Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading
かん kan
kanji
間Meaning
Interval, Space
Reading
ma
あいだaida
onyomiけんken
かんkan
Parts
日Day, Sun 門Gate
Example Word
手間: effort. The Japanese noun '手間 (てま)' refers to the time, effort, or labor required to complete a task. It often implies that the task is time-consuming or requires careful attention. This word is commonly used in contexts where the speaker wants to emphasize the amount of work or effort involved. For example: Cooking this dish takes a lot of effort「この料理は手間がかかる」(このりょうりはてまがかかる). I don't want to spend too much effort on this「これに手間をかけたくない」(これにてまをかけたくない). The word can also be used to describe tasks that are tedious or require patience, such as '手間のかかる仕事 (てまのかかるしごと) (time-consuming work)'.
Radical
門
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N5Grade
2Frequency
21
Handwriting
kanji
感Meaning
Feeling, Sensation
Reading
kan
Parts
心Heart 咸Same
Example Word
感想: impression. The Japanese noun '感想 (かんそう)' refers to one's thoughts, impressions, or feelings about something, often after experiencing or observing it. It is commonly used in contexts like sharing opinions about a movie, book, or event. For example: What are your impressions of the movie?「映画の感想は?」(えいがのかんそうは?). I shared my thoughts about the trip「旅行の感想を話しました」(りょこうのかんそうをはなしました). This word is neutral and can be used in both formal and casual settings.
Radical
心
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
83
Handwriting
kanji
関Meaning
Barrier, Related
Reading
seki
onyomiかんkan
Parts
門Gate 关Close
Example Word
関与: involvement. The Japanese noun '関与 (かんよ)' means 'involvement'. It refers to the act of participating or being involved in a situation, event, or activity, often implying some level of responsibility or influence. This word is commonly used in formal or professional contexts, such as business, politics, or legal matters. For example: His involvement in the project was significant「彼のプロジェクトへの関与は大きかった」(かれのプロジェクトへのかんよはおおきかった). The company denied any involvement in the scandal「その会社はスキャンダルへの関与を否定した」(そのかいしゃはスキャンダルへのかんよをひていした). Note that '関与' often carries a neutral or slightly negative connotation, depending on the context.
Radical
門
Stroke Count
14JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
215
Handwriting
kanji
観Meaning
View
Reading
mi
onyomiかんkan
Parts
隹Bird 見See
Example Word
観光: sightseeing. The Japanese noun '観光 (かんこう)' refers to 'sightseeing' or 'tourism'. It is commonly used to describe the activity of visiting places of interest, especially when traveling. This word is often associated with leisure travel and exploring new destinations. For example: We went sightseeing in Kyoto「私たちは京都で観光しました」(わたしたちはきょうとでかんこうしました). Sightseeing is popular in this area「この地域では観光が人気です」(このちいきではかんこうがにんきです). The term can also be used in compound words, such as '観光地 (かんこうち)' (tourist spot) or '観光客 (かんこうきゃく)' (tourist).
Radical
見
Stroke Count
18JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
321
Handwriting
kanji
官Meaning
Government, Bureaucrat
Reading
kan
Parts
宀Roof 㠯Terraced hill
Example Word
警官: police. The Japanese noun '警官 (けいかん)' refers to a police officer or a member of the police force. It is a formal term used to describe someone who enforces laws and maintains public order. For example: The police officer is directing traffic「警官が交通を整理している」(けいかんがこうつうをせいりしている). I asked the police officer for directions「警官に道を聞いた」(けいかんにみちをきいた). This term is commonly used in both written and spoken Japanese when referring to law enforcement personnel.
Radical
宀
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
490
Handwriting
kanji
巻Meaning
Scroll
Reading
ma
まきmaki
onyomiかんkan
Parts
己Oneself
Example Word
巻き込む: involve. The Japanese verb '巻き込む (まきこむ)' means 'to involve' or 'to entangle'. It is often used to describe situations where someone or something is drawn into an event, situation, or conflict, sometimes unwillingly. This verb can be used in both literal and figurative contexts. For example: he got involved in the accident「彼は事故に巻き込まれた」(かれはじこにまきこまれた). The scandal involved many people「そのスキャンダルは多くの人を巻き込んだ」(そのスキャンダルはおおくのひとをまきこんだ). Note that this verb often carries a nuance of being caught up in something beyond one's control.
