Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Concept

Reading

Parts

心Heart 相Mutual

Example Word

想定: assumption. The Japanese noun '想定 (そうてい)' means 'assumption' or 'supposition'. It refers to a scenario or condition that is assumed or hypothesized for the purpose of planning, analysis, or discussion. This word is often used in contexts like business, disaster preparedness, or strategic planning. For example: We need to consider all possible assumptions「すべての想定を考慮する必要がある」(すべてのそうていをこうりょするひつようがある). The assumption of a natural disaster is crucial for emergency planning「自然災害の想定は緊急計画に重要だ」(しぜんさいがいのそうていはきんきゅうけいかくにじゅうようだ).

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

206

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Element

Reading

Parts

糸Thread 龶Life (生)

Example Word

要素: element or factor. The Japanese noun '要素 (ようそ)' can mean both 'element' and 'factor'. As 'element', it refers to a fundamental or essential part of something, often used in scientific or technical contexts. For example: Hydrogen is an important element「水素は重要な要素です」(すいそはじゅうようなようそです). As 'factor', it refers to something that contributes to a result or situation. For example: Hard work is a key factor for success「努力は成功の重要な要素です」(どりょくはせいこうのじゅうようなようそです). The word is versatile and can be used in various contexts, from chemistry to social sciences.

Radical

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

413

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Association, Group

Reading

Parts

糸Thread 且Moreover, Also

Example Word

組み合わせる: combine. The Japanese verb '組み合わせる (くみあわせる)' means 'to combine' or 'to put together'. It is used when referring to the act of joining or mixing different elements, parts, or ideas to create something new or functional. This verb is often used in contexts like cooking, design, or problem-solving. For example: combine these ingredients「これらの材料を組み合わせてください」(これらのざいりょうをくみあわせてください). We combined our ideas to solve the problem「私たちは問題を解決するためにアイデアを組み合わせました」(わたしたちはもんだいをかいけつするためにアイデアをくみあわせました). Note that this verb can also imply a thoughtful or strategic combination, not just a random mix.

Radical

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

489

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ancestor

Reading

Parts

礻Cult (示)且Moreover, Also

Example Word

祖父: grandfather. The Japanese noun '祖父 (そふ)' refers to one's paternal grandfather. It is a formal term used to denote the father of one's father. This word is commonly used in both spoken and written Japanese when referring to or addressing one's grandfather. For example: My grandfather is kind「私の祖父は優しい」(わたしのそふはやさしい). I visited my grandfather「祖父を訪ねた」(そふをたずねた). It's important to note that '祖父' specifically refers to the paternal grandfather, while '外祖父 (がいそふ)' is used for the maternal grandfather, though '祖父' can sometimes be used more generally in casual contexts.

Radical

示

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

737

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Sue, Appeal

Reading

Parts

訁Say (言)斥Expel, Reject

Example Word

訴える: sue or appeal. The Japanese verb '訴える (うったえる)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'to sue', which refers to taking legal action against someone in court. For example: he sued the company for damages「彼は損害賠償を求めて会社を訴えた」(かれはそんがいばいしょうをもとめてかいしゃをうったえた). The second meaning is 'to appeal', which refers to making a strong emotional or logical request or plea. For example: she appealed to the audience for support「彼女は観客に支援を訴えた」(かのじょはかんきゃくにしえんをうったえた). The verb can also be used in contexts where someone is expressing a strong feeling or complaint, such as pain or dissatisfaction. For example: he complained of severe pain「彼は激しい痛みを訴えた」(かれははげしいいたみをうったえた).

Radical

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1240

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Coarse, Rough

Reading

Parts

米Rice 且Moreover, Also

Example Word

粗筋: outline. The Japanese noun '粗筋 (あらすじ)' refers to a summary or outline of a story, plot, or event. It is commonly used to describe the main points or general structure of a narrative, such as a book, movie, or play. For example: I read the outline of the novel「小説の粗筋を読んだ」(しょうせつのあらすじをよんだ). The outline of the movie was interesting「映画の粗筋は面白かった」(えいがのあらすじはおもしろかった). This word is often used in contexts where a brief overview or synopsis is needed, such as in reviews, summaries, or introductions to stories.

