Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Big

Reading

Parts

一One 人Person

Example Word

大臣: minister. The Japanese noun '大臣 (だいじん)' refers to a 'minister', specifically a high-ranking government official who is in charge of a specific ministry or department. This term is commonly used in political contexts to denote individuals who hold significant authority within the government. For example: The Minister of Finance spoke at the conference「財務大臣が会議で話しました」(ざいむだいじんがかいぎではなしました). The Prime Minister appointed a new Minister of Education「首相が新しい文部科学大臣を任命しました」(しゅしょうがあたらしいもんぶかがくだいじんをにんめいしました). It's important to note that '大臣' is often used in combination with the specific ministry they oversee, such as '外務大臣 (がいむだいじん)' for 'Minister of Foreign Affairs'.

Radical

大

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

6

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Body

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)本Book, Origin

Example Word

体操: exercise. The Japanese noun '体操 (たいそう)' refers to physical exercise or gymnastics. It is commonly used to describe a set of physical activities performed to improve health, flexibility, or strength. This word is often associated with school routines, where students perform 'ラジオ体操 (ラジオたいそう)' (radio calisthenics) as a group. Example sentences: I do exercise every morning「私は毎朝体操をします」(わたしはまいあさたいそうをします). Gymnastics is good for your body「体操は体に良いです」(たいそうはからだにいいです). The word can also refer to formal gymnastics as a sport, such as in '体操競技 (たいそうきょうぎ)' (gymnastics competition).

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

対比: contrast. The Japanese verbal noun '対比 (たいひ)' means 'contrast'. It refers to the act of comparing two or more things to highlight their differences or similarities. This term is often used in discussions, analyses, or descriptions where differences or comparisons are emphasized. For example: the contrast between light and dark「光と闇の対比」(ひかりとやみのたいひ). The contrast between old and new ideas「古い考えと新しい考えの対比」(ふるいかんがえとあたらしいかんがえのたいひ). It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to draw attention to distinctions or comparisons.

Radical

寸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

148

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Wait

Reading

Parts

寺Temple 彳Stop

Example Word

期待: expectation. The Japanese verbal noun '期待 (きたい)' means 'expectation'. It refers to the anticipation or hope that something will happen or be achieved. This word is often used in contexts where someone is looking forward to a positive outcome or result. For example: I have high expectations for the new project「新しいプロジェクトに期待しています」(あたらしいプロジェクトにきたいしています). Don't let down my expectations「私の期待を裏切らないで」(わたしのきたいをうらぎらないで). It can also be used to express anticipation for future events or developments, such as in '期待を込めて (きたいをこめて) (with expectation)'.

Radical

彳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

241

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Pedestal, Machine

Reading

Parts

厶Private 口Mouth

Example Word

舞台: stage. The Japanese noun '舞台 (ぶたい)' primarily means 'stage' as in a physical platform where performances take place. It is commonly used in contexts related to theater, concerts, and other performances. For example: The actor stood on the stage「俳優は舞台に立った」(はいゆうはぶたいにたった). The play will be performed on this stage「この舞台でその劇が上演される」(このぶたいでそのげきがじょうえんされる). Additionally, '舞台' can metaphorically refer to a setting or scene where significant events occur, such as in '人生の舞台 (じんせいのぶたい)' (the stage of life). This word is versatile and deeply embedded in both literal and figurative Japanese expressions.

Radical

口

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

364

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Appearance, Condition

Reading

Parts

心Heart 能Ability

Example Word

事態: situation. The Japanese noun '事態 (じたい)' refers to a 'situation' or 'state of affairs', often implying a critical, serious, or unexpected condition. It is commonly used to describe circumstances that require attention or action. For example: The situation is serious「事態は深刻だ」(じたいはしんこくだ). We must respond to this situation「この事態に対応しなければならない」(このじたいにたいおうしなければならない). The word is often used in formal or news contexts to describe events or developments that have significant implications.

