organizational structure「会社はその組織形態を変えている」(かいしゃはそのそしきけいたいをかえている). This word can also be used in philosophical or theoretical discussions to describe the nature or essence of something.

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

393

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Retreat

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 艮Stopping

Example Word

退ける: remove. The Japanese verb '退ける (のける)' means 'to remove' or 'to set aside'. It is often used to describe physically moving something out of the way or figuratively removing an obstacle or problem. For example: Please remove the box「箱を退けてください」(はこをのけてください). He set aside his doubts and moved forward「彼は疑念を退けて前に進んだ」(かれはぎねんをのけてまえにすすんだ). The verb can also imply a sense of decisiveness or determination in removing something. It is commonly used in both casual and formal contexts.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

633

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Squad

Reading

Parts

⻖ 㒸

Example Word

隊: squad. The Japanese suffix '隊 (たい)' is used to denote a group, team, or squad, often with a specific purpose or function. It is commonly attached to nouns to form words that describe organized groups, such as military units, task forces, or specialized teams. For example: a rescue squad「救助隊」(きゅうじょたい). A fire brigade「消防隊」(しょうぼうたい). This suffix is frequently used in contexts involving organized efforts, such as emergency services, military, or even fan groups. It carries a sense of collective action and purpose.

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

707

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Belt, Wear

Reading

Parts

丗Thirty 冖Crown 巾Towel

Example Word

包帯: bandage. The Japanese verbal noun '包帯 (ほうたい)' refers to a 'bandage', which is a strip of material used to cover and protect wounds. It is commonly used in medical contexts or when discussing injuries. For example: I wrapped a bandage around the wound「傷に包帯を巻いた」(きずにほうたいをまいた). The nurse changed the bandage「看護師が包帯を替えた」(かんごしがほうたいをかえた). This word is often used in both casual and formal settings when discussing medical care or first aid.

Radical

巾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

743

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Bag, Sack

Reading

Parts

代Substitute, Era 衣Clothes

Example Word

手袋: gloves. The Japanese noun '手袋 (てぶくろ)' means 'gloves'. This word refers to a covering for the hands, typically made of fabric, leather, or other materials, worn for protection or warmth. It is commonly used in everyday conversation, especially during colder seasons. For example: I bought new gloves「新しい手袋を買いました」(あたらいてぶくろをかいました). Please wear gloves when it's cold「寒い時は手袋をしてください」(さむいときはてぶくろをしてください). The word can also be used in specific contexts, such as sports or work gloves, but the primary meaning remains consistent.

Radical

衣

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1002

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Lend, Loan

Reading

Parts

代Substitute, Era 貝Shellfish

Example Word

貸し出す: lend. The Japanese verb '貸し出す (かしだす)' means 'to lend' or 'to loan out'. It is commonly used in contexts where something is being temporarily given to someone else, such as books from a library, tools, or other items. For example: The library lends books「図書館は本を貸し出す」(としょかんはほんをかしだす). I lent my friend a bicycle「友達に自転車を貸し出した」(ともだちにじてんしゃをかしだした). This verb is often used in formal or institutional settings, such as libraries, rental services, or businesses.

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1229

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Replace, Exchange

Reading

Parts

㚘 曰

Example Word

取り替える: replace or exchange. The Japanese verb '取り替える (とりかえる)' means 'to replace' or 'to exchange'. It is used when swapping one thing for another, often because the original item is broken, outdated, or no longer suitable. For example: I replaced the old light bulb「古い電球を取り替えた」(ふるいでんきゅうをとりかえた). They exchanged gifts at the party「パーティーでプレゼントを取り替えた」(パーティーでプレゼントをとりかえた). This verb can also imply a mutual exchange, such as trading items or ideas. Note that '取り替える' is often used in contexts involving physical objects but can also apply to abstract concepts like roles or responsibilities.

