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Nihongo

Classroom

そ so Jōyō Kanji Practice Quiz

Page 1

  • kanji

    Meaning

    Concept

    Reading

    kunyomiおも

    omo

    onyomiそう

    sou

    Parts

    Heart Mutual

    Example Word

    理想: ideal. The Japanese noun '理想 (りそう)' means 'ideal'. It refers to a standard of perfection or excellence that is often strived for but may not be fully attainable. This word is commonly used in contexts related to personal aspirations, societal goals, or philosophical concepts. For example: his ideal is world peace「彼の理想は世界平和です」(かれのりそうはせかいへいわです). We should aim for the ideal「理想を目指すべきです」(りそうをめざすべきです). The term can also be used in compound words like '理想的な (りそうてきな)' meaning 'idealistic' or '理想的 (りそうてき)' meaning 'ideal' as an adjective.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    13

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    3

    Frequency

    206

    Handwriting

  • kanji

    Meaning

    Element

    Reading

    onyomi

    su

    so

    Parts

    Thread Life (生)

    Example Word

    素早い: quick. The Japanese adjective '素早い (すばやい)' means 'quick' or 'swift'. It is used to describe actions, movements, or reactions that are done with speed and agility. This word often carries a nuance of efficiency and precision, not just raw speed. For example: He made a quick decision「彼は素早い決断をした」(かれはすばやいけつだんをした). The cat moved quickly「猫は素早く動いた」(ねこはすばやくうごいた). It can also describe someone who is quick-witted or sharp, as in '素早い返事 (すばやいへんじ) (a quick reply)'.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    10

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    5

    Frequency

    413

    Handwriting

  • kanji

    Meaning

    Association, Group

    Reading

    kunyomi

    ku

    くみ

    kumi

    onyomi

    so

    Parts

    Thread Moreover, Also

    Example Word

    組み合わせ: combination. The Japanese noun '組み合わせ (くみあわせ)' means 'combination'. It refers to the act or result of combining different elements, items, or ideas into a unified whole. This word is commonly used in contexts such as food pairings, fashion, or even abstract concepts like strategies or plans. For example: a good combination of colors「色の良い組み合わせ」(いろのよいくみあわせ). The combination of these ingredients is perfect「これらの材料の組み合わせは完璧です」(これらのざいりょうのくみあわせはかんぺきです). Note that this word can also imply a deliberate or thoughtful arrangement of elements.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    11

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    2

    Frequency

    489

    Handwriting

  • kanji

    Meaning

    Ancestor

    Reading

    onyomi

    so

    Parts

    Cult (示)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

    Stroke Count

    9

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    5

    Frequency

    737

    Handwriting

  • kanji

    Meaning

    Sue, Appeal

    Reading

    kunyomiうった

    utta

    onyomi

    so

    Parts

    Say (言)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

    Stroke Count

    12

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    7

    Frequency

    1240

    Handwriting

  • kanji

    Meaning

    Coarse, Rough

    Reading

    kunyomiあら

    ara

    onyomi

    so

    Parts

    Rice 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

    Stroke Count

    11

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    8

    Frequency

    1432

    Handwriting

  • kanji

    Meaning

    Moreover, Also

    Reading

    kunyomi

    ka

    onyomiしょう

    shou

    しょ

    sho

    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

    Stroke Count

    5

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    9

    Frequency

    1576

    Handwriting

  • kanji

    Meaning

    Foundation stone, Foundation

    Reading

    kunyomiいしずえ

    ishizue

    onyomi

    so

    Parts

    Stone

    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

    Stroke Count

    18

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    8

    Frequency

    1642

    Handwriting

  • kanji

    Meaning

    Aim

    Reading

    kunyomiねら

    nera

    onyomi

    so

    Parts

    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

    Stroke Count

    8

    Grade

    10

    Frequency

    1661

    Handwriting

  • kanji

    Meaning

    Sparse, Alienate

    Reading

    kunyomiうと

    uto

    まば

    maba

    onyomiしょ

    sho

    so

    Parts

    Bundle, Bind

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    12

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    9

    Frequency

    1707

    Handwriting

  • kanji

    Meaning

    Dispose, Set aside

    Reading

    onyomi

    so

    Parts

    Hand (手)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

    Stroke Count

    11

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    8

    Frequency

    1881

    Handwriting

  • kanji

    Meaning

    Formerly

    Reading

    kunyomiかつ

    katsu

    すなわち

    sunawachi

    かつて

    katsute

    onyomiぞう

    zou

    そう

    sou

    so

    Parts

    Divide Rice field Day, Sun

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    11

    Grade

    10

    Frequency

    1966

    Handwriting

  • kanji

    Meaning

    Tariff, Land tax

    Reading

    onyomi

    so

    Parts

    Cereal Moreover, Also

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    10

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    9

    Frequency

    1977

    Handwriting

  • kanji

    Meaning

    Hinder, Thwart

    Reading

    kunyomiはば

    haba

    onyomi

    so

    Parts

    Moreover, Also

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    8

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    8

    Frequency

    2023

    Handwriting

  • kanji

    Meaning

    Retrace the past, Go upstream

    Reading

    kunyomiさかのぼ

    sakanobo

    onyomiさく

    saku

    so

    Parts

    Walk

    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

    Stroke Count

    13

    Grade

    10

    Frequency

    2060

    Handwriting

  • kanji

    Meaning

    Model

    Reading

    kunyomiでく

    deku

    onyomi

    so

    Parts

    Soil

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    13

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    9

    Frequency

    2126

    Handwriting