Page 1
kanji
大Meaning
Big
Reading
kunyomiおおoo
onyomiだいdai
たいtai
Parts
一One 人Person
Example Word
大地: earth. The Japanese noun '大地 (だいち)' refers to the 'earth' or 'ground' in a broad sense, often emphasizing its vastness or solidity. It is commonly used to describe the physical land or terrain, and can evoke a sense of nature, stability, or foundation. For example: the earth is vast「大地は広い」(だいちはひろい). The earthquake shook the earth「地震が大地を揺るがした」(じしんがだいちをゆるがした). This word is often used in poetic or descriptive contexts to emphasize the natural world.
Radical
大
Stroke Count
3JLPT
N5Grade
1Frequency
6
Handwriting
kanji
体Meaning
Body
Reading
kunyomiからだkarada
onyomiたいtai
ていtei
Parts
亻Person (人)本Book, Origin
Example Word
物体: object. The Japanese noun '物体 (ぶったい)' refers to a physical object or material entity. It is commonly used in scientific, technical, or formal contexts to describe tangible things that occupy space and have mass. For example: The object is moving「物体が動いている」(ぶったいがう ごいている). This object is heavy「この物体は重い」(このぶったいはおもい). The word can also be used in philosophical discussions to distinguish physical entities from abstract concepts. It is neutral in tone and does not carry any specific emotional or cultural connotations.
Radical
人
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
115
Handwriting
kanji
太Meaning
Thick, Fat
Reading
kunyomiふとfuto
onyomiたいtai
たta
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
4JLPT
N3Grade
2Frequency
147
Handwriting
kanji
対Meaning
Against
Reading
onyomiたいtai
Parts
寸Measurement 文Sentence
Example Word
対談: dialogue. The Japanese verbal noun '対談 (たいだん)' refers to a formal or structured conversation, typically between two people, often experts or notable figures, discussing a specific topic. It is commonly used in contexts such as interviews, discussions, or public talks. For example: The dialogue between the two authors was insightful「二人の作家の対談は興味深かった」(ふたりのさっかのたいだんはきょうみぶかかった). They held a dialogue about environmental issues「彼らは環境問題について対談した」(かれらはかんきょうもんだいについてたいだんした). The term emphasizes a two-way exchange of ideas rather than a one-sided conversation.
Radical
寸
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
148
Handwriting
kanji
待Meaning
Wait
Reading
kunyomiまma
onyomiたいtai
Parts
寺Temple 彳Stop
Example Word
待ち合わせる: meet. The Japanese verb '待ち合わせる (まちあわせる)' means 'to meet' or 'to arrange to meet'. It is commonly used when two or more people agree to meet at a specific time and place. This verb often implies a prearranged meeting rather than a chance encounter. For example: Let's meet at the station at 3 PM「3時に駅で待ち合わせましょう」(さんじにえきでまちあわせましょう). We arranged to meet in front of the cinema「私たちは映画館の前で待ち合わせた」(わたしたちはえいがかんのまえでまちあわせた). The verb is a combination of '待つ (まつ)' meaning 'to wait' and '合わせる (あわせる)' meaning 'to match' or 'to adjust', reflecting the idea of coordinating a meeting time and place.
Radical
彳
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
241
Handwriting
kanji
台Meaning
Pedestal, Machine
Reading
onyomiだいdai
たいtai
Parts
厶Private 口Mouth
Example Word
台詞: lines. The Japanese noun '台詞 (せりふ)' refers to the lines or dialogue spoken by a character in a play, movie, or any performance. It can also be used more broadly to refer to what someone says in a particular situation, often implying that the words are scripted or rehearsed. For example: The actor forgot his lines「俳優は台詞を忘れた」(はいゆうはせりふをわすれた). She always has the same lines「彼女はいつも同じ台詞を言う」(かのじょはいつもおなじせりふをいう). This term is commonly used in the context of theater and film, but can also be applied to everyday situations where someone is repeating a familiar or expected statement.
Radical
口
Stroke Count
5JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
364
Handwriting
kanji
態Meaning
Appearance, Condition
Reading
kunyomiわざwaza
onyomiたいtai
Parts
心Heart 能Ability
Example Word
態と: intentionally. The Japanese adverb '態と (わざと)' means 'intentionally' or 'on purpose'. It is used to describe actions that are done deliberately, often with a specific intention or motive. This word can carry a slightly negative nuance, implying that the action was done with some ulterior motive or to cause a reaction. For example: He intentionally broke the vase「彼は態と花瓶を壊した」(かれはわざとかびんをこわした). She pretended not to know, even though she did「彼女は知っているのに態と知らないふりをした」(かのじょはしっているのにわざとしらないふりをした). The adverb is often used in contexts where the speaker wants to emphasize that the action was not accidental.