Radical

曰

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1355

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Receive

Reading

Example Word

頂戴: receive. The Japanese verbal noun '頂戴 (ちょうだい)' is a polite and humble way to say 'receive' or 'accept'. It is often used when asking for something politely or when receiving something from someone of higher status. It can also be used as a humble way to say 'eat' or 'drink'. For example: Please give me that book「その本を頂戴」(そのほんをちょうだい). I received a gift from my teacher「先生からプレゼントを頂戴しました」(せんせいからプレゼントをちょうだいしました). It's important to note that this word is often used in formal or polite situations, and is not typically used in casual conversation.

Radical

戈

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1383

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Calm, Peace

Reading

Parts

水Water

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1507

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Select

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)太Thick, Fat

Example Word

御無沙汰: neglect. The Japanese verbal noun '御無沙汰 (ごぶさた)' refers to the act of neglecting to contact someone or not being in touch for a long time. It is often used in polite expressions to apologize for not having been in contact. For example: I'm sorry for not being in touch「ご無沙汰しております」(ごぶさたしております). It's been a long time since we last met「久しぶりに会いましたね」(ひさしぶりにあいましたね). This term is commonly used in formal or semi-formal contexts to express regret for not maintaining communication.

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1551

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Proof, Withstand

Reading

Parts

而 寸Measurement

Example Word

耐える: endure. The Japanese verb '耐える (たえる)' means 'to endure' or 'to withstand'. It is used to describe the ability to tolerate or bear something difficult, such as pain, hardship, or stress. This verb can also imply resilience or patience in the face of challenges. For example: He endured the pain「彼は痛みに耐えた」(かれはいたみにたえた). I can't endure this heat「この暑さに耐えられない」(このあつさにたえられない). Note that '耐える' is often used in contexts involving physical or emotional strain, and it can be paired with particles like 'に' to indicate what is being endured.

Radical

而

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1583

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Lazy, Neglect

Reading

Parts

心Heart 台Pedestal, Machine

Example Word

怠ける: neglect or laze. The Japanese verb '怠ける (なまける)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'to laze' or 'to be idle', referring to avoiding work or effort. For example: He lazed around all day「彼は一日中怠けていた」(かれはいちにちじゅうなまけていた). The second meaning is 'to neglect', implying a failure to fulfill responsibilities or duties. For example: She neglected her studies「彼女は勉強を怠けた」(かのじょはべんきょうをなまけた). The verb can carry a negative connotation, suggesting laziness or irresponsibility depending on the context.

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1596

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Stagnate

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)帯Belt, Wear

Example Word

滞在: stay. The Japanese verbal noun '滞在 (たいざい)' means 'stay'. It refers to the act of staying or residing in a place temporarily, such as during a trip, vacation, or visit. It is commonly used in contexts related to travel, lodging, or temporary residence. For example: I will stay in Tokyo for three days「東京に三日間滞在します」(とうきょうにみっかかんたいざいします). His stay in Japan was very enjoyable「彼の日本での滞在はとても楽しかった」(かれのにほんでのたいざいはとてもたのしかった). The word is often paired with verbs like する (to do) or する予定 (plan to do) to indicate the act of staying.

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1708

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Womb, Uterus

Reading

Parts

肉Meat 台Pedestal, Machine

Radical

肉

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1906

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Piled high

Reading

Parts

土Soil 隹Bird

Radical

土

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1999

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Catch up with, Apprehend

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 隶

Example Word

逮捕: arrest. The Japanese verbal noun '逮捕 (たいほ)' means 'arrest'. It refers to the act of taking someone into custody by legal authority, typically in the context of law enforcement. This term is commonly used in legal, news, and everyday contexts when discussing criminal activities or police actions. For example: The police made an arrest「警察が逮捕した」(けいさつがたいほした). He was arrested for theft「彼は窃盗で逮捕された」(かれはせっとうでたいほされた). Note that '逮捕' is often used in formal or serious contexts and is not typically used in casual conversation.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2029

Handwriting