Radical

米

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1432

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Moreover, Also

Reading

Example Word

且つ: and. The Japanese conjunction '且つ (かつ)' is used to connect two statements or ideas, similar to the English 'and'. However, it is more formal and often used in written language or formal speech. It emphasizes that both connected elements are true or applicable. For example: He is intelligent and diligent「彼は賢く且つ勤勉だ」(かれはかしこくかつきんべんだ). This method is effective and safe「この方法は効果的且つ安全だ」(このほうほうはこうかてきかつあんぜんだ). Note that '且つ' is less common in casual conversation, where 'そして' or 'そして' might be used instead.

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1576

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Foundation stone, Foundation

Reading

Parts

石Stone 楚

Example Word

基礎: foundation. The Japanese noun '基礎 (きそ)' means 'foundation'. It refers to the base or underlying support of something, whether physical, conceptual, or abstract. This word is often used in contexts like education, construction, or skills development. For example: The foundation of this building is strong「この建物の基礎は強い」(このたてもののきそはつよい). Learning the basics is important「基礎を学ぶことは大切です」(きそをまなぶことはたいせつです). It can also refer to the fundamental principles or groundwork of a subject, as in '基礎知識 (きそちしき) (basic knowledge)'.

Radical

石

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1642

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Aim

Reading

Parts

犭 且Moreover, Also

Example Word

狙う: target or aim. The Japanese verb '狙う (ねらう)' primarily means 'to aim' or 'to target'. It is used when focusing on a specific goal, object, or outcome. This verb can be applied in both literal and figurative contexts. For example, in sports, it can mean aiming for a target: He aimed for the goal「彼はゴールを狙った」(かれはゴールをねらった). In a strategic context, it can mean targeting an opportunity: The company is targeting the overseas market「その会社は海外市場を狙っている」(そのかいしゃはかいがいしじょうをねらっている). Note that '狙う' often implies a deliberate and focused effort toward achieving something.

Radical

犬

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1661

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Sparse, Alienate

Reading

Parts

疋 束Bundle, Bind

Radical

疋

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1707

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Dispose, Set aside

Reading

Parts

扌Hand (手)昔Old times

Example Word

措置: measure. The Japanese verbal noun '措置 (そち)' refers to a 'measure' or 'step' taken to address a situation or problem. It is often used in formal or official contexts to describe actions or policies implemented to resolve issues. For example: The government took measures to prevent the spread of the disease「政府は病気の拡散を防ぐための措置を取った」(せいふはびょうきのかくさんをふせぐためのそちをとった). The company implemented safety measures「会社は安全措置を実施した」(かいしゃはあんぜんそちをじっしした). This term is commonly used in discussions about policies, regulations, or administrative actions.

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1881

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Formerly

Reading

Parts

丷Divide 田Rice field 日Day, Sun

Radical

曰

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1966

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Tariff, Land tax

Reading

Parts

禾Cereal 且Moreover, Also

Radical

禾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1977

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Hinder, Thwart

Reading

Parts

⻖ 且Moreover, Also

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2023

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Retrace the past, Go upstream

Reading

Parts

辶Walk 朔

Example Word

遡る: go back or trace back. The Japanese verb '遡る (さかのぼる)' primarily means 'to go back' or 'to trace back' in time or to a point of origin. It is often used to describe retracing steps, revisiting past events, or exploring the origins of something. For example: Let's trace back the history of this tradition「この伝統の歴史を遡りましょう」(このでんとうのれきしをさかのぼりましょう). The river flows back to its source「その川は源まで遡る」(そのかわはみなもとまでさかのぼる). This verb can be used in both literal and figurative contexts, making it versatile in describing time, history, or even physical paths.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2060

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Model

Reading

Parts

土Soil 朔

Radical

土

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2126

Handwriting