Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Anti

Reading

Parts

厂Cliff 又Again

Example Word

反発: rejection or rebound. The Japanese verbal noun '反発 (はんぱつ)' has two distinct meanings. The first is 'rejection', which refers to a strong opposition or resistance to something, such as an idea, authority, or proposal. For example: His proposal met with strong rejection「彼の提案は強い反発を受けた」(かれのていあんはつよいはんぱつをうけた). The second meaning is 'rebound', which refers to a physical or metaphorical bounce-back, such as a ball rebounding or a market recovering. For example: The ball rebounded off the wall「ボールは壁に反発した」(ぼーるはかべにはんぱつした). These two meanings are unrelated and context-dependent, so it's important to distinguish between them based on usage.

Radical

又

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

326

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Search

Reading

Parts

扌Hand (手)罙Deep

Example Word

探す: search. The Japanese verb '探す (さがす)' means 'to search' or 'to look for'. It is used when someone is trying to find something that is lost, missing, or not immediately visible. This verb can be applied to both physical objects and abstract concepts, such as searching for a person, an item, or even an opportunity. For example: I am searching for my keys「鍵を探しています」(かぎをさがしています). He is looking for a job「彼は仕事を探しています」(かれはしごとをさがしています). The verb can also imply a sense of effort or persistence in the search, as in '探し続ける (さがしつづける) (to continue searching)'. It is important to note that '探す' is often used with the particle 'を' to indicate the object being searched for.

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

514

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

End, Edge

Reading

Parts

立Stand 耑

Example Word

先端: tip or cutting edge. The Japanese noun '先端 (せんたん)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'tip', referring to the end or extremity of something, such as the tip of a pencil or a mountain peak. For example: the tip of the pencil is sharp「鉛筆の先端は鋭い」(えんぴつのせんたんはするどい). The second meaning is 'cutting-edge', referring to the forefront of technology, research, or innovation. For example: this company is at the cutting edge of technology「この会社は技術の先端にいる」(このかいしゃはぎじゅつのせんたんにいる). The context will determine which meaning is appropriate.

Radical

立

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

523

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Simple, Single

Reading

Parts

⺍Small 日Day, Sun 十Ten

Example Word

単なる: mere. The Japanese determiner '単なる (たんなる)' means 'mere' or 'just'. It is used to emphasize that something is nothing more than what is stated, often downplaying its significance or complexity. For example: It's just a rumor「単なる噂だ」(たんなるうわさだ). He is a mere child「彼は単なる子供だ」(かれはたんなるこどもだ). This word is often used to express that something is not as important or serious as it might seem.

Radical

十

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

554

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Dawn

Reading

Parts

日Day, Sun 一One

Example Word

元旦: new years day. The Japanese noun '元旦 (がんたん)' specifically refers to the morning or the first day of the New Year, January 1st. It is a term that carries a sense of renewal and celebration, often associated with the first sunrise of the year, which is considered auspicious. Example sentences include: We visited the shrine on New Year's Day「私たちは元旦に神社を訪れました」(わたしたちはがんたんにじんじゃをおとずれました). The first sunrise of the year on New Year's Day is beautiful「元旦の初日の出は美しい」(がんたんのはつひのではうつくしい).

Radical

日

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

763

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Short

Reading

Parts

矢Arrow 豆Beans

Example Word

短縮: shortening. The Japanese verbal noun '短縮 (たんしゅく)' means 'shortening'. It refers to the act of making something shorter in length, duration, or size. This term is often used in contexts such as time management, physical objects, or processes. For example: The meeting time was shortened「会議の時間が短縮された」(かいぎのじかんがたんしゅくされた). They shortened the document「彼らは文書を短縮した」(かれらはぶんしょをたんしゅくした). It can also be used in technical or formal contexts, such as 'shortening a URL'「URLを短縮する」(ゆーあーるえるをたんしゅくする).

Radical

矢

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

798

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Endure

Reading

Parts

土Soil 甚Extremely, Tremendously

Example Word

堪える: endure. The Japanese verb '堪える (こらえる)' means 'to endure' or 'to hold back'. It is used to describe the act of enduring or tolerating something difficult, such as pain, emotions, or a challenging situation. This verb often implies a sense of self-control or restraint. For example: He endured the pain「彼は痛みを堪えた」(かれはいたみをこらえた). She held back her tears「彼女は涙を堪えた」(かのじょはなみだをこらえた). The verb can also be used in contexts where someone is resisting an urge or impulse, such as holding back laughter or anger. It is important to note that this verb is often used in situations requiring mental or emotional strength.

Radical

土

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

971

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Cinnabar, Rust colored

Reading

Parts

丶Dot 冂Enclosure

Radical

丶

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1044

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Platform, Podium

Reading

Parts

土Soil 亶

Radical

土

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1186

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Sigh

Reading

Parts

口Mouth

Example Word

嘆く: lament. The Japanese verb '嘆く (なげく)' means 'to lament' or 'to grieve'. It is used to express deep sorrow, regret, or disappointment about a situation or event. This verb often conveys a sense of emotional distress or mourning. For example: he lamented the loss of his friend「彼は友人の死を嘆いた」(かれはゆうじんのしをなげいた). She lamented her mistakes「彼女は自分の過ちを嘆いた」(かのじょはじぶんのあやまちをなげいた). The verb can also be used in a broader sense to express dissatisfaction or concern about societal issues, such as: they lamented the state of the world「彼らは世界の状況を嘆いた」(かれらはせかいのじょうきょうをなげいた).

