Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Hand

Reading

Parts

丿Katakana no 二Two 亅Barb

Example Word

手軽: easy. The Japanese adjective '手軽 (てがる)' means 'easy' or 'convenient'. It is used to describe something that is simple to do, requires little effort, or is not burdensome. This word often conveys a sense of lightness or lack of difficulty. For example: This recipe is easy「このレシピは手軽だ」(このレシピはてがるだ). It's easy to use「手軽に使える」(てがるにつかえる). Note that '手軽' is often used in contexts where something is quick or hassle-free, such as in describing tasks, tools, or methods.

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

23

Radical Form

扌

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Master

Reading

Parts

丶Dot 王King

Example Word

主題: theme. The Japanese noun '主題 (しゅだい)' means 'theme'. It refers to the main subject or central topic of a discussion, piece of writing, artwork, or any other form of expression. This word is commonly used in academic, literary, and artistic contexts. For example: the theme of the novel is love「小説の主題は愛です」(しょうせつのしゅだいはあいです). The theme of the conference is environmental protection「会議の主題は環境保護です」(かいぎのしゅだいはかんきょうほごです). It can also be used in music to describe the main melody or motif, as in 'the theme of the symphony is very memorable'「交響曲の主題はとても印象的です」(こうきょうきょくのしゅだいはとてもいんしょうてきです).

Radical

丶

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

85

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Take

Reading

Parts

又Again 耳Ear

Example Word

受け取る: receive. The Japanese verb '受け取る (うけとる)' primarily means 'to receive'. It is used when someone accepts or takes something that is given, handed, or sent to them. This verb can be used for both physical objects and abstract concepts like messages or feelings. For example: I received a letter「手紙を受け取った」(てがみをうけとった). She received his feelings「彼女は彼の気持ちを受け取った」(かのじょはかれのきもちをうけとった). It is important to note that '受け取る' often implies an active acceptance or understanding of what is being received, rather than just passively getting something.

Radical

又

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

93

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Kind, Variety

Reading

Parts

禾Cereal 重Heavy

Example Word

種々: various. The Japanese noun '種々 (しゅじゅ)' means 'various' or 'a variety of'. It is used to describe a range of different things or types within a category. This word is often used in formal or written contexts to indicate diversity or multiplicity. For example: There are various types of flowers in the garden「庭には種々の花がある」(にわにはしゅじゅのはながある). We discussed various topics during the meeting「会議中に種々の話題を話し合った」(かいぎちゅうにしゅじゅのわだいをはなしあった). The word can also be used to describe a variety of options or choices, such as in '種々の方法 (しゅじゅのほうほう)' meaning 'various methods'.

Radical

禾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

280

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Alcohol, Sake

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)酉Bird of the zodiac

Example Word

酒: alcohol or sake. The Japanese noun '酒 (さけ)' primarily refers to alcoholic beverages in general, but it can also specifically denote 'sake', the traditional Japanese rice wine. This word is commonly used in various contexts, from casual conversations to formal settings. For example: I like alcohol「私は酒が好きです」(わたしはさけがすきです). Let's drink sake tonight「今夜は酒を飲みましょう」(こんやはさけをのみましょう). The term can also appear in compound words, such as '日本酒 (にほんしゅ)' meaning 'Japanese sake'. It's important to note that while '酒' can refer to any alcoholic drink, in many contexts it specifically implies sake, especially when used in traditional or cultural settings.

Radical

酉

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

333

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Neck

Reading

Parts

䒑Herbs 自Self

Example Word

足首: ankle. The Japanese noun '足首 (あしくび)' refers to the 'ankle', the joint connecting the foot to the leg. It is commonly used in everyday conversation and medical contexts. For example: I twisted my ankle「足首を捻った」(あしくびをねじった). Her ankle is swollen「彼女の足首が腫れている」(かのじょのあしくびがはれている). The word is often used in contexts related to injuries, sports, or describing physical characteristics.

Radical

首

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

351

Radical Form

𦣻

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Protect

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 寸Measurement

Example Word

留守: absence. The Japanese noun '留守 (るす)' primarily means 'absence'. It is used to describe a situation where someone is not at home or away from a place. It can also imply that someone is not paying attention or is distracted. For example: I was absent from home「私は家を留守にしていた」(わたしはいえをるすにしていた). He was absent-minded during the meeting「彼は会議中に留守だった」(かれはかいぎちゅうにるすだった). Note that '留守' is often used in phrases like '留守番 (るすばん)' (house-sitting) or '留守にする' (to be away).

