Page 1
kanji
間Meaning
Interval, Space
Reading
kunyomiまma
あいだaida
onyomiけんken
かんkan
Parts
日Day, Sun 門Gate
Example Word
間: between. The Japanese noun '間 (あいだ)' primarily means 'between' or 'interval'. It refers to the space, time, or relationship between two or more things. It can be used in both physical and abstract contexts. For example: the distance between the two buildings「二つの建物の間」(ふたつのたてもののあいだ). The time between lunch and dinner「昼食と夕食の間」(ちゅうしょくとゆうしょくのあいだ). Additionally, it can imply a relationship or connection, as in the relationship between friends「友達の間」(ともだちのあいだ). This word is versatile and widely used in various contexts to describe intervals or connections.
Radical
門
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N5Grade
2Frequency
21
Handwriting
kanji
感Meaning
Feeling, Sensation
Reading
onyomiかんkan
Parts
心Heart 咸Same
Example Word
感謝: gratitude. The Japanese verbal noun '感謝 (かんしゃ)' means 'gratitude'. It refers to the feeling of being thankful or appreciative towards someone or something. This word is commonly used in expressions of thanks, such as '感謝します (かんしゃします)' which means 'I am grateful' or 'I appreciate it'. It can also be used in various contexts to express deep appreciation or acknowledgment of kindness, help, or support received. For example: I feel deep gratitude「深い感謝を感じます」(ふかいかんしゃをかんじます). We express our gratitude to you「あなたに感謝を表します」(あなたにかんしゃをひょうします). The word is often used in formal or heartfelt situations, emphasizing sincerity and respect.
Radical
心
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
83
Handwriting
kanji
関Meaning
Barrier, Related
Reading
kunyomiせきseki
onyomiかんkan
Parts
門Gate 关Close
Example Word
関: barrier. The Japanese noun '関 (せき)' primarily means 'barrier' or 'checkpoint'. Historically, it refers to a physical barrier or checkpoint, often used in feudal Japan to control the movement of people and goods. In modern usage, it can also metaphorically represent obstacles or hurdles in various contexts. Example sentences: The barrier was closed「関が閉まっていた」(せきがしまっていた). He overcame many barriers in his life「彼は人生で多くの関を乗り越えた」(かれはじんせいでおおくのせきをのりこえた).
Radical
門
Stroke Count
14JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
215
Handwriting
kanji
観Meaning
View
Reading
kunyomiみmi
onyomiかんkan
Parts
隹Bird 見See
Example Word
観点: viewpoint. The Japanese noun '観点 (かんてん)' means 'viewpoint' or 'perspective'. It refers to a particular way of considering or looking at something, often used in discussions, analyses, or debates. This word is commonly used in formal or academic contexts to describe the angle or standpoint from which a topic is approached. For example: from a historical viewpoint「歴史的な観点から」(れきしてきなかんてんから). From an economic perspective「経済的な観点から」(けいざいてきなかんてんから). It can also be used to express someone's personal opinion or stance, as in 'my viewpoint is different'「私の観点は違います」(わたしのかんてんはちがいます).
Radical
見
Stroke Count
18JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
321
Handwriting
kanji
官Meaning
Government, Bureaucrat
Reading
onyomiかんkan
Parts
宀Roof 㠯Terraced hill
Example Word
官庁: government. The Japanese noun '官庁 (かんちょう)' refers to a government office or agency. It is used to describe the administrative bodies or institutions that are part of the government. This term is often used in formal contexts when discussing governmental operations or structures. For example: The government office is located in Tokyo「官庁は東京にあります」(かんちょうはとうきょうにあります). He works at a government agency「彼は官庁で働いています」(かれはかんちょうではたらいています). The term can also be used more broadly to refer to the collective administrative bodies of the government.
Radical
宀
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
490
Handwriting
kanji
巻Meaning
Scroll
Reading
kunyomiまma
まきmaki
onyomiかんkan
Parts
己Oneself
Example Word
巻く: wind or roll. The Japanese verb '巻く (まく)' primarily means 'to roll' or 'to wind'. It is used to describe the action of rolling something up, such as a scroll, a carpet, or even hair. It can also mean to wind something around an object, like winding a string around a spool. For example: I rolled up the scroll「巻物を巻いた」(まきものをまいた). She wound the thread around the spool「糸を糸巻きに巻いた」(いとをいとまきにまいた). The verb can also be used metaphorically, such as in the phrase '巻き込む (まきこむ)', which means 'to involve' or 'to entangle'.
