kanji

Meaning

Big

Reading

Parts

一One 人Person

Example Word

大学院: graduate school. The Japanese noun '大学院 (だいがくいん)' refers to 'graduate school', which is an institution of higher education where students pursue advanced studies beyond a bachelor's degree. It is commonly used in academic contexts to describe programs for master's or doctoral degrees. Example sentences: I am studying at graduate school「私は大学院で勉強しています」(わたしはだいがくいんでべんきょうしています). She is applying to graduate school「彼女は大学院に応募しています」(かのじょはだいがくいんにおうぼしています). The term is often associated with research and specialized academic training.

Radical

大

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

6

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Body

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)本Book, Origin

Example Word

実体: substance. The Japanese noun '実体 (じったい)' refers to the 'substance' or 'true nature' of something. It is often used in philosophical or abstract contexts to describe the essence or reality behind appearances. For example: the substance of the problem「問題の実体」(もんだいのじったい). The true nature of the phenomenon「現象の実体」(げんしょうのじったい). This word can also be used in legal or business contexts to refer to the actual entity or organization behind a name or title, such as 'the entity behind the company name'「会社名の実体」(かいしゃめいのじったい).

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

115

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Thick, Fat

Reading

Parts

大Big 丶Dot

Example Word

太い: thick. The Japanese adjective '太い (ふとい)' primarily means 'thick'. It is used to describe something that has a large diameter or width, such as a tree trunk, a rope, or a person's body part. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a bold or thick line in art. For example: This rope is thick「このロープは太い」(このロープはふとい). He has thick arms「彼は太い腕をしている」(かれはふというでをしている). Note that '太い' can sometimes carry a negative connotation when describing a person's body, implying they are overweight, so it should be used carefully in such contexts.

Radical

大

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

147

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Against

Reading

Parts

寸Measurement 文Sentence

Example Word

対: pair or opposition. The Japanese noun '対 (たい)' has two primary meanings. The first meaning is 'opposition,' referring to a state of being against or in contrast to something. For example: opposition to the plan「計画に対する対」(けいかくにたいするたい). The second meaning is 'pair,' indicating a set of two items or people that are considered together. For example: a pair of shoes「靴の対」(くつのたい). The word can also be used in compound words to denote comparison or matching, such as '対照 (たいしょう)' (contrast) or '対戦 (たいせん)' (match, game).

Radical

寸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

148

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Wait

Reading

Parts

寺Temple 彳Stop

Example Word

待ち合わせ: meeting. The Japanese verbal noun '待ち合わせ (まちあわせ)' refers to a planned meeting or rendezvous at a specific time and place. It is commonly used when arranging to meet someone, such as friends, colleagues, or family. The word implies a mutual agreement to meet. For example: Let's meet at the station at 3 PM「駅で3時に待ち合わせしましょう」(えきでさんじにまちあわせしましょう). We had a meeting at the café「カフェで待ち合わせをしました」(かふぇでまちあわせをしました). The term is often used in casual and formal contexts alike, and it emphasizes the coordination of time and location for the meeting.

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

態々: specially. The Japanese adverb '態々 (わざわざ)' means 'specially' or 'going out of one's way'. It is used to describe actions that are done intentionally, often with extra effort or inconvenience, to achieve a specific purpose. This word carries a nuance of doing something that might not be strictly necessary, but is done out of consideration or for a particular reason. For example: He came all the way here specially to see me「彼は私に会うためにわざわざここまで来た」(かれはわたしにあうためにわざわざここまできた). I made this cake specially for you「このケーキはあなたのためにわざわざ作りました」(このケーキはあなたのためにわざわざつくりました). Note that '態々' often implies a sense of gratitude or acknowledgment of the effort involved.

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

393

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Retreat

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 艮Stopping

Example Word

退く: retreat. The Japanese verb '退く (しりぞく)' means 'to retreat' or 'to withdraw'. It is used to describe the action of moving back or away from a place, situation, or confrontation. This verb can be used in both literal and figurative contexts. For example: The soldiers retreated from the battlefield「兵士たちは戦場から退いた」(へいしたちはせんじょうからしりぞいた). He withdrew from the argument to avoid further conflict「彼はさらなる衝突を避けるために議論から退いた」(かれはさらなるしょうとつをさけるためにぎろんからしりぞいた). The verb can also imply stepping down from a position or role, as in 'He stepped down from his position as manager'「彼はマネージャーの立場から退いた」(かれはマネージャーのたちばからしりぞいた).

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

633

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Squad

Reading

Parts

⻖ 㒸

Example Word

自衛隊: Self Defense Forces. The Japanese noun '自衛隊 (じえいたい)' refers to the 'Self-Defense Forces' of Japan, which is the country's military organization. Established after World War II, the Self-Defense Forces are primarily responsible for national defense and disaster relief operations. The term is often used in discussions about Japan's defense policies, international military cooperation, and domestic emergency responses. Example sentences: The Self-Defense Forces conducted a rescue operation「自衛隊が救助活動を行った」(じえいたいがきゅうじょかつどうをおこなった). He joined the Self-Defense Forces「彼は自衛隊に入隊した」(かれはじえいたいににゅうたいした).

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

707

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Belt, Wear

Reading

Parts

丗Thirty 冖Crown 巾Towel

Example Word

地帯: zone. The Japanese noun '地帯 (ちたい)' refers to a 'zone' or 'area', typically used to describe a specific region or section that is distinguished by particular characteristics. This term is often used in geographical, environmental, or military contexts. For example: This is a dangerous zone「これは危険な地帯です」(これはきけんなちたいです). The tropical zone has a lot of biodiversity「熱帯地帯は生物多様性が豊かです」(ねったいちたいはせいぶつたようせいがゆたかです). It can also be used metaphorically to describe abstract areas or fields, such as in 'comfort zone' or 'economic zone'.

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

立て替える: pay for. The Japanese verb '立て替える (たてかえる)' means 'to pay for someone else temporarily'. It is used when someone covers a cost on behalf of another person, with the expectation of being reimbursed later. This verb is commonly used in situations like splitting bills, lending money, or covering expenses. For example: I paid for his meal「彼の食事代を立て替えた」(かれのしょくじだいをたてかえた). Can you pay for me this time?「今度立て替えてもらえる？」(こんどたてかえてもらえる？). The verb implies a temporary arrangement and is often followed by discussions about repayment.

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

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