Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Anti

Reading

Parts

厂Cliff 又Again

Example Word

反則: foul. The Japanese verbal noun '反則 (はんそく)' refers to a violation or foul, particularly in the context of rules, regulations, or sports. It is commonly used to describe actions that break established rules, whether in games, competitions, or formal agreements. For example: That was a foul!「それは反則だ！」(それははんそくだ！). He committed a foul during the match「彼は試合中に反則を犯した」(かれはしあいちゅうにはんそくをおかした). The term can also extend to broader contexts, such as breaking societal or ethical rules, though it is most frequently associated with sports and games.

Radical

又

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

326

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Search

Reading

Parts

扌Hand (手)罙Deep

Example Word

探る: probe. The Japanese verb '探る (さぐる)' means 'to probe' or 'to investigate'. It is used to describe the act of searching or exploring something, often with a sense of careful examination or investigation. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as physically searching for something, investigating a situation, or exploring someone's feelings or intentions. For example: he probed the depths of the cave「彼は洞窟の奥を探った」(かれはどうくつのおくをさぐった). She tried to probe his true intentions「彼女は彼の本当の意図を探ろうとした」(かのじょはかれのほんとうのいとをさぐろうとした). The detective probed the mystery「探偵はその謎を探った」(たんていはそのなぞをさぐった).

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

514

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

End, Edge

Reading

Parts

立Stand 耑

Example Word

最先端: cutting edge. The Japanese noun '最先端 (さいせんたん)' refers to the forefront or cutting-edge of technology, research, or innovation. It is often used to describe the most advanced or latest developments in a field. For example: This is the cutting-edge of technology「これは最先端の技術です」(これはさいせんたんのぎじゅつです). The company is at the forefront of medical research「その会社は最先端の医療研究を行っています」(そのかいしゃはさいせんたんのいりょうけんきゅうをおこなっています). The term emphasizes being ahead of others in progress or development.

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

堪る: endure. The Japanese verb '堪る (たまる)' means 'to endure' or 'to bear'. It is often used in negative contexts to express that something is unbearable or intolerable. For example: I can't endure this heat「この暑さには堪らない」(このあつさにはたまらない). It can also be used in a more general sense to describe enduring a difficult situation. For example: He endured the pain「彼は痛みに堪えた」(かれはいたみにたえた). The verb is commonly used in its negative form to express frustration or inability to tolerate something.

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

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

火

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1356

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Bear, Carry

Reading

Parts

扌Hand (手)旦Dawn

Example Word

担う: bear. The Japanese verb '担う (になう)' means 'to bear' or 'to shoulder' in the sense of taking on responsibility, duty, or a burden. It is often used in formal or serious contexts, such as discussing roles, responsibilities, or tasks that require significant effort or commitment. For example: He bears the responsibility of the project「彼はそのプロジェクトの責任を担う」(かれはそのプロジェクトのせきにんをになう). The company shoulders the mission of innovation「その会社は革新の使命を担う」(そのかいしゃはかくしんのしめいをになう). This verb can also imply a sense of pride or importance in the role being undertaken.

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

誕生日: birthday. The Japanese noun '誕生日 (たんじょうび)' means 'birthday'. It refers to the anniversary of the day a person was born. This word is commonly used in celebrations, greetings, and gifts. For example: Happy birthday!「誕生日おめでとう！」(たんじょうびおめでとう！). 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 word is often paired with celebratory phrases or activities, such as '誕生日ケーキ (たんじょうびケーキ) (birthday cake)' or '誕生日プレゼント (たんじょうびプレゼント) (birthday present).'

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