Radical
己
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N2Grade
6Frequency
572
Handwriting
kanji
寒Meaning
Cold
Reading
samu
onyomiかんkan
Parts
宀Roof 共Together 一One 冫Ice (水)
Example Word
寒さ: coldness. The Japanese noun '寒さ (さむさ)' refers to the state or sensation of being cold, often used to describe weather or physical sensations. It is derived from the adjective '寒い (さむい)', meaning 'cold'. This noun is commonly used to express the intensity of cold weather or how someone feels in a cold environment. For example: The coldness of winter is harsh「 冬の寒さは厳しい」(ふゆのさむさはきびしい). I can't stand the coldness of this room「この部屋の寒さに耐えられない」(このへやのさむさにたえられない). It can also be used metaphorically to describe emotional coldness or a lack of warmth in a situation.
Radical
宀
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
685
Handwriting
kanji
甲Meaning
Armor, Shell
Reading
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
tate
やかたyakata
onyomiかんkan
Parts
飠Eat (食)官Government, Bureaucrat
Example Word
図書館: library. The Japanese noun '図書館 (としょかん)' refers to a 'library', a place where books, magazines, and other materials are kept for reading, studying, or borrowing. It is a common word used in everyday conversation and formal contexts. For example: I went to the library「図書館に行きました 」(としょかんにいきました). The library is quiet「図書館は静かです」(としょかんはしずかです). This word is often used in combination with other words to specify the type of library, such as 'public library' (公立図書館, こうりつとしょかん) or 'university library' (大学図書館, だいがくとしょかん).
Radical
食
Stroke Count
16JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
747
Handwriting
kanji
完Meaning
Complete
Reading
kan
Parts
宀Roof 元Origin
Example Word
完全: complete. The Japanese adjectival noun '完全 (かんぜん)' means 'complete' or 'perfect'. It is used to describe something that is whole, without any deficiencies, or fully realized. This term can be applied to a wide range of contexts, from physical objects to abstract concepts. For example: This is a complete set「これは完全なセットです」(これはかんぜんなセットです). The plan was executed perfectly「計画は完全に実行された」(けいかくはかんぜんにじっこうされた). Note that '完全' can also be used to emphasize the entirety or perfection of a situation or object, often implying that nothing is missing or out of place.
Radical
宀
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
843
Handwriting
kanji
堪Meaning
Endure
Reading
ko
たta
こたkota
onyomiかんkan
たんtan
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
12JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
971
Handwriting
kanji
勘Meaning
Check, Intuition
Reading
kan
Parts
甚Extremely, Tremendously 力Power
Example Word
勘定: bill or calculation. The Japanese verbal noun '勘定 (かんじょう)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'bill', referring to the amount owed for services or goods, often used in restaurants or stores. For example: Please bring the bill「勘定をお願いします」(かんじょうをおねがいします). The second meaning is 'calculation', referring to the act of computing or figuring out numbers. For example: He is good at mental calculation「彼は暗算の勘定が得意です」(かれはあんざんのかんじょうがとくいです). The word can also imply careful consideration or planning in certain contexts, such as 'taking into account'.
Radical
力
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
982
Handwriting
kanji
慣Meaning
Accustomed
Reading
na
onyomiかんkan
Parts
忄 貫Pierce, Sushi counter
Example Word
習慣: habit. The Japanese noun '習慣 (しゅうかん)' means 'habit'. It refers to a regular practice or routine that a person or group follows, often unconsciously. This word can be used to describe personal habits, cultural practices, or societal norms. For example: It's important to have good habits「良い習慣を持つことが大切です」(よいしゅうかんをもつことがたいせつです). His habit of waking up early is impressive「彼の早起きの習慣は素晴らしい」(かれのはやおきのしゅうかんはすばらしい). The word can also refer to customs or traditions, as in 'cultural habits'「文化の習慣」(ぶんかのしゅうかん).
Radical
心
Stroke Count
14JLPT
N3Grade
5Frequency
994
Handwriting
kanji
簡Meaning
Simplicity
Reading
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
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
kan
Parts
氵Water (水)𦰩Violet
Example Word
漢字: kanji. The Japanese noun '漢字 (かんじ)' refers to 'kanji', which are the logographic characters borrowed from Chinese and used in the Japanese writing system. Kanji are used alongside hiragana and katakana, and each character typically represents a word or a meaningful part of a word. For example: I study kanji「私は漢字を勉強します」(わたしはかんじをべんきょうします). This kanji is difficult「この漢字は難しい」(このかんじはむずかしい). Kanji are essential for reading and writing in Japanese, and they often have multiple readings and meanings depending on the context.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
1085
Handwriting
kanji
甘Meaning
Sweet
Reading
ama
onyomiかんkan
Example Word
甘える: depend. The Japanese verb '甘える (あまえる)' means 'to depend on' or 'to take advantage of someone's kindness'. It often carries a nuance of seeking affection, indulgence, or special treatment, typically from someone close, like a parent, partner, or friend. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts, depending on the situation. For example: she depends on her mother「彼女は母親に甘える 」(かのじょはははおやにあまえる). He took advantage of my kindness「彼は私の優しさに甘えた」(かれはわたしのやさしさにあまえた). The verb is commonly used to describe behavior that seeks emotional or practical support, often in a way that might be seen as childish or endearing.
