Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Stone

Reading

Parts

口Mouth 丆Cliff (厂)

Example Word

石炭: coal. The Japanese noun '石炭 (せきたん)' refers to 'coal', a combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock used as a fuel. This word is commonly used in contexts related to energy, mining, or historical references to industrialization. For example: Coal is an important energy resource「石炭は重要なエネルギー資源です」(せきたんはじゅうようなエネルギーしげんです). They used coal to heat the house「彼らは家を暖めるために石炭を使いました」(かれらはいえをあたためるためにせきたんをつかいました). The word is neutral in tone and is typically used in technical, historical, or everyday contexts.

Radical

石

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

197

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Red

Reading

Parts

土Soil 丿Katakana no 亅Barb 八Eight

Example Word

赤字: deficit. The Japanese noun '赤字 (あかじ)' primarily means 'deficit'. It is commonly used in financial contexts to describe a situation where expenses exceed income, resulting in a loss. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe any situation where there is a shortfall or lack. For example: The company is in deficit「その会社は赤字です」(そのかいしゃはあかじです). The government is facing a budget deficit「政府は予算の赤字に直面している」(せいふはよさんのあかじにちょくめんしている). The term is often used in business and economic discussions, and it is important to note that it carries a negative connotation, indicating financial trouble or imbalance.

Radical

赤

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

308

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Evening

Reading

Parts

勹Wrap 丶Dot

Example Word

夕方: evening. The Japanese noun '夕方 (ゆうがた)' refers to the time of day around sunset, typically between late afternoon and early night. It is used to describe the period when the sun is setting and the day is transitioning into night. This word is commonly used in daily conversations to indicate a specific time frame. For example: I will go to the park in the evening「夕方に公園に行きます」(ゆうがたにこうえんにいきます). The meeting is scheduled for the evening「会議は夕方に予定されています」(かいぎはゆうがたによていされています). Note that '夕方' is more specific than '夜 (よる)', which refers to the night in general.

Radical

夕

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

487

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Old times

Reading

Parts

日Day, Sun 龷Twenty (廿)

Example Word

昔: past. The Japanese noun '昔 (むかし)' refers to 'the past' or 'olden times'. It is used to describe a time long ago, often with a nostalgic or historical connotation. This word is commonly used in storytelling or when reminiscing about earlier days. For example: In the past, this town was very quiet「昔、この町はとても静かだった」(むかし、このまちはとてもしずかだった). Long ago, people used to travel by horse「昔、人々は馬で旅をした」(むかし、ひとびとはうまでたびをした). The word '昔' can also be used in expressions like '昔話 (むかしばなし)', which means 'old tale' or 'folktale'.

Radical

日

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

501

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Accumulate

Reading

Parts

禾Cereal 責Blame, Liability

Example Word

蓄積: accumulation. The Japanese noun '蓄積 (ちくせき)' refers to the act or process of accumulating or gathering something over time. It is often used in contexts related to the buildup of resources, knowledge, data, or even stress. For example: the accumulation of knowledge「知識の蓄積」(ちしきのちくせき). The accumulation of stress can be harmful「ストレスの蓄積は有害です」(ストレスのちくせきはゆうがいです). This term is commonly used in both formal and informal settings to describe gradual buildup or storage.

Radical

禾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

725

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Seat

Reading

Parts

巾Towel 广Dotted cliff 廿Twenty

Example Word

客席: audience. The Japanese noun '客席 (きゃくせき)' refers to the seating area for an audience, typically in a theater, concert hall, or event venue. It specifically denotes the space where spectators or guests sit to watch a performance or event. For example: The audience was excited「客席は盛り上がっていた」(きゃくせきはもりあがっていた). The seats in the audience section are comfortable「客席の席は快適です」(きゃくせきのせきはかいてきです). This word is often used in contexts related to performances, shows, or gatherings where an audience is present.

Radical

巾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

777

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Trace, Traces

Reading

Parts

⻊Foot (足)赤Red

Example Word

跡: trace or remains. The Japanese noun '跡 (あと)' can mean 'trace' or 'remains'. It refers to something left behind, such as evidence, marks, or remnants of something that was once present. For example: the trace of footsteps「足跡の跡」(あしあとのあと). The remains of an ancient city「古代都市の跡」(こだいとしのあと). This word is often used to describe physical evidence or historical remnants, and it can also metaphorically refer to the aftermath or consequences of an event.

Radical

足

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

780

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Regret, Frugal

Reading

Parts

忄 昔Old times

Example Word

惜しい: regrettable. The Japanese adjective '惜しい (おしい)' primarily means 'regrettable' or 'a pity'. It is used to express a sense of regret or disappointment over something that is almost good enough, nearly successful, or just missed. It can also imply that something is valuable or precious and thus its loss or absence is felt deeply. For example: It's regrettable that you can't come「あなたが来られないのは惜しい」(あなたがこられないのはおしい). That was a close call, it's a pity you missed it「惜しい、もう少しで成功だった」(おしい、もうすこしでせいこうだった). The word can also be used to express reluctance to part with something due to its value, as in 'This book is too good to throw away, it's a pity to discard it'「この本は捨てるには惜しい」(このほんはすてるにはおしい).