Radical
己
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N2Grade
6Frequency
572
Handwriting
kanji
寒Meaning
Cold
Reading
kunyomiさむsamu
onyomiかんkan
Parts
宀Roof 共Together 一One 冫Ice (水)
Example Word
寒い: cold. The Japanese adjective '寒い (さむい)' means 'cold'. It is primarily used to describe weather or a physical sensation of coldness. For example: It's cold today「今日は寒い」(きょうはさむい). I feel cold「寒いです」(さむいです). This word is often used to describe the temperature of the environment or how a person feels due to low temperatures. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation or atmosphere that feels emotionally cold or unwelcoming, though this usage is less common. For example: The room felt cold「部屋が寒い感じがした」(へやがさむいかんじがした).
Radical
宀
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
685
Handwriting
kanji
甲Meaning
Armor, Shell
Reading
kunyomiかka
onyomiこうkou
かんkan
Parts
田Rice field |
Example Word
甲: shell or first. The Japanese noun '甲 (こう)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning refers to the shell of a turtle or tortoise, often used in traditional contexts or literature. For example: the turtle's shell is hard「亀の甲は硬い」(かめのこうはかたい). The second meaning is 'first' in a sequence, such as in the traditional ordering system (甲, 乙, 丙, etc.), which is similar to 'A, B, C' in English. For example: this is the first item「これは甲の項目です」(これはこうのこうもくです). The word is also used in compound words like '甲羅 (こうら)' (shell) or '甲乙 (こうおつ)' (first and second).
Radical
田
Stroke Count
5JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
696
Handwriting
kanji
館Meaning
Building
Reading
kunyomiたてtate
やかたyakata
onyomiかんkan
Parts
飠Eat (食)官Government, Bureaucrat
Example Word
館: hall. The Japanese suffix '館 (かん)' is commonly used to denote a building or facility dedicated to a specific purpose. It is often attached to nouns to form compound words that describe the type of building or establishment. For example: library「図書館」(としょかん), museum「博物館」(はくぶつかん), gym「体育館」(たいいくかん). This suffix is widely used in names of public and private buildings, indicating their function or the activities that take place there.
Radical
食
Stroke Count
16JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
747
Handwriting
kanji
完Meaning
Complete
Reading
onyomiかんkan
Parts
宀Roof 元Origin
Example Word
完了: completion. The Japanese verbal noun '完了 (かんりょう)' means 'completion'. It refers to the act of finishing or completing something, often used in contexts where a task, process, or action has been fully carried out. For example: The project is complete「プロジェクトが完了した」(ぷろじぇくとがかんりょうした). The download is complete「ダウンロードが完了しました」(だうんろーどがかんりょうしました). This word is commonly used in both formal and informal settings to indicate that something has reached its conclusion.
Radical
宀
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
843
Handwriting
kanji
堪Meaning
Endure
Reading
kunyomiこko
たta
こたkota
onyomiかんkan
たんtan
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
12JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
971
Handwriting
kanji
勘Meaning
Check, Intuition
Reading
onyomiかんkan
Parts
甚Extremely, Tremendously 力Power
Example Word
勘違い: misunderstanding. The Japanese verbal noun '勘違い (かんちがい)' means 'misunderstanding' or 'mistaken assumption'. It refers to a situation where someone has misunderstood or misinterpreted something, often leading to confusion or incorrect conclusions. This word is commonly used in everyday conversation to describe minor or significant errors in perception or judgment. For example: I misunderstood the time「時間を勘違いした」(じかんをかんちがいした). She thought I was angry, but it was a misunderstanding「彼女は私が怒っていると勘違いした」(かのじょはわたしがおこっているとかんちがいした). The term can also imply a sense of self-awareness when realizing one's own mistake, as in 'I was mistaken'「勘違いしていた」(かんちがいしていた).
Radical
力
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
982
Handwriting
kanji
慣Meaning
Accustomed
Reading
kunyomiなna
onyomiかんkan
Parts
忄 貫Pierce, Sushi counter
Example Word
慣用句: idiom. The Japanese noun '慣用句 (かんようく)' refers to an 'idiom' or a set phrase that has a meaning not deducible from the individual words. These expressions are deeply rooted in the language and culture, often carrying nuances and connotations that are unique to Japanese. For example: He used an idiom to explain his point「彼は自分のポイントを説明するために慣用句を使った」(かれはじぶんのポイントをせつめいするためにかんようくをつかった). Learning idioms is essential for understanding Japanese culture「慣用句を学ぶことは日本文化を理解するために不可欠だ」(かんようくをまなぶことはにほんぶんかをりかいするためにふかけつだ). Idioms often reflect historical events, folklore, or common experiences, making them a rich area of study for language learners.