Radical

口

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1302

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Thin, Light

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)火Fire

Example Word

冷淡: indifferent. The Japanese adjectival noun '冷淡 (れいたん)' means 'indifferent' or 'cold-hearted'. It describes a lack of interest, concern, or emotional warmth toward someone or something. This word is often used to describe a person's attitude or behavior, particularly in situations where empathy or care is expected. For example: His attitude was indifferent「彼の態度は冷淡だった」(かれのたいどはれいたんだった). She gave me a cold-hearted response「彼女は冷淡な返事をした」(かのじょはれいたんなへんじをした). The word can also describe a situation or atmosphere that feels emotionally distant or unfeeling.

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1308

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Gallbladder, Guts

Reading

Parts

肉Meat 旦Dawn

Example Word

大胆: daring or bold. The Japanese adjectival noun '大胆 (だいたん)' primarily means 'bold' or 'daring'. It is used to describe actions, plans, or personalities that are fearless, adventurous, or unconventional. This term often carries a positive connotation, suggesting courage and a willingness to take risks. For example: His bold plan succeeded「彼の大胆な計画は成功した」(かれのだいたんなけいかくはせいこうした). She is known for her daring fashion sense「彼女は大胆なファッションセンスで知られている」(かのじょはだいたんなファッションセンスでしられている). Note that '大胆' can also imply a certain level of audacity or recklessness, depending on the context.

Radical

肉

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1331

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Charcoal

Reading

Parts

山Mountain 灰Ashes

Example Word

炭素: carbon. The Japanese noun '炭素 (たんそ)' refers to the chemical element 'carbon'. It is commonly used in scientific, environmental, and industrial contexts. Carbon is a fundamental element in organic chemistry and is essential for life. Example sentences: Carbon is an essential element for life「炭素は生命にとって不可欠な元素です」(たんそはせいめいにとってふかけつなげんそです). This material contains carbon「この材料には炭素が含まれています」(このざいりょうにはたんそがふくまれています).

Radical

火

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1356

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Bear, Carry

Reading

Parts

扌Hand (手)旦Dawn

Example Word

担保: collateral. The Japanese noun '担保 (たんぽ)' refers to 'collateral', which is something pledged as security for repayment of a loan. It is commonly used in financial and legal contexts. For example: The bank requires collateral for the loan「銀行はローンに担保を要求する」(ぎんこうはローンにたんぽをようきゅうする). He used his house as collateral「彼は家を担保にした」(かれはいえをたんぽにした). The term is often associated with loans, mortgages, and financial agreements where an asset is used to secure a debt.

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1433

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

However, But

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)旦Dawn

Example Word

但し: however or but. The Japanese conjunction '但し (ただし)' is used to introduce a condition, exception, or limitation to a previous statement. It is often translated as 'however' or 'but' in English, but it specifically implies a restriction or clarification. For example: You can enter, however, you must wear a mask「入ってもいいです、但し、マスクを着用してください」(はいってもいいです、ただし、マスクをちゃくようしてください). The event is free, but registration is required「イベントは無料です、但し、登録が必要です」(イベントはむりょうです、ただし、とうろくがひつようです). Note that '但し' is more formal and is commonly used in written or official contexts.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1688

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Forge, Train

Reading

Parts

釒Gold (金)段Step, Stairs

Example Word

鍛える: train. The Japanese verb '鍛える (きたえる)' primarily means 'to train' or 'to forge'. It is often used in the context of physical training, such as building strength or endurance, but can also refer to mental or skill-based training. For example: He trains his body every day「彼は毎日体を鍛える」(かれはまいにちからだをきたえる). She is training her mind through meditation「彼女は瞑想で心を鍛えている」(かのじょはめいそうでこころをきたえている). Additionally, '鍛える' can be used metaphorically to describe refining or honing a skill, such as '鍛える技術 (きたえるぎじゅつ)' (honing a skill).

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1751

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Birth

Reading

Parts

訁Say (言)延Prolong

Example Word

誕生: birth. The Japanese verbal noun '誕生 (たんじょう)' primarily means 'birth'. It is used to refer to the act of being born, whether literally (e.g., the birth of a person or animal) or metaphorically (e.g., the birth of an idea or organization). This word is often used in formal or celebratory contexts, such as birthdays or the founding of institutions. Example sentences: The birth of a new era「新しい時代の誕生」(あたらしいじだいのたんじょう). Today is my birthday「今日は私の誕生日です」(きょうはわたしのたんじょうびです). The company celebrated its 100th anniversary since its birth「その会社は誕生から100周年を祝った」(そのかいしゃはたんじょうから100しゅうねんをいわった).

Radical

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1864

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Indulge in, Covet

Reading

Parts

今Now 貝Shellfish

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1895

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Come apart at the seams

Reading

Parts

糹 定Determine

Example Word

破綻: collapse or failure. The Japanese noun '破綻 (はたん)' refers to a collapse or failure, often in the context of systems, plans, or relationships. It implies a breakdown or disintegration of something that was previously functioning. For example: the plan ended in failure「その計画は破綻した」(そのけいかくははたんした). Their marriage fell apart「彼らの結婚は破綻した」(かれらのけっこんははたんした). This word is commonly used in formal or serious contexts to describe significant failures or collapses.

Radical

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2055

Handwriting