字Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Interval, Space

Reading

Parts

門Gate 日Day, Sun

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

21

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Feeling, Sensation

Reading

Parts

心Heart 咸Same

Example Word

感ずる: feel. The Japanese verb '感ずる (かんずる)' means 'to feel' or 'to sense'. It is often used to describe a strong emotional or intuitive response to something. This verb is more formal and literary compared to its more common counterpart '感じる (かんじる)'. It can be used in various contexts, such as feeling emotions, sensing danger, or perceiving a change. Example sentences: I feel a sense of danger「危険を感ずる」(きけんをかんずる). She felt a deep sadness「彼女は深い悲しみを感ずる」(かのじょはふかいかなしみをかんずる). Note that '感ずる' is often used in written language or formal speech.

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

83

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Barrier, Related

Reading

Parts

門Gate 关Close

Example Word

関する: relate. The Japanese verb '関する (かんする)' means 'to relate to' or 'to concern'. It is used to indicate a connection or relevance between two things. This verb is often used in formal or written contexts. For example: This document relates to the new policy「この文書は新しい方針に関する」(このぶんしょはあたらしいほうしんにかんする). The discussion concerns environmental issues「その議論は環境問題に関する」(そのぎろんはかんきょうもんだいにかんする). Note that '関する' is typically followed by the particle 'に' to indicate the subject of relation.

Radical

門

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

215

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

View

Reading

Parts

見See 隹Bird

Example Word

観: view. The Japanese suffix '観 (かん)' is used to express a perspective, view, or way of thinking about something. It is often attached to nouns to form compound words that describe a particular outlook or interpretation. For example: world view「世界観」(せかいかん). life view「人生観」(じんせいかん). This suffix is commonly used in philosophical or abstract contexts to discuss how one perceives or interprets a concept. It can also imply a subjective or personal perspective, as in '彼の人生観は独特だ (かれのじんせいかんはどくとくだ) (His view on life is unique).'

Radical

見

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

321

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Government, Bureaucrat

Reading

Parts

㠯Terraced hill 宀Roof

Example Word

官: official. The Japanese suffix '官 (かん)' refers to an official or a person holding a government position. It is commonly used in titles or roles related to public service or administration. For example: a government official「政府の官」(せいふのかん). This suffix is often attached to nouns to denote a specific type of official, such as '警察官 (けいさつかん)' (police officer) or '外交官 (がいこうかん)' (diplomat). It is important to note that '官' is typically used in formal contexts and is not used in everyday conversation unless referring to specific roles or titles.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

490

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Scroll

Reading

Parts

己Oneself

Example Word

巻: volume. The Japanese suffix '巻 (かん)' is used to denote a volume or a book in a series. It is commonly attached to numbers to indicate the specific volume of a book, manga, or other serialized publications. For example: volume one「第一巻」(だいいっかん). volume three「第三巻」(だいさんかん). This suffix is also used in historical contexts to refer to scrolls or volumes of ancient texts. For instance: the first scroll of the tale「物語の第一巻」(ものがたりのだいいっかん). Note that '巻' can also be used in compound words to indicate a roll or coil, but this is less common in everyday usage.

Radical

己

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

572

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Cold

Reading

Parts

冫Ice (水)共Together 宀Roof 一One

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

685

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Armor, Shell

Reading

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

696

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Building

Reading

Parts

官Government, Bureaucrat 飠Eat (食)

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

747

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Complete

Reading

Parts

元Origin 宀Roof

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

843

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Endure

Reading

Parts

甚Extremely, Tremendously 土Soil

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

Check, Intuition

Reading

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

982

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Accustomed

Reading

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

994

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Simplicity

Reading

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1022

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Watch

Reading

Parts

目Eye 手Hand

Example Word

看護婦: nurse. The Japanese noun '看護婦 (かんごふ)' specifically refers to a 'female nurse'. This term is used to describe a woman who is trained to care for the sick or infirm, especially in a hospital setting. Historically, this term was commonly used, but in modern Japanese, the gender-neutral term '看護師 (かんごし)' is preferred to refer to nurses of any gender. Example sentences: The nurse is kind「看護婦は優しい」(かんごふはやさしい). She became a nurse「彼女は看護婦になった」(かのじょはかんごふになった). Note that while '看護婦' is still understood, it is considered outdated in professional contexts.

Radical

目

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1053

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

China

Reading

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1085

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Sweet

Reading

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1092

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Exchange

Reading

Parts

扌Hand (手)奐

Example Word

乗り換える: change or transfer. The Japanese verb '乗り換える (のりかえる)' primarily means 'to transfer' or 'to change' in the context of transportation. It is commonly used when switching from one mode of transportation to another, such as changing trains, buses, or planes. For example: I will transfer to the next train「次の電車に乗り換えます」(つぎのでんしゃにのりかえます). She changed buses at the station「彼女は駅でバスを乗り換えた」(かのじょはえきでバスをのりかえた). The verb can also be used metaphorically to describe changing something, such as switching jobs or changing one's approach to a situation. For instance: He changed his career path「彼はキャリアを乗り換えた」(かれはキャリアをのりかえた).

