kanji

Meaning

Stone

Reading

Parts

口Mouth 丆Cliff (厂)

Example Word

宝石: gem. The Japanese noun '宝石 (ほうせき)' means 'gem' or 'jewel'. It refers to precious or semi-precious stones that are often used in jewelry or as decorative items. This word is commonly used in contexts related to luxury, beauty, and value. For example: She loves wearing gems「彼女は宝石を身につけるのが好きです」(かのじょはほうせきをみにつけるのがすきです). This necklace has a beautiful gem「このネックレスには美しい宝石がついています」(このネックレスにはうつくしいほうせきがついています). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something or someone as precious or valuable.

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

赤ん坊: baby. The Japanese noun '赤ん坊 (あかんぼう)' refers to a baby, typically a newborn or very young infant. The term is often used in a casual or affectionate context. It literally translates to 'red child,' which is a reference to the reddish complexion of newborns. Example sentences: The baby is sleeping「赤ん坊が寝ている」(あかんぼうがねている). She is holding a baby「彼女は赤ん坊を抱いている」(かのじょはあかんぼうをだいている).

Radical

赤

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

308

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Evening

Reading

Parts

勹Wrap 丶Dot

Example Word

夕暮れ: dusk. The Japanese noun '夕暮れ (ゆうぐれ)' refers to the time of day when the sun is setting and the sky is transitioning from daylight to darkness, commonly known as 'dusk'. It is often associated with a serene and poetic atmosphere, frequently used in literature and daily conversation to evoke a sense of calm or nostalgia. For example: The sky at dusk is beautiful「夕暮れの空は美しい」(ゆうぐれのそらはうつくしい). We took a walk at dusk「私たちは夕暮れに散歩しました」(わたしたちはゆうぐれにさんぽしました). This word captures the fleeting beauty of the evening, making it a favorite in Japanese poetry and art.

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

積む: accumulate or pile. The Japanese verb '積む (つむ)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'to pile' or 'to stack', referring to physically placing objects on top of one another. For example: He piled up the books「彼は本を積んだ」(かれはほんをつんだ). The second meaning is 'to accumulate', often used in abstract contexts like accumulating experience or wealth. For example: She has accumulated a lot of experience「彼女は多くの経験を積んだ」(かのじょはおおくのけいけんをつんだ). The verb is versatile and can be used in both literal and figurative contexts.

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

足跡: footprint. The Japanese noun '足跡 (あしあと)' means 'footprint'. It refers to the mark or impression left by a foot or shoe on a surface. This word is often used literally, such as when describing footprints in the sand or snow, but it can also be used metaphorically to describe the traces or evidence left behind by someone's actions or presence. For example: There were footprints in the snow「雪に足跡があった」(ゆきにあしあとがあった). His achievements left a significant mark「彼の功績は大きな足跡を残した」(かれのこうせきはおおきなあしあとをのこした).

Radical

足

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

780

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Regret, Frugal

Reading

Parts

忄 昔Old times

Example Word

惜しむ: regret. The Japanese verb '惜しむ (おしむ)' primarily means 'to regret' or 'to feel sorrow over the loss or absence of something'. It conveys a sense of valuing something highly and feeling a deep sense of loss or reluctance to part with it. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as regretting the loss of time, opportunities, or even the passing of a loved one. For example: I regret wasting time「時間を惜しむ」(じかんをおしむ). He regretted the loss of his friend「彼は友人の死を惜しんだ」(かれはゆうじんのしをおしんだ). Additionally, '惜しむ' can also imply a sense of sparing or being reluctant to use something valuable, as in sparing no effort「努力を惜しまない」(どりょくをおしまない).

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