Radical
心
Stroke Count
14JLPT
N3Grade
5Frequency
994
Handwriting
kanji
簡Meaning
Simplicity
Reading
onyomiかんkan
Parts
⺮Bamboo (竹)間Interval, Space
Example Word
簡単: easy. The Japanese adjectival noun '簡単 (かんたん)' means 'easy'. It is used to describe tasks, problems, or situations that are not difficult to understand or accomplish. This word is often used in casual and formal contexts alike. For example: This problem is easy「この問題は簡単です」(このもんだいはかんたんです). Cooking rice is easy「ご飯を炊くのは簡単です」(ごはんをたくのはかんたんです). Note that '簡単' can also imply simplicity or straightforwardness, as in '簡単な説明 (かんたんなせつめい) (simple explanation)'. It is commonly used in everyday conversation and is a versatile term for describing ease or simplicity.
Radical
竹
Stroke Count
18JLPT
N2Grade
6Frequency
1022
Handwriting
kanji
看Meaning
Watch
Reading
onyomiかんkan
Parts
手Hand 目Eye
Example Word
看護: nursing. The Japanese verbal noun '看護 (かんご)' refers to the act or profession of nursing, which involves caring for the sick or infirm. It is commonly used in contexts related to healthcare and medical services. For example: She is studying nursing「彼女は看護を勉強しています」(かのじょはかんごをべんきょうしています). The hospital needs more nursing staff「病院はもっと看護スタッフが必要です」(びょういんはもっとかんごスタッフがひつようです). This term is often associated with professional caregiving roles and is a key concept in medical and healthcare settings.
Radical
目
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N1Grade
6Frequency
1053
Handwriting
kanji
漢Meaning
China
Reading
onyomiかんkan
Parts
氵Water (水)𦰩Violet
Example Word
漢: China or Han. The Japanese proper noun '漢 (かん)' has two primary meanings. The first meaning refers to 'China', particularly in historical or cultural contexts, such as the Han dynasty or Chinese civilization. The second meaning refers to 'Han', which can denote the Han Chinese ethnic group or the Han dynasty. Example sentences: The influence of Han culture is profound「漢の文化の影響は深い」(かんのぶんかのえいきょうはふかい). The Han dynasty was a significant period in history「漢の時代は歴史的に重要な時期だった」(かんのじだいはれきしてきにじゅうようなじきだった).
Radical
水
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
1085
Handwriting
kanji
甘Meaning
Sweet
Reading
kunyomiあまama
onyomiかんkan
Example Word
甘い: sweet or lenient. The Japanese adjective '甘い (あまい)' primarily means 'sweet', referring to taste, but it can also mean 'lenient' or 'indulgent' when describing behavior or judgment. For example: this cake is sweet「このケーキは甘い」(このケーキはあまい). He is too lenient with his students「彼は生徒に甘い」(かれはせいとにあまい). The word can also imply naivety or being overly optimistic, as in '甘い考え (あまいかんがえ) (naive thinking)'. It's important to note that the context determines which meaning is intended.
Radical
甘
Stroke Count
5JLPT
N2Grade
7Frequency
1092
Handwriting
kanji
換Meaning
Exchange
Reading
kunyomiかka
onyomiかんkan
Parts
扌Hand (手)奐
Example Word
転換: conversion or shift. The Japanese noun '転換 (てんかん)' refers to a change or transformation from one state, condition, or direction to another. It is often used in contexts involving significant changes, such as in energy conversion, mindset shifts, or policy changes. For example: The company is undergoing a major shift in strategy「会社は戦略の転換をしている」(かいしゃはせんりゃくのてんかんをしている). The conversion of energy is essential for modern technology「エネルギーの転換は現代技術に不可欠だ」(えねるぎーのてんかんはげんだいぎじゅつにふかけつだ). This word can also imply a deliberate or planned change, often with a focus on improvement or adaptation.