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1106

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Dry

Reading

Example Word

梅干: pickled plum. The Japanese noun '梅干 (うめぼし)' refers to pickled plums, a traditional Japanese food made by pickling ume fruits in salt and drying them. They are known for their sour and salty taste and are often eaten with rice or used as a flavoring in bento boxes. Example sentences: I like pickled plums「梅干が好きです」(うめぼしがすきです). Pickled plums are good for your health「梅干は健康に良いです」(うめぼしはけんこうにいいです).

Radical

干

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1121

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Oversee

Reading

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1161

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Dry

Reading

Parts

車Car 乞Beg

Example Word

乾杯: cheers. The Japanese verbal noun '乾杯 (かんぱい)' means 'cheers'. It is commonly used during gatherings, parties, or meals to propose a toast before drinking. This word is often accompanied by raising glasses and is a gesture of goodwill, celebration, or camaraderie. Example sentences: Let's make a toast!「乾杯しましょう！」(かんぱいしましょう). Cheers to your success!「あなたの成功に乾杯！」(あなたのせいこうにかんぱい). Note that '乾杯' is typically used in formal or celebratory contexts and is not used casually in everyday conversation.

Radical

乛

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1181

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Pipe

Reading

Parts

官Government, Bureaucrat ⺮Bamboo (竹)

Example Word

管理: management. The Japanese verbal noun '管理 (かんり)' means 'management'. It refers to the act of controlling, overseeing, or administering something, such as a business, property, or system. This word is commonly used in professional and organizational contexts. For example: He is in charge of the management of the company「彼は会社の管理を担当しています」(かれはかいしゃのかんりをたんとうしています). Proper management of resources is essential「資源の適切な管理が不可欠です」(しげんのてきせつなかんりがふかけつです). The word can also be used in contexts like 'time management' (時間管理, じかんかんり) or 'stress management' (ストレス管理, ストレスかんり).

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1184

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Sweat

Reading

Parts

干Dry 氵Water (水)

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1198

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Pierce, Sushi counter

Reading

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1200

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Quiet, Leisure

Reading

Parts

木Tree, Wood 門Gate

Radical

門

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1313

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Magnanimous, Tolerance

Reading

Parts

莧 宀Roof

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1319

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Rejoice, Delight

Reading

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1371

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ill, Afflicted

Reading

Parts

心Heart 串Spit, Skewer

Example Word

患者: patient. The Japanese noun '患者 (かんじゃ)' refers to a 'patient', specifically someone who is receiving medical treatment or care. This term is commonly used in medical contexts, such as hospitals, clinics, or when discussing health-related matters. For example: The patient is resting「患者は休んでいます」(かんじゃはやすんでいます). The doctor is examining the patient「医者は患者を診察しています」(いしゃはかんじゃをしんさつしています). It is important to note that '患者' is a neutral term and does not carry any specific connotation beyond its medical meaning.

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1388

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ring, Surround

Reading

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1416

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fall in, Collapse

Reading

Parts

旧Old, Past ⻖ ⺈Wrap

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1422

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Crown, Cap

Reading

Parts

寸Measurement 元Origin

Radical

冖

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1425

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Warship

Reading

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1456

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Daring

Reading

Parts

攵Strike 耳Ear 丅Down (下)

Example Word

取り敢えず: firstly. The Japanese adverb '取り敢えず (とりあえず)' is commonly used to indicate that something is being done as a first step or temporarily, often implying that further action or consideration will follow. It can be translated as 'for now,' 'firstly,' or 'to start with.' This word is often used in casual conversations to suggest that the speaker is taking an initial action without fully committing to a final decision. For example: Let's order a beer for now「取り敢えずビールを注文しよう」(とりあえずビールをちゅうもんしよう). I'll send the email for now「取り敢えずメールを送ります」(とりあえずメールをおくります). The nuance here is that the action is provisional, and more steps may follow.

Radical

攴

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1478

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Trunk, Main

Reading

Parts

干Dry 車Car

Example Word

新幹線: bullet train. The Japanese noun '新幹線 (しんかんせん)' refers to the high-speed railway system in Japan, commonly known as the 'bullet train'. It is a network of trains that operate at very high speeds, connecting major cities across Japan. The term is often used to describe the trains themselves, as well as the system as a whole. For example: I took the bullet train to Osaka「新幹線で大阪に行きました」(しんかんせんでおおさかにいきました). The bullet train is very fast「新幹線はとても速いです」(しんかんせんはとてもはやいです). The 新幹線 is a symbol of Japan's technological advancement and efficiency in transportation.

