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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

    予想: expectation or prediction. The Japanese verbal noun '予想 (よそう)' can mean either 'prediction' or 'expectation', depending on the context. It refers to an act of foreseeing or anticipating something that might happen in the future. For example: His prediction was correct「彼の予想は正しかった」(かれのよそうはただしかった). We had high expectations for the event「私たちはそのイベントに高い予想をしていた」(わたしたちはそのイベントにたかいよそうをしていた). It is often used in contexts involving forecasts, such as weather predictions or market trends. The nuance can shift slightly depending on whether the focus is on a calculated guess (prediction) or a hopeful anticipation (expectation).

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    13

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    3

    Frequency

    206

    Handwriting

  • kanji

    Meaning

    Element

    Reading

    onyomi

    su

    so

    Parts

    Thread Life (生)

    Example Word

    酵素: enzyme. The Japanese noun '酵素 (こうそ)' refers to 'enzyme', which is a protein that acts as a catalyst in biochemical reactions. Enzymes are essential for various biological processes, such as digestion and metabolism. For example: enzymes help break down food「酵素は食べ物を分解するのを助けます」(こうそはたべものをぶんかいするのをたすけます). This product contains digestive enzymes「この製品には消化酵素が含まれています」(このせいひんにはしょうかこうそがふくまれています). The term is commonly used in scientific, medical, and everyday contexts related to health and biology.

    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

    組合: union. The Japanese noun '組合 (くみあい)' refers to a 'union', typically a labor union or trade union. It is used to describe an organized association of workers formed to protect and further their rights and interests. This term can also refer to other types of associations or cooperatives, such as a cooperative society or a guild. For example: He joined the labor union「彼は労働組合に入った」(かれはろうどうくみあいにはいった). The farmers' cooperative is strong「農民組合は強い」(のうみんくみあいはつよい). The word can also be used in a broader sense to refer to any kind of organized group or association, but it is most commonly associated with labor unions.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    11

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    2

    Frequency

    489

    Handwriting

  • kanji

    Meaning

    Ancestor

    Reading

    onyomi

    so

    Parts

    Cult (示)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

    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

    訴訟: lawsuit. The Japanese noun '訴訟 (そしょう)' refers to a 'lawsuit' or 'legal action'. It is used in the context of legal disputes where one party takes another to court to resolve a conflict. This term is commonly used in legal, business, and personal contexts. For example: He filed a lawsuit「彼は訴訟を起こした」(かれはそしょうをおこした). The company is involved in a lawsuit「その会社は訴訟に関わっている」(そのかいしゃはそしょうにかかわっている). The word can also appear in compound terms like '民事訴訟 (みんじそしょう)' (civil lawsuit) or '刑事訴訟 (けいじそしょう)' (criminal lawsuit).

    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

    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