Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Big

Reading

Parts

一One 人Person

Example Word

大嫌い: hate. The Japanese adjectival noun '大嫌い (だいきらい)' means 'hate' or 'dislike intensely'. It is used to express a strong dislike or aversion towards something or someone. The prefix '大 (だい)' intensifies the meaning, making it stronger than just '嫌い (きらい)'. This word is commonly used in everyday conversation to express personal feelings. For example: I hate spiders「私は蜘蛛が大嫌いです」(わたしはくもがだいきらいです). He hates studying「彼は勉強が大嫌いだ」(かれはべんきょうがだいきらいだ). It can also be used to describe things one strongly dislikes, such as foods or activities.

Radical

大

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

6

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Body

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)本Book, Origin

Example Word

遺体: corpse. The Japanese noun '遺体 (いたい)' refers to a 'corpse' or 'dead body'. It is a formal term used in contexts such as funerals, crime scenes, or medical settings. This word carries a respectful and somber tone, often used when discussing the deceased in a serious or official manner. Example sentences: The police found the corpse「警察は遺体を発見した」(けいさつはいたいをはっけんした). The family identified the body「家族が遺体を確認した」(かぞくがいたいをかくにんした). Note that this term is not used casually and is reserved for formal or sensitive situations.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

115

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Thick, Fat

Reading

Parts

大Big 丶Dot

Example Word

太る: fatten. The Japanese verb '太る (ふとる)' means 'to gain weight' or 'to become fat'. It is used to describe the process of increasing body weight, often due to overeating or lack of exercise. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as describing someone's physical condition or discussing health and diet. For example: I gained weight「太った」(ふとった). She is worried about gaining weight「彼女は太ることを心配している」(かのじょはふとることをしんぱいしている). It's important to note that '太る' is often used in a neutral or negative context, and it can be sensitive when referring to someone's weight.

Radical

大

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

147

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Against

Reading

Parts

寸Measurement 文Sentence

Example Word

対等: equal. The Japanese adjectival noun '対等 (たいとう)' means 'equal' or 'on equal terms'. It is used to describe a relationship or situation where two or more parties are of the same status, level, or importance. This term is often used in contexts involving relationships, negotiations, or comparisons. For example: We are equal partners「私たちは対等なパートナーです」(わたしたちはたいとうなパートナーです). They negotiated on equal terms「彼らは対等な条件で交渉した」(かれらはたいとうなじょうけんでこうしょうした). The concept of '対等' emphasizes fairness and balance, and it is commonly used in both formal and informal settings.

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

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

退院: discharge. The Japanese verbal noun '退院 (たいいん)' refers to the act of being discharged from a hospital or medical facility after receiving treatment. It is commonly used in medical contexts to indicate that a patient has recovered sufficiently to leave the hospital. For example: The patient was discharged from the hospital「患者は退院しました」(かんじゃはたいいんしました). She will be discharged tomorrow「彼女は明日退院します」(かのじょはあしたたいいんします). Note that '退院' is often used in formal or medical settings and implies a sense of recovery or completion of treatment.

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

連帯: solidarity. The Japanese noun '連帯 (れんたい)' means 'solidarity'. It refers to a sense of unity or mutual support among individuals or groups, often in the context of working together towards a common goal or facing shared challenges. This term is frequently used in social, political, or organizational contexts. For example: We need solidarity to overcome this crisis「この危機を乗り越えるためには連帯が必要だ」(このききをのりこえるためにはれんたいがひつようだ). The workers showed solidarity during the strike「労働者たちはストライキ中に連帯を示した」(ろうどうしゃたちはストライキちゅうにれんたいをしめした). Note that '連帯' can also imply a sense of collective responsibility or shared obligation.

Radical

巾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

743

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Bag, Sack

Reading

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

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

両替: exchange. The Japanese verbal noun '両替 (りょうがえ)' refers to the act of exchanging one form of currency for another, such as converting yen to dollars or vice versa. It is commonly used in contexts involving money exchange, such as at banks, airports, or currency exchange offices. For example: I exchanged yen for dollars「円をドルに両替しました」(えんをドルにりょうがえしました). Where can I exchange money?「どこでお金を両替できますか？」(どこでおかねをりょうがえできますか？). This term is specific to currency exchange and does not apply to other types of exchanges.

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