Radical

干

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1480

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Return, Send back

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 睘

Example Word

返還: return or restoration. The Japanese noun '返還 (へんかん)' refers to the act of returning or restoring something to its original owner or place. It is often used in formal or legal contexts, such as the return of territory, property, or rights. For example: The return of the land to its original owner「土地の返還が行われた」(とちのへんかんがおこなわれた). The restoration of cultural artifacts to their country of origin「文化財の返還が決定した」(ぶんかざいのへんかんがけっていした). This term carries a formal tone and is commonly used in diplomatic, legal, or historical discussions.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1554

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Consider, Model

Reading

Parts

監Oversee 釒Gold (金)

Example Word

印鑑: seal. The Japanese noun '印鑑 (いんかん)' refers to a personal seal or stamp used in place of a signature in Japan. It is an essential tool for formal agreements, contracts, and official documents. The seal is typically made of wood, stone, or plastic and is engraved with the owner's name or initials. Example sentences: Please stamp your seal here「ここに印鑑を押してください」(ここにいんかんをおしてください). I lost my seal「印鑑をなくしました」(いんかんをなくしました). In Japan, having a registered seal (実印, じついん) is often required for significant legal transactions.

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1562

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Urge, Recommend

Reading

Parts

隹Bird 力Power

Example Word

勧める: urge or recommend. The Japanese verb '勧める (すすめる)' can mean 'to recommend' or 'to urge'. When used to mean 'recommend', it often refers to suggesting something to someone, such as a product, activity, or idea. For example: I recommend this book「この本を勧めます」(このほんをすすめます). When used to mean 'urge', it implies encouraging or persuading someone to take a specific action. For example: He urged me to apply for the job「彼は私にその仕事に応募するよう勧めた」(かれはわたしにそのしごとにおうぼするようすすめた). The verb is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, and its meaning depends on the situation and the speaker's intent.

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1565

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Publish, Edition

Reading

Parts

干Dry 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

週刊誌: weekly magazine. The Japanese noun '週刊誌 (しゅうかんし)' refers to a 'weekly magazine'. This term is used to describe a publication that is issued once a week, typically containing news, articles, and other content. It is commonly used in contexts related to media, publishing, and reading habits. For example: I bought a weekly magazine「週刊誌を買いました」(しゅうかんしをかいました). He reads weekly magazines every week「彼は毎週週刊誌を読みます」(かれはまいしゅうしゅうかんしをよみます). The term is often associated with both entertainment and informational content, and it is a staple in Japanese media culture.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1585

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Liver

Reading

Parts

干Dry 肉Meat

Example Word

肝: liver. The Japanese noun '肝 (きも)' primarily refers to the 'liver' as an organ in the body. However, it is also used metaphorically to describe courage, spirit, or the essence of something. For example: eating liver is healthy「肝を食べるのは健康にいい」(きもをたべるのはけんこうにいい). He has a lot of courage「彼は肝が据わっている」(かれはきもがすわっている). The word can also appear in idiomatic expressions, such as '肝に銘じる (きもにめいじる)', which means 'to take something to heart' or 'to remember something firmly.'

Radical

肉

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1591

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Yell, Call

Reading

Parts

口Mouth 奐

Radical

口

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1592

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Easy, Loose

Reading

Parts

糸Thread 爰

Example Word

緩い: slow or loose. The Japanese adjective '緩い (ゆるい)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'loose', which is used to describe something that is not tight or firmly fixed, such as clothing or a knot. For example: these pants are loose「このズボンは緩い」(このズボンはゆるい). The second meaning is 'slow', which is used to describe something that moves or progresses at a low speed, such as a river or a pace. For example: the river flows slowly「川の流れが緩い」(かわのながれがゆるい). It's important to note that the context in which '緩い' is used will determine which meaning is intended.

Radical

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1731

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Coffin, Casket

Reading

Parts

木Tree, Wood 官Government, Bureaucrat

Radical

木

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1779

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Regret, Remorse

Reading

Parts

忄 感Feeling, Sensation

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1851

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Korea

Reading

Parts

龺Eminent (卓)韋

Example Word

韓国: Korea. The Japanese proper noun '韓国 (かんこく)' refers to 'Korea', specifically South Korea. It is used to denote the country, its culture, people, or anything related to it. For example: I want to visit Korea「韓国に行きたい」(かんこくにいきたい). Korean food is delicious「韓国料理は美味しい」(かんこくりょうりはおいしい). The term is commonly used in everyday conversation and media when discussing South Korea. Note that '韓国' specifically refers to South Korea, while North Korea is referred to as '北朝鮮 (きたちょうせん)'.

Radical

韋

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1951

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Can, Tin can

Reading

Example Word

缶詰: canned food. The Japanese noun '缶詰 (かんづめ)' refers to 'canned food'. This term is used to describe food that has been preserved and sealed in cans. It is commonly used in everyday conversation when referring to various types of canned goods, such as vegetables, fruits, or meats. For example: I bought canned tuna「缶詰のツナを買いました」(かんづめのツナをかいました). Canned food is convenient for camping「缶詰はキャンプに便利です」(かんづめはキャンプにべんりです). Additionally, '缶詰' can also metaphorically describe a situation where someone is confined or isolated, similar to being 'canned', though this usage is less common and more contextual.

Radical

缶

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1991

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Article, Goodwill

Reading

Parts

欠Lack 士Samurai 示Show, Indicate

Radical

欠

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2117

Handwriting