kanji

Meaning

Hand

Reading

Parts

丿Katakana no 二Two 亅Barb

Example Word

手袋: gloves. The Japanese noun '手袋 (てぶくろ)' means 'gloves'. This word refers to a covering for the hands, typically made of fabric, leather, or other materials, worn for protection or warmth. It is commonly used in everyday conversation, especially during colder seasons. For example: I bought new gloves「新しい手袋を買いました」(あたらいてぶくろをかいました). Please wear gloves when it's cold「寒い時は手袋をしてください」(さむいときはてぶくろをしてください). The word can also be used in specific contexts, such as sports or work gloves, but the primary meaning remains consistent.

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

23

Radical Form

扌

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Master

Reading

Parts

丶Dot 王King

Example Word

ご主人: husband. The Japanese noun 'ご主人 (ごしゅじん)' is a polite term used to refer to someone else's husband. It is a respectful way to address or mention another person's spouse, often used in formal or polite conversations. For example: Her husband is kind「ご主人は優しいです」(ごしゅじんはやさしいです). I met her husband yesterday「昨日、ご主人に会いました」(きのう、ごしゅじんにあいました). It is important to note that this term is not used to refer to one's own husband; for that, '主人 (しゅじん)' or '夫 (おっと)' is more appropriate. The prefix 'ご' adds a level of politeness, making it suitable for formal contexts.

Radical

丶

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

85

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Take

Reading

Parts

又Again 耳Ear

Example Word

書き取り: dictation. The Japanese noun '書き取り (かきとり)' refers to the act of writing down what is being spoken or dictated. It is commonly used in educational settings, such as language classes, where students practice listening and writing skills by transcribing spoken words or sentences. For example: The teacher gave us a dictation exercise「先生が書き取りの練習をさせました」(せんせいがかきとりのれんしゅうをさせました). I need to improve my dictation skills「書き取りの能力を向上させる必要があります」(かきとりののうりょくをこうじょうさせるひつようがあります).

Radical

又

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

93

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Kind, Variety

Reading

Parts

禾Cereal 重Heavy

Example Word

品種: breed or variety. The Japanese noun '品種 (ひんしゅ)' refers to a 'breed' or 'variety', particularly in the context of plants, animals, or agricultural products. It is commonly used to describe different types or classifications within a species. For example: this is a new breed of roses「これは新しい品種のバラです」(これはあたらしいひんしゅのバラです). We grow several varieties of apples「私たちはいくつかの品種のリンゴを育てています」(わたしたちはいくつかのひんしゅのリンゴをそだてています). The term is often used in scientific, agricultural, or horticultural contexts to specify distinct types within a category.

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

日本酒: sake. The Japanese noun '日本酒 (にほんしゅ)' refers to 'sake', a traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice. Sake is an integral part of Japanese culture and is often consumed during celebrations, ceremonies, or meals. It can be served warm or cold, depending on the type and personal preference. Example sentences: I like sake「日本酒が好きです」(にほんしゅがすきです). This sake is delicious「この日本酒は美味しい」(このにほんしゅはおいしい). Sake is often paired with Japanese cuisine, enhancing the dining experience.

Radical

酉

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

333

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Neck

Reading

Parts

䒑Herbs 自Self

Example Word

首都: capital. The Japanese noun '首都 (しゅと)' refers to the capital city of a country or region. It is used to denote the primary city where the government is based and often serves as the political, cultural, and economic center. For example: Tokyo is the capital of Japan「東京は日本の首都です」(とうきょうはにほんのしゅとです). Paris is the capital of France「パリはフランスの首都です」(ぱりはふらんすのしゅとです). The term is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Radical

首

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

351

Radical Form

𦣻

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Protect

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 寸Measurement

Example Word

見守る: watch. The Japanese verb '見守る (みまもる)' means 'to watch over' or 'to keep an eye on'. It is often used to describe the act of observing someone or something carefully, usually with a sense of care, protection, or supervision. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as parents watching over their children, a supervisor overseeing a project, or even a guardian angel metaphorically watching over someone. For example: The teacher watched over the students during the field trip「先生は遠足の間、生徒たちを見守った」(せんせいはえんそくのあいだ、せいとたちをみまもった). I will watch over you while you sleep「あなたが眠っている間、見守ります」(あなたがねむっているあいだ、みまもります). The verb implies a sense of responsibility and attentiveness, often with a protective or caring nuance.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

399

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Multitude

Reading

Parts

血Blood 乑

Example Word

民衆: masses. The Japanese noun '民衆 (みんしゅう)' refers to 'the masses' or 'the general public'. It is used to describe a large group of ordinary people, often in the context of society, politics, or history. This term carries a neutral to slightly formal tone and is commonly used in discussions about collective action, public opinion, or societal movements. Example sentences: The masses supported the movement「民衆はその運動を支持した」(みんしゅうはそのうんどうをしじした). The voice of the masses cannot be ignored「民衆の声は無視できない」(みんしゅうのこえはむしできない).

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

修理: repair. The Japanese verbal noun '修理 (しゅうり)' means 'repair'. It refers to the act of fixing or restoring something that is broken or damaged. This word is commonly used in contexts involving mechanical, electronic, or structural repairs. For example: I will repair the car「車を修理します」(くるまをしゅうりします). The watch is under repair「時計は修理中です」(とけいはしゅうりちゅうです). It can also be used in a broader sense, such as repairing relationships or systems, though it is most frequently associated with physical objects.

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

株式: share or stock. The Japanese noun '株式 (かぶしき)' refers to 'stock' or 'share' in the context of finance and business. It represents a unit of ownership in a corporation or company. This term is commonly used in discussions about investments, stock markets, and corporate ownership. For example: I bought stocks「株式を買いました」(かぶしきをかいました). The company issued new shares「会社が新株を発行しました」(かいしゃがしんかぶをはっこうしました). Note that '株式' is often used in formal or business contexts, while '株 (かぶ)' is a more casual term for 'stock' or 'share'.

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