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

966

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Quietly, Lonely

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 叔Uncle, Younger sibling of parent

Example Word

寂しい: lonely. The Japanese adjective '寂しい (さびしい)' primarily means 'lonely' or 'lonesome'. It is used to describe a feeling of sadness due to a lack of companionship or a sense of emptiness. This word can also convey a sense of desolation or melancholy, often in relation to places or situations that feel abandoned or quiet. For example: I feel lonely without you「あなたがいなくて寂しい」(あなたがいなくてさびしい). The town was lonely after everyone left「みんなが去った後、町は寂しかった」(みんながさったあと、まちはさびしかった). Note that '寂しい' can sometimes imply a nostalgic longing or a wistful feeling, adding depth to its emotional context.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

974

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Blame, Liability

Reading

Parts

龶Life (生)貝Shellfish

Example Word

責める: blame. The Japanese verb '責める (せめる)' means 'to blame' or 'to criticize'. It is used when someone holds another person responsible for a mistake, fault, or wrongdoing. This verb can also carry a nuance of reproach or scolding, often implying a moral or emotional weight. For example: He blamed me for the failure「彼は私を失敗のせいに責めた」(かれはわたしをしっぱいのせいにせめた). She criticized him harshly「彼女は彼を厳しく責めた」(かのじょはかれをきびしくせめた). Note that this verb is often used in contexts where there is a sense of guilt or responsibility involved.

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

993

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Release, Explanation

Reading

Parts

釆 尺Foot

Example Word

解釈: interpretation. The Japanese verbal noun '解釈 (かいしゃく)' means 'interpretation'. It refers to the act of explaining or understanding the meaning of something, such as a text, situation, or event. This word is often used in academic, legal, or philosophical contexts. For example: His interpretation of the law was unique「彼の法律の解釈は独特だった」(かれのほうりつのかいしゃくはどくとくだった). The teacher's interpretation of the poem was insightful「先生の詩の解釈は洞察に富んでいた」(せんせいのしのかいしゃくはどうさつにとんでいた). It can also imply a subjective understanding, as interpretations may vary depending on the individual.

Radical

釆

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1062

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Enroll, Register

Reading

Parts

⺮Bamboo (竹)耤

Example Word

戸籍: family register. The Japanese noun '戸籍 (こせき)' refers to the official family register system in Japan. It is a legal document that records vital information about individuals, such as birth, marriage, adoption, and death, and is used to establish family relationships and legal status. The 戸籍 is maintained by local government offices and is essential for various administrative procedures. Example sentences: I need to update my family register「戸籍を更新する必要があります」(こせきをこうしんするひつようがあります). The family register shows my parents' names「戸籍には私の両親の名前が載っています」(こせきにはわたしのりょうしんのなまえがのっています).

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1618

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Achievement

Reading

Parts

糸Thread 責Blame, Liability

Example Word

実績: achievement. The Japanese noun '実績 (じっせき)' refers to 'achievement' or 'track record'. It is commonly used to describe accomplishments, results, or proven performance in a professional, academic, or personal context. For example: His achievements are impressive「彼の実績は素晴らしい」(かれのじっせきはすばらしい). The company has a strong track record「その会社は実績がある」(そのかいしゃはじっせきがある). This word is often used in business settings to highlight past successes or to evaluate performance.

Radical

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1692

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Chop, Analyze

Reading

Parts

木Tree, Wood 斤Axe, Catty

Example Word

分析: analysis. The Japanese verbal noun '分析 (ぶんせき)' means 'analysis'. It refers to the process of examining something in detail to understand its nature or structure. This word is commonly used in academic, scientific, and business contexts. For example: The data analysis is complete「データの分析が完了した」(データのぶんせきがかんりょうした). We need to analyze the market trends「市場の動向を分析する必要がある」(しじょうのどうこうをぶんせきするひつようがある). The word can also be used metaphorically, such as analyzing a situation or problem.

Radical

木

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1773

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Grieve, Relatives

Reading

Parts

戊 尗

Example Word

親戚: relative. The Japanese noun '親戚 (しんせき)' refers to a 'relative' or 'family member'. It is used to describe someone who is related by blood or marriage, such as aunts, uncles, cousins, or in-laws. This term is broader than '家族 (かぞく)', which specifically refers to immediate family members like parents, siblings, or children. For example: I visited my relatives「親戚を訪ねた」(しんせきをたずねた). She has many relatives「彼女は親戚が多い」(かのじょはしんせきがおおい). The word can also be used in formal or casual contexts, depending on the situation.

Radical

戈

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1827

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Stature, Height

Reading

Parts

肉Meat

Radical

肉

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1877

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Expel, Reject

Reading

Parts

斤Axe, Catty

Radical

斤

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1889

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

One of a pair, Ship counter

Reading

Parts

隹Bird 又Again

Example Word

隻: counter for ships. The Japanese suffix '隻 (せき)' is a counter used specifically for counting ships or vessels. It is a specialized counter and is not used for other objects. For example: one ship「一隻の船」(いっせきのふね). two ships「二隻の船」(にせきのふね). This counter is often used in contexts related to maritime activities, shipping, or naval discussions. It is important to note that '隻' is not a standalone word but a suffix that must be attached to a number to indicate the count of ships.

Radical

隹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1933

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Lagoon

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)舄

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1985

Handwriting