Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Gold

Reading

Parts

全Whole, All 丷Divide

Example Word

金もうけ: moneymaking. The Japanese verbal noun '金もうけ (かねもうけ)' refers to the act of making money or earning a profit. It is often used in contexts where the focus is on generating income, whether through business, investments, or other means. This term can carry a neutral or slightly negative connotation, depending on the context, implying a focus on profit over other considerations. Example sentences: He is only interested in moneymaking「彼は金もうけにしか興味がない」(かれはかねもうけにしかきょうみがない). Moneymaking is not the only goal in life「金もうけだけが人生の目標ではない」(かねもうけだけがじんせいのもくひょうではない).

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

113

Radical Form

釒

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Near

Reading

Parts

斤Axe, Catty ⻌Walk

Example Word

近所: neighborhood. The Japanese noun '近所 (きんじょ)' refers to the area or vicinity near one's home or a specific location. It is commonly used to describe the surrounding area where people live, often implying familiarity and proximity. For example: I often see my neighbor in the neighborhood「近所でよく隣人を見かけます」(きんじょでよくりんじんをみかけます). The neighborhood is very quiet「近所はとても静かです」(きんじょはとてもしずかです). This word can also imply a sense of community or the people living nearby, as in '近所の人 (きんじょのひと) (neighbor/people in the neighborhood)'.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

122

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Muscle, Tendon

Reading

Parts

⺮Bamboo (竹)肋

Example Word

筋道: logic or sequence. The Japanese noun '筋道 (すじみち)' refers to a logical sequence or a coherent line of reasoning. It is often used to describe a well-structured argument, a clear process, or a systematic approach to solving a problem. For example: His explanation lacks logic「彼の説明には筋道がない」(かれのせつめいにはすじみちがない). Follow the proper sequence「筋道を追ってください」(すじみちをおってください). The word emphasizes the importance of clarity and order in thought or action.

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

805

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Diligence

Reading

Parts

堇 力Power

Example Word

勤め先: workplace. The Japanese noun '勤め先 (つとめさき)' refers to the place where someone is employed or works. It is commonly used to describe one's workplace or office. This term is often used in formal or professional contexts. For example: My workplace is in Tokyo「私の勤め先は東京です」(わたしのつとめさきはとうきょうです). He is looking for a new workplace「彼は新しい勤め先を探しています」(かれはあたらしいつとめさきをさがしています). The term emphasizes the location or institution where one is employed, rather than the act of working itself.

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

962

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ban, Prohibition

Reading

Parts

示Show, Indicate 林Grove

Example Word

禁止: prohibition. The Japanese verbal noun '禁止 (きんし)' means 'prohibition' or 'ban'. It is used to indicate that something is not allowed or is forbidden. This word is commonly seen on signs and in rules, such as 'No Smoking' or 'No Entry'. For example: Smoking is prohibited here「ここでは喫煙が禁止されています」(ここではきつえんがきんしされています). Photography is prohibited in this area「このエリアでは撮影が禁止されています」(このエリアではさつえいがきんしされています). The word '禁止' is often used in formal or official contexts to indicate rules or regulations that must be followed.

Radical

示

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1233

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

A wee bit

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)堇

Example Word

僅か: slightly or barely. The Japanese adverb '僅か (わずか)' is used to indicate a small amount or degree. It can mean 'slightly' or 'barely', depending on the context. This word is often used to emphasize how little or minimal something is. For example: The difference is slight「その違いは僅かだ」(そのちがいはわずかだ). He barely passed the exam「彼は僅かに試験に合格した」(かれはわずかにしけんにごうかくした). Note that '僅か' can also be used as a noun, as in '僅かな時間 (わずかなじかん) (a little time)'.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1301

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Neck, Collar

Reading

Parts

衤 禁Ban, Prohibition

Example Word

襟: collar. The Japanese noun '襟 (えり)' refers to the collar of a piece of clothing, such as a shirt, jacket, or coat. It is commonly used in fashion and everyday conversation to describe the part of clothing that fits around the neck. For example: This shirt has a stiff collar「このシャツは襟が硬い」(このシャツはえりがかたい). I like the design of this collar「この襟のデザインが好きです」(このえりのデザインがすきです). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something that resembles a collar in shape or position, though this usage is less common.

Radical

衣

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1450

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Tense, Tighten

Reading

Parts

糸Thread 臤

Example Word

緊急: urgent. The Japanese adjectival noun '緊急 (きんきゅう)' means 'urgent' and is used to describe situations, matters, or actions that require immediate attention or action. It often conveys a sense of importance and immediacy. For example: This is an urgent matter「これは緊急の事です」(これはきんきゅうのことです). An urgent meeting was held「緊急の会議が開かれました」(きんきゅうのかいぎがひらかれました). The word is commonly used in formal or serious contexts, such as emergencies, official announcements, or critical situations.

Radical

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1467

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Koto, Harp

Reading

Parts

玨 今Now

Radical

玉

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1526

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Towel

Reading

Radical

巾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1564

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Equal, Even

Reading

Parts

土Soil 匀

Example Word

均衡: balance. The Japanese noun '均衡 (きんこう)' means 'balance' or 'equilibrium'. It is often used to describe a state of stability or equal distribution between opposing forces, elements, or conditions. This word is commonly used in contexts such as economics, physics, and everyday life to describe a harmonious or stable state. For example: The balance of power between the two countries is maintained「二つの国の間の力の均衡が保たれている」(ふたつのくにのあいだのちからのきんこうがたもたれている). The ecosystem is in balance「生態系は均衡を保っている」(せいたいけいはきんこうをたもっている). It can also refer to a mental or emotional balance, as in: She regained her emotional balance after the incident「彼女はその出来事の後に感情の均衡を取り戻した」(かのじょはそのできごとのあとにかんじょうのきんこうをとりもどした).

Radical

土

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1699

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Brocade

Reading

Parts

釒Gold (金)帛

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1753

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Discreet, Respectfully

Reading

Parts

訁Say (言)堇

Radical

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1855

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fungus, Bacteria

Reading

Parts

艹Grass 囷

Example Word

ばい菌: germs. The Japanese noun 'ばい菌 (ばいきん)' refers to 'germs' or 'bacteria'. It is commonly used in everyday conversation to describe harmful microorganisms that can cause illness or infection. This word often carries a negative connotation, as it is associated with dirt, sickness, or uncleanliness. For example: wash your hands to avoid germs「ばい菌を避けるために手を洗いなさい」(ばいきんをさけるためにてをあらいなさい). Germs are everywhere「ばい菌はどこにでもいる」(ばいきんはどこにでもいる). The term is frequently used in health-related contexts, such as hygiene or medical discussions.

Radical

艸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1968

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Axe, Catty

Reading

Radical

斤

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2067

Handwriting