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

393

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Retreat

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 艮Stopping

Example Word

退学: expulsion or withdrawal. The Japanese verbal noun '退学 (たいがく)' refers to the act of leaving or being removed from an educational institution. It can mean either 'expulsion' (when a student is forced to leave due to disciplinary reasons) or 'withdrawal' (when a student voluntarily leaves). For example: He was expelled from school「彼は退学になった」(かれはたいがくになった). She decided to withdraw from university「彼女は大学を退学することにした」(かのじょはだいがくをたいがくすることにした). The context usually clarifies whether the action is voluntary or involuntary.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

633

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Squad

Reading

Parts

⻖ 㒸

Example Word

部隊: unit. The Japanese noun '部隊 (ぶたい)' refers to a military or organizational unit, typically used in the context of armed forces or groups with a specific purpose. It can describe a division, squad, or team within a larger organization. For example: The special forces unit was deployed「特殊部隊が展開された」(とくしゅぶたいがてんかいされた). The rescue unit arrived quickly「救助部隊がすぐに到着した」(きゅうじょぶたいがすぐにとうちゃくした). This word is often used in formal or military contexts and carries a sense of structure and organization.

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

707

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Belt, Wear

Reading

Parts

丗Thirty 冖Crown 巾Towel

Example Word

熱帯: tropics. The Japanese noun '熱帯 (ねったい)' refers to the 'tropics', the region of the Earth surrounding the equator. This term is often used in geographical or climatic contexts to describe areas characterized by warm temperatures and high humidity. For example: The Amazon is in the tropics「アマゾンは熱帯にある」(アマゾンはねったいにある). Tropical fruits are delicious「熱帯の果物は美味しい」(ねったいのくだものはおいしい). The word can also be used in compound terms like '熱帯雨林 (ねったいうりん)' (tropical rainforest).

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

貸し出し: lending. The Japanese verbal noun '貸し出し (かしだし)' refers to the act of lending or loaning something, typically items like books, tools, or equipment. It is commonly used in contexts such as libraries or rental services. For example: The library allows lending of books「図書館は本の貸し出しを許可しています」(としょかんはほんのかしだしをきょかしています). This shop offers tool lending「この店は工具の貸し出しをしています」(このみせはこうぐのかしだしをしています). The term emphasizes the temporary transfer of items from one party to another.

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1229

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Replace, Exchange

Reading

Parts

㚘 曰

Example Word

着替える: change clothes. The Japanese verb '着替える (きがえる)' means 'to change clothes'. It is used when someone changes their outfit, typically from one set of clothes to another. This verb is commonly used in daily life, such as when getting dressed in the morning, changing into work clothes, or switching to pajamas. For example: I will change clothes before going out「出かける前に着替えます」(でかけるまえにきがえます). She changed into a beautiful dress「彼女はきれいなドレスに着替えた」(かのじょはきれいなどれすにきがえた). Note that '着替える' is often used in contexts where the act of changing clothes is intentional and complete.

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

沙汰: matter or news. The Japanese noun '沙汰 (さた)' can mean 'matter' or 'news', depending on the context. It is often used to refer to an event, incident, or piece of information that is noteworthy or requires attention. For example: I heard about the matter「その沙汰を聞いた」(そのさたをきいた). There's no news from him「彼からの沙汰がない」(かれからのさたがない). The word can also imply something that is being discussed or judged, as in '世間の沙汰 (せけんのさた) (public judgment)'. It is a somewhat formal or old-fashioned term, often used in written or formal spoken contexts.

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

渋滞: traffic or congestion. The Japanese verbal noun '渋滞 (じゅうたい)' primarily refers to 'traffic' or 'congestion'. It is commonly used to describe situations where vehicles are moving slowly or are at a standstill due to heavy traffic. It can also be used metaphorically to describe delays or bottlenecks in processes or systems. For example: The traffic is terrible today「今日は渋滞がひどい」(きょうはじゅうたいがひどい). There is congestion on the highway「高速道路で渋滞している」(こうそくどうろでじゅうたいしている). The meeting was delayed due to congestion in the schedule「スケジュールの渋滞で会議が遅れた」(スケジュールのじゅうたいでかいぎがおくれた).

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