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

399

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Multitude

Reading

Parts

血Blood 乑

Example Word

衆: crowd. The Japanese noun '衆 (しゅう)' primarily means 'crowd' or 'multitude'. It refers to a large group of people gathered together. This term is often used in formal or literary contexts and can also imply a sense of collectivity or the masses. For example: The crowd cheered loudly「衆は大声で歓声を上げた」(しゅうはおおごえでかんせいをあげた). He addressed the assembled crowd「彼は集まった衆に話しかけた」(かれはあつまったしゅうにはなしかけた). Note that '衆' can sometimes be part of compound words, such as '大衆 (たいしゅう)', which means 'the general public' or 'the masses'.

Radical

血

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

610

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Special, Especially

Reading

Parts

歹Bad 朱Vermillion

Example Word

特殊: special or unique. The Japanese adjective '特殊 (とくしゅ)' means 'special' or 'unique'. It is used to describe something that is distinct, uncommon, or out of the ordinary. This word often carries a nuance of being different from the norm or having specific characteristics that set it apart. For example: This is a special case「これは特殊なケースです」(これはとくしゅなケースです). He has a unique ability「彼は特殊な能力を持っている」(かれはとくしゅなのうりょくをもっている). Note that '特殊' is often used in formal or technical contexts, such as in science, technology, or law, to describe something that is not typical or standard.

Radical

歹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

854

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Discipline

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)㣊

Example Word

研修: training. The Japanese noun '研修 (けんしゅう)' refers to 'training' or 'a training program'. It is commonly used in professional or educational contexts to describe a period of learning or skill development, often for employees or students. For example: I attended a training session「研修に参加しました」(けんしゅうにさんかしました). The company provides training for new employees「会社は新入社員の研修を行います」(かいしゃはしんにゅうしゃいんのけんしゅうをおこないます). This word is often associated with structured programs aimed at improving skills or knowledge in a specific field.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

909

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Gist, Flavor

Reading

Parts

走Run 取Take

Example Word

趣旨: purpose. The Japanese noun '趣旨 (しゅし)' refers to the main point, purpose, or gist of something. It is often used in formal contexts to describe the intent or core idea behind a statement, document, or plan. For example: The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the budget「この会議の趣旨は予算について話し合うことです」(このかいぎのしゅしはよさんについてはなしあうことです). I understand the gist of your proposal「あなたの提案の趣旨は理解しました」(あなたのていあんのしゅしはりかいしました). This word is commonly used in legal, business, and academic settings to convey the essence or objective of a matter.

Radical

走

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

951

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Necessary

Reading

Parts

彡Fur 頁Page

Radical

頁

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1378

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ball, Pearl

Reading

Parts

王King 朱Vermillion

Example Word

真珠: pearl. The Japanese noun '真珠 (しんじゅ)' refers to a 'pearl', which is a hard, rounded object formed within the shell of a pearl oyster or similar mollusk. Pearls are highly valued as gemstones and are often used in jewelry. The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something precious or rare. Example sentences: She wore a beautiful pearl necklace「彼女は美しい真珠のネックレスを身につけていた」(かのじょはうつくしいしんじゅのネックレスをみにつけていた). The pearl is a symbol of purity「真珠は純潔の象徴です」(しんじゅはじゅんけつのしょうちょうです).

Radical

玉

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1458

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Vermillion

Reading

Parts

丿Katakana no 未Not yet

Radical

木

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1497

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Hunting, Hunt

Reading

Parts

犬Dog 守Protect

Radical

犬

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1609

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Shares, Stocks

Reading

Parts

木Tree, Wood 朱Vermillion

Example Word

株: stock. The Japanese noun '株 (かぶ)' primarily refers to 'stock' in the context of shares or equities in a company. It is commonly used in financial and business settings. For example: I bought stocks「株を買いました」(かぶをかいました). The stock price went up「株価が上がりました」(かぶかがあがりました). Additionally, '株' can also refer to the stump or rootstock of a plant, but this usage is less common in everyday conversation. For example: The tree stump is still there「木の株がまだあります」(きのかぶがまだあります).

Radical

木

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1718

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Reward, Repay

Reading

Parts

酉Bird of the zodiac 州State

Example Word

報酬: reward or compensation. The Japanese noun '報酬 (ほうしゅう)' refers to a reward or compensation given in return for services, work, or effort. It is commonly used in professional or contractual contexts to describe payment, bonuses, or other forms of remuneration. For example: The company paid a generous reward for his hard work「会社は彼の努力に対して寛大な報酬を支払った」(かいしゃはかれのどりょくにたいしてかんだいなほうしゅうをしはらった). The compensation for the project was fair「そのプロジェクトの報酬は公平だった」(そのプロジェクトのほうしゅうはこうへいだった). Note that '報酬' often implies a formal or agreed-upon exchange, distinguishing it from casual gifts or tips.

Radical

酉

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1878

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Swelling, Tumor

Reading

Parts

月Moon, Month 重Heavy

Radical

肉

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1917

Handwriting