Radical
心
Stroke Count
14JLPT
N1Grade
5Frequency
393
Handwriting
kanji
退Meaning
Retreat
Reading
kunyomiしりぞshirizo
onyomiたいtai
Parts
⻌Walk 艮Stopping
Example Word
退屈: boredom. The Japanese verbal noun '退屈 (たいくつ)' means 'boredom'. It describes the state of being bored or feeling uninterested in one's current activity or situation. It can also be used to describe something that is dull or uninteresting. For example: I feel bored「退屈です」(たいくつです). This movie is boring「この映画は退屈だ」(このえいがはたいくつだ). The word can also function as a verb when combined with 'する', as in '退屈する (たいくつする)', meaning 'to feel bored'.
Radical
辵
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N3Grade
5Frequency
633
Handwriting
kanji
隊Meaning
Squad
Reading
onyomiたいtai
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
12JLPT
N1Grade
4Frequency
707
Handwriting
kanji
帯Meaning
Belt, Wear
Reading
kunyomiおo
おびobi
onyomiたいtai
Parts
丗Thirty 冖Crown 巾Towel
Example Word
帯びる: carry or possess. The Japanese verb '帯びる (おびる)' primarily means 'to carry' or 'to possess'. It is often used to describe carrying something physically, such as a weapon, or possessing an abstract quality, such as a characteristic or responsibility. For example: he carries a sword「彼は剣を帯びている」(かれはけんをおびている). This plan possesses great risk「この計画は大きなリスクを帯びている」(このけいかくはおおきなリスクをおびている). The verb can also imply a sense of bearing or having something inherently, such as a duty or a certain atmosphere. For instance: the room carries a mysterious atmosphere「その部屋は神秘的な雰囲気を帯びている」(そのへやはしんぴてきなふんいきをおびている).
Radical
巾
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
743
Handwriting
kanji
袋Meaning
Bag, Sack
Reading
kunyomiふくろfukuro
onyomiたいtai
Parts
代Substitute, Era 衣Clothes
Example Word
袋: bag. The Japanese noun '袋 (ふくろ)' means 'bag'. It refers to a flexible container made of paper, cloth, plastic, or other materials, used to carry or store items. This word is commonly used in everyday contexts, such as shopping or packaging. For example: Please put it in the bag「袋に入れてください」(ふくろにいれてください). This bag is heavy「この袋は重い」(このふくろはおもい). The word can also refer to pouches or sacks, depending on the context. It is a versatile term used in various situations involving containers.
Radical
衣
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N2Grade
8Frequency
1002
Handwriting
kanji
貸Meaning
Lend, Loan
Reading
kunyomiかka
onyomiたいtai
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
12JLPT
N4Grade
5Frequency
1229
Handwriting
kanji
替Meaning
Replace, Exchange
Reading
kunyomiかka
onyomiたいtai
Parts
㚘 曰
Example Word
言い替える: rephrase. The Japanese verb '言い替える (いいかえる)' means 'to rephrase' or 'to say in other words'. It is used when someone wants to express the same idea or concept using different words, often to make it clearer or more understandable. This verb is commonly used in both casual and formal contexts. For example: Can you rephrase that?「それを言い替えてくれますか?」(それをいいかえてくれますか?). He rephrased the question to make it easier to understand「彼はその質問を理解しやすいように言い替えた」(かれはそのしつもんをりかいしやすいようにいいかえた). Note that '言い替える' can also imply a slight change in nuance or emphasis when rephrasing.
Radical
曰
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N2Grade
7Frequency
1355
Handwriting
kanji
戴Meaning
Receive
Reading
kunyomiいただitada
onyomiたいtai
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
17JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
1383
Handwriting
kanji
汰Meaning
Select
Reading
kunyomiにごnigo
おごogo
よなyona
onyomiたいtai
たta
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
7JLPT
N1Grade
10Frequency
1551
Handwriting
kanji
耐Meaning
Proof, Withstand
Reading
kunyomiたta
onyomiたいtai
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
9JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
1583
Handwriting
kanji
怠Meaning
Lazy, Neglect
Reading
kunyomiなまnama
おこたokota
onyomiたいtai
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
9JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
1596
Handwriting
kanji
滞Meaning
Stagnate
Reading
kunyomiとどこおtodokoo
onyomiたいtai
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
13JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
1708
Handwriting
kanji
逮Meaning
Catch up with, Apprehend
Reading
onyomiたいtai
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
11JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
2029
Handwriting