Radical
甘
Stroke Count
5JLPT
N2Grade
7Frequency
1092
Handwriting
kanji
換Meaning
Exchange
Reading
ka
onyomiかんkan
Parts
扌Hand (手)奐
Example Word
乗り換え: transfer. The Japanese verbal noun '乗り換え (のりかえ)' means 'transfer'. It is commonly used in the context of transportation, such as changing trains, buses, or other modes of transport. For example: I need to transfer at Shinjuku Station「新宿駅で乗り換えが必要です」(しんじゅくえきでのりかえがひつようです). The transfer point is on the third floor「乗り換えの場所は三階です」(のりかえのばしょはさんかいです). This term can also be used metaphorically to describe switching from one thing to another, such as changing jobs or switching topics in a conversation.
Radical
手
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N2Grade
8Frequency
1106
Handwriting
kanji
干Meaning
Dry
Reading
hi
ほho
onyomiかんkan
Example Word
若干: few or some. The Japanese noun '若干 (じゃっかん)' means 'some' or 'a few'. It is used to indicate a small or indefinite quantity of something. This word is often used in formal or written contexts to describe a modest amount or degree. For example: There are some problems「若干の問題がある」(じゃっかんのもんだいがある). A few people attended the meeting「若干の人が会議に出席した」(じゃっかんのひとがかいぎにしゅっせきした). Note that '若干' is more formal than alternatives like '少し (すこし)' or 'いくつか', and it is commonly used in reports, documents, or speeches.
Radical
干
Stroke Count
3JLPT
N2Grade
6Frequency
1121
Handwriting
kanji
監Meaning
Oversee
Reading
kan
Parts
皿Plate 臣Servant, Retainer
Example Word
監査: audit. The Japanese noun '監査 (かんさ)' refers to an 'audit', which is a systematic examination or review of financial records, processes, or systems to ensure accuracy, compliance, or efficiency. This term is commonly used in business, finance, and legal contexts. For example: The company conducted an internal audit「会社は内部監査を行った」(かいしゃはないぶかんさをおこなった). The audit revealed discrepancies in the accounts「監査により帳簿の不一致が明らかになった」(かんさによりちょうぼのふいっちがあきらかになった). It is important to note that '監査' often implies a formal or official review process.
Radical
皿
Stroke Count
15JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
1161
Handwriting
kanji
乾Meaning
Dry
Reading
kawa
ほho
onyomiかんkan
Parts
車Car 乞Beg
Example Word
乾く: dry. The Japanese verb '乾く (かわく)' means 'to dry'. It is used to describe the process of something becoming dry, such as clothes, hair, or the ground after rain. This verb is intransitive, meaning it does not take a direct object. For example: the laundry dried「洗濯物が乾いた」(せんたくものがかわいた). The ground dried after the rain「雨の後、地面が乾いた」(あめのあと、じめんがかわいた). Note that '乾く' is often used in contexts where something naturally dries over time, as opposed to actively drying something, which would use the transitive verb '乾かす (かわかす)'.
Radical
乛
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N2Grade
7Frequency
1181
Handwriting
kanji
管Meaning
Pipe
Reading
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
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
nu
つらぬtsuranu
ぬきnuki
onyomiかんkan
Parts
毋 貝Shellfish
Example Word
一貫: consistency. The Japanese noun '一貫 (いっかん)' primarily means 'consistency' or 'coherence'. It refers to the quality of being consistent, logical, or unchanging in thought, action, or principle. This word is often used in contexts where maintaining a steady approach or principle is important. For example: His argument lacks consistency「彼の議論には一貫性がない」(かれのぎろんにはいっかんせいがない). The company has maintained a consistent policy「その会社は一貫した方針を維持している」(そのかいしゃはいっかんしたほうしんをいじしている). Note that '一貫' can also be used in compound words like '一貫性 (いっかんせい)' to emphasize the concept of consistency.
Radical
貝
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
1200
Handwriting
kanji
歓Meaning
Rejoice, Delight
Reading
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
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
kan
Parts
王King 睘
Example Word
循環: circulation. The Japanese noun '