Radical
手
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N2Grade
8Frequency
1106
Handwriting
kanji
干Meaning
Dry
Reading
kunyomiひhi
ほho
onyomiか んkan
Example Word
干す: dry. The Japanese verb '干す (ほす)' means 'to dry'. It is commonly used to describe the action of drying something, such as clothes, food, or other items. For example: I will dry the laundry「洗濯物を干します」(せんたくものをほします). She dried the fish in the sun「彼女は魚を干した」(かのじょはさかなをほした). This verb can also be used metaphorically to describe leaving someone out or neglecting them, as in '彼は会議で干された (かれはかいぎでほされた) (He was left out of the meeting).' The verb is versatile and can be used in various contexts related to drying or exposure to air.
Radical
干
Stroke Count
3JLPT
N2Grade
6Frequency
1121
Handwriting
kanji
監Meaning
Oversee
Reading
onyomiかんkan
Parts
皿Plate 臣Servant, Retainer
Example Word
監視: surveillance. The Japanese noun '監視 (かんし)' means 'surveillance' or 'monitoring'. It refers to the act of closely observing or watching over something or someone, often to ensure safety, security, or compliance. This term is commonly used in contexts such as security systems, workplace monitoring, or even environmental observation. For example: The security camera is for surveillance「監視カメラは監視のためです」(かんしカメラはかんしのためです). The police are monitoring the area「警察がその地域を監視しています」(けいさつがそのちいきをかんししています). The word can also imply a sense of vigilance or oversight, depending on the context.
Radical
皿
Stroke Count
15JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
1161
Handwriting
kanji
乾Meaning
Dry
Reading
kunyomiかわkawa
ほho
onyomiかんkan
Parts
車Car 乞Beg
Example Word
乾燥: drying or dryness. The Japanese verbal noun '乾燥 (かんそう)' primarily refers to the state of being dry or the process of drying. It is commonly used in contexts related to weather, food preservation, and materials. For example: The dryness of the air is intense「空気の乾燥が激しい」(くうきのかんそうがはげしい). Drying clothes in the sun「服を乾燥させる」(ふくをかんそうさせる). This word can also be used in scientific or technical contexts, such as in describing the drying process of paint or other substances.
Radical
乛
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N2Grade
7Frequency
1181
Handwriting
kanji
管Meaning
Pipe
Reading
kunyomiくだkuda
onyomiかんkan
Parts
⺮Bamboo (竹)官Government, Bureaucrat
Example Word
血管: blood vessel. The Japanese noun '血管 (けっかん)' refers to a 'blood vessel', which is a tubular structure that carries blood throughout the body. This term is commonly used in medical or biological contexts. For example: The blood vessel is narrow「血管が狭い」(けっかんがせまい). Blood vessels are essential for circulation「血管は循環に不可欠です」(けっかんはじゅんかんにふかけつです). The word can also appear in compound terms like '毛細血管 (もうさいけっかん)' (capillary), which refers to the smallest blood vessels in the body.
Radical
竹
Stroke Count
14JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
1184
Handwriting
kanji
汗Meaning
Sweat
Reading
kunyomiあせase
onyomiかんkan
Parts
氵Water (水)干Dry
Example Word
汗: sweat. The Japanese noun '汗 (あせ)' means 'sweat'. It refers to the moisture exuded through the pores of the skin, typically as a result of physical exertion, heat, or nervousness. This word is commonly used in everyday conversation and can be found in various contexts, such as describing physical activity, weather conditions, or emotional states. For example: I wiped the sweat from my forehead「額の汗を拭いた」(ひたいのあせをふいた). After running, I was covered in sweat「走った後、汗だくになった」(はしったあと、あせだくになった). It's also used metaphorically to describe hard work or effort, as in 'sweating over a task'.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N2Grade
7Frequency
1198
Handwriting
kanji
貫Meaning
Pierce, Sushi counter
Reading
kunyomiぬnu
つらぬtsuranu
ぬきnuki
onyomiかんkan
Parts
毋 貝Shellfish
Example Word
貫く: pierce or persist. The Japanese verb '貫く (つらぬく)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'to pierce' or 'to penetrate', often used in a physical sense, such as piercing through an object. For example: The arrow pierced the target「矢が的を貫いた」(やがまとをつらぬいた). The second meaning is 'to persist' or 'to carry through', referring to maintaining a principle, belief, or course of action despite challenges. For example: He persisted in his beliefs「彼は信念を貫いた」(かれはしんねんをつらぬいた). This verb is versatile and can be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, making it important to consider the surrounding context to determine the intended meaning.
