Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Concept

Reading

Parts

心Heart 相Mutual

Example Word

幻想: illusion or fantasy. The Japanese noun '幻想 (げんそう)' can mean both 'illusion' and 'fantasy', depending on the context. It refers to something that is imagined or perceived but not real. When used to mean 'illusion', it often describes a deceptive or misleading perception. For example: he lives in an illusion「彼は幻想の中に生きている」(かれはげんそうのなかにいきている). When used to mean 'fantasy', it refers to a creative or imaginative idea. For example: her story is full of fantasy「彼女の物語は幻想に満ちている」(かのじょのものがたりはげんそうにみちている). The word is commonly used in literature, art, and discussions about perception versus reality.

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

206

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Element

Reading

Parts

糸Thread 龶Life (生)

Example Word

素材: material. The Japanese noun '素材 (そざい)' primarily means 'material'. It refers to the raw substance or components used to create or build something. This term is commonly used in contexts such as cooking, art, construction, and manufacturing. For example: This dish uses fresh ingredients「この料理は新鮮な素材を使っています」(このりょうりはしんせんなそざいをつかっています). The artist chose high-quality materials「その芸術家は高品質の素材を選びました」(そのげいじゅつかはこうひんしつのそざいをえらびました). The word can also metaphorically refer to the basis or foundation of something, such as ideas or stories.

Radical

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

413

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Association, Group

Reading

Parts

糸Thread 且Moreover, Also

Example Word

枠組み: framework. The Japanese noun '枠組み (わくぐみ)' refers to a 'framework' or 'structure'. It is used to describe the basic structure or outline of something, such as a plan, system, or concept. This word is often used in both literal and abstract contexts. For example: the framework of the project is complete「プロジェクトの枠組みが完成した」(ぷろじぇくとのわくぐみがかんせいした). We need to establish a new framework for the organization「組織の新しい枠組みを確立する必要がある」(そしきのあたらしいわくぐみをかくりつするひつようがある). The word can also imply a set of rules or guidelines that form the basis of something.

Radical

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

489

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ancestor

Reading

Parts

礻Cult (示)且Moreover, Also

Example Word

祖先: ancestor. The Japanese noun '祖先 (そせん)' refers to one's ancestors or forebears. It is commonly used to describe the lineage or family heritage of a person, group, or species. This word carries a respectful tone and is often used in historical, cultural, or genealogical contexts. For example: My ancestors came from Japan「私の祖先は日本から来ました」(わたしのそせんはにほんからきました). We should respect our ancestors「私たちは祖先を尊敬すべきです」(わたしたちはそせんをそんけいすべきです). The word can also be used in a broader sense to refer to the ancestors of humanity or other species, such as in scientific discussions about evolution.

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