Page 1
kanji
想Meaning
Concept
Reading
kunyomiおもomo
onyomiそうsou
Parts
心Heart 相Mutual
Example Word
連想: association. The Japanese noun '連想 (れんそう)' means 'association'. It refers to the mental connection or link between ideas, memories, or concepts. This word is often used in contexts where one thing reminds you of another, such as in psychology, creative thinking, or everyday conversation. For example: This song brings back memories「この曲は連想を呼び起こす」(このきょくはれんそうをよびおこす). The word 'red' often leads to the association of 'apple'「『赤』という言葉は『りんご』の連想を引き起こす」(『あか』ということばは『りんご』のれんそうをひきおこす). It can also be used in phrases like '連想ゲーム (れんそうゲーム)' (association game), where participants connect words based on their associations.
Radical
心
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
206
Handwriting
kanji
素Meaning
Element
Reading
onyomiすsu
そso
Parts
糸Thread 龶Life (生)
Example Word
素: pure. The Japanese prefix '素 (そ)' conveys the idea of something being pure, unadulterated, or in its natural state. It is often used to describe things that are unprocessed, unrefined, or free from artificial elements. For example: pure water「素水」(そすい). This prefix can also imply simplicity or a lack of pretense, as in '素顔 (すがお) (bare face, no makeup)'. Additionally, it can be used in contexts related to skill or talent, such as '素人 (しろうと) (amateur, literally 'pure person')', which contrasts with '玄人 (くろうと) (professional)'. Example sentences: She has a pure heart「彼女は素心だ」(かのじょはそしんだ). I prefer natural ingredients「私は素の材料が好きです」(わたしはそのざいりょうがすきです).
Radical
糸
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N1Grade
5Frequency
413
Handwriting
kanji
組Meaning
Association, Group
Reading
kunyomiくku
くみkumi
onyomiそso
Parts
糸Thread 且Moreover, Also
Example Word
組み込む: incorporate or embed. The Japanese verb '組み込む (くみこむ)' means 'to incorporate' or 'to embed'. It is used when something is integrated or built into a system, structure, or plan. This verb often implies that the incorporated element becomes an essential or inseparable part of the whole. For example: The new feature was incorporated into the software「新しい機能がソフトウェアに組み込まれた」(あたらしいきのうがソフトウェアにくみこまれた). He embedded the code into the program「彼はコードをプログラムに組み込んだ」(かれはコードをプログラムにくみこんだ). The verb is commonly used in technical, organizational, or creative contexts to describe the process of adding or integrating components.
Radical
糸
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N3Grade
2Frequency
489
Handwriting
kanji
祖Meaning
Ancestor
Reading
onyomiそso
Parts
礻Cult (示)且Moreover, Also
Example Word
お祖父さん: grandfather. The Japanese noun 'お祖父さん (おじいさん)' means 'grandfather'. It is a polite and respectful term used to refer to one's own grandfather or someone else's grandfather. This term is commonly used in both formal and informal settings. For example: My grandfather is kind「私のお祖父さんは優しい」(わたしのおじいさんはやさしい). His grandfather lives in Kyoto「彼のお祖父さんは京都に住んでいます」(かれのおじいさんはきょうとにすんでいます). It's important to note that 'お祖父さん' can also be used to refer to elderly men in general, showing respect and politeness.
Radical
示
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N3Grade
5Frequency
737
Handwriting
kanji
訴Meaning
Sue, Appeal
Reading
kunyomiうったutta
onyomiそso
Parts
訁Say (言)斥Expel, Reject
Example Word
訴え: complaint or lawsuit. The Japanese noun '訴え (うったえ)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'complaint', referring to an expression of dissatisfaction or grievance. For example: He filed a complaint about the noise「彼は騒音についての訴えを提出した」(かれはそうおんについてのうったえをていしゅつした). The second meaning is 'lawsuit', referring to a legal action brought in a court of law. For example: The company faced a lawsuit「その会社は訴えに直面した」(そのかいしゃはうったえにちょくめんした). The context in which '訴え' is used will determine whether it refers to a complaint or a legal action.
Radical
言
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
1240
Handwriting
kanji
粗Meaning
Coarse, Rough
Reading
kunyomiあらara
onyomiそso
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
11JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
1432
Handwriting
kanji
且Meaning
Moreover, Also
Reading
kunyomiかka
onyomiしょうshou
しょsho
そso
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
5JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
1576
Handwriting
kanji
礎Meaning
Foundation stone, Foundation
Reading
kunyomiいしずえishizue
onyomiそso
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
18JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
1642
Handwriting
kanji
狙Meaning
Aim
Reading
kunyomiねらnera
onyomiそso
Parts
犭 且Moreover, Also
Example Word
狙い: aim. The Japanese noun '狙い (ねらい)' means 'aim' or 'target'. It refers to the goal or objective one is trying to achieve, often in a strategic or deliberate manner. This word is commonly used in contexts involving plans, strategies, or intentions. For example: His aim is to win the competition「彼の狙いはコンテストに勝つことです」(かれのねらいはコンテストにかつことです). The sniper took aim at the target「狙撃手は狙いを定めた」(そげきしゅはねらいをさだめた). Additionally, '狙い' can imply a hidden or underlying intention, such as in '彼の狙いは何だろう？ (かれのねらいはなんだろう？) (What is his aim?).'
Radical
犬
Stroke Count
8JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
1661
Handwriting
kanji
措Meaning
Dispose, Set aside
Reading
onyomiそso
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
11JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
1881
Handwriting
kanji
遡Meaning
Retrace the past, Go upstream
Reading
kunyomiさかのぼsakanobo
onyomiさくsaku
そso
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
13JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
2060
Handwriting