Radical
貝
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
1200
Handwriting
kanji
歓Meaning
Rejoice, Delight
Reading
onyomiかんkan
Parts
隹Bird 欠Lack
Example Word
歓迎: welcome. The Japanese verbal noun '歓迎 (かんげい)' means 'welcome'. It is used to express a warm reception or acceptance of someone or something. This term is often used in formal or polite contexts, such as welcoming guests, new members, or ideas. For example: We welcome your opinion「あなたの意見を歓迎します」(あなたのいけんをかんげいします). The new employee was warmly welcomed「新しい従業員は温かく歓迎されました」(あたらしいじゅうぎょういんはあたたかくかんげいされました). It can also be used in phrases like '歓迎会 (かんげいかい)', which means 'welcome party'.
Radical
欠
Stroke Count
15JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
1371
Handwriting
kanji
患Meaning
Ill, Afflicted
Reading
kunyomiわずらwazura
onyomiかんkan
Parts
心Heart 串Spit, Skewer
Example Word
疾患: disease. The Japanese noun '疾患 (しっかん)' refers to a disease or medical condition. It is a formal term often used in medical contexts to describe illnesses or disorders. For example: He suffers from a rare disease「彼は珍しい疾患に苦しんでいる」(かれはめずらしいしっかんにくるしんでいる). Early detection of the disease is important「疾患の早期発見は重要です」(しっかんのそうきはっけんはじゅうようです). This term is commonly used in medical reports, research, and discussions about health conditions.
Radical
心
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N2Grade
9Frequency
1388
Handwriting
kanji
環Meaning
Ring, Surround
Reading
onyomiかんkan
Parts
王King 睘
Example Word
環境: environment. The Japanese noun '環境 (かんきょう)' primarily means 'environment'. It refers to the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates. This term is widely used in discussions about nature, ecology, and living conditions. For example: We need to protect the environment「環境を守る必要がある」(かんきょうをまもるひつようがある). The work environment is very important「仕事の環境はとても重要だ」(しごとのかんきょうはとてもじゅうようだ). It can also refer to the setting or context in which something exists or operates, such as a social or technological environment.
Radical
玉
Stroke Count
17JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
1416
Handwriting
kanji
陥Meaning
Fall in, Collapse
Reading
kunyomiおちいochii
おとしいotoshii
onyomiかんkan
Parts
⻖ ⺈Wrap 旧Old, Past
Example Word
陥る: fall or sink. The Japanese verb '陥る (おちいる)' primarily means 'to fall into' or 'to sink into'. It is often used to describe falling into a state, condition, or situation, typically one that is negative or undesirable. For example: he fell into despair「彼は絶望に陥った」(かれはぜつぼうにおちいった). The company fell into financial trouble「その会社は財政難に陥った」(そのかいしゃはざいせいなんにおちいった). This verb can also imply a gradual or unintentional decline into a state, such as sinking into confusion or falling into a trap. It is commonly used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.
Radical
阜
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
1422
Handwriting
kanji
艦Meaning
Warship
Reading
onyomiかんkan
Parts
舟Boat 監Oversee
Example Word
艦: warship. The Japanese suffix '艦 (かん)' refers to 'warship' or 'naval vessel'. It is commonly used in compound words to denote specific types of military ships. For example: battleship「戦艦」(せんかん), aircraft carrier「空母艦」(くうぼかん), and cruiser「巡洋艦」(じゅんようかん). This suffix is often seen in historical or military contexts and is not typically used in everyday conversation. Example sentences: The battleship is large「戦艦は大きい」(せんかんはおおきい). The aircraft carrier is powerful「空母艦は強い」(くうぼかんはつよい).
Radical
舟
Stroke Count
21JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
1456
Handwriting
kanji
敢Meaning
Daring
Reading
kunyomiあa
onyomiかんkan
Parts
丅Down (下)耳Ear 攵Strike
Example Word
敢えて: dare. The Japanese adverb '敢えて (あえて)' means 'dare' or 'deliberately'. It is used when someone does something intentionally, often despite potential risks, challenges, or social norms. This word carries a nuance of going against the usual expectations or taking a bold step. For example: I dare to say it「敢えて言います」(あえていいます). He deliberately chose the harder path「彼は敢えて難しい道を選んだ」(かれはあえてむずかしいみちをえらんだ). It can also imply doing something despite knowing it might not be the best or easiest choice, as in '敢えて挑戦する (あえてちょうせんする) (dare to challenge)'.
Radical
攴
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
1478
Handwriting