Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Make

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)𠂉Person (人)二Two 丨Stick

Example Word

作り: make. The Japanese noun '作り (つくり)' refers to the act of making, creating, or constructing something. It can also denote the structure, build, or composition of an object. This word is often used in contexts related to craftsmanship, manufacturing, or the inherent design of something. For example: the make of this car is excellent「この車の作りは素晴らしい」(このくるまのつくりはすばらしい). The structure of this building is unique「この建物の作りは独特だ」(このたてもののつくりはどくとくだ). Additionally, '作り' can be used metaphorically to describe the nature or character of a person, as in '彼の作りは頑丈だ (かれのつくりはがんじょうだ) (His build is sturdy).'

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

96

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Early, Fast

Reading

Parts

日Day, Sun 十Ten

Example Word

早期: early. The Japanese noun '早期 (そうき)' means 'early' and is often used to refer to the early stages of something, such as a period, phase, or condition. It is commonly used in contexts like early detection, early treatment, or early stages of development. For example: early detection of cancer「がんの早期発見」(がんのそうきはっけん). Early treatment is important「早期治療が重要です」(そうきちりょうがじゅうようです). The word emphasizes the importance of acting or identifying something in its initial stages.

Radical

日

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

207

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Left

Reading

Parts

工Construction 𠂇Cliff (厂)

Example Word

左右: leftright. The Japanese noun '左右 (さゆう)' means 'left and right'. This term is used to refer to the directions of left and right, or to describe something that is influenced or controlled by two opposing forces. It can also be used metaphorically to describe being undecided or influenced by different factors. For example: look to the left and right「左右を見てください」(さゆうをみてください). The decision was influenced by various factors「その決定はさまざまな要因に左右された」(そのけっていはさまざまなよういんにさゆうされた).

Radical

工

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

266

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Tea

Reading

Parts

艹Grass 人Person 木Tree, Wood

Example Word

無茶: reckless. The Japanese adjectival noun '無茶 (むちゃ)' primarily means 'reckless' or 'unreasonable'. It is often used to describe actions or behavior that are done without considering the consequences or that defy common sense. For example: He made a reckless decision「彼は無茶な決断をした」(かれはむちゃなけつだんをした). Don't do anything unreasonable「無茶をしないで」(むちゃをしないで). The word can also imply something being excessive or absurd, such as in the phrase '無茶苦茶 (むちゃくちゃ)', which means 'utterly chaotic' or 'completely messed up'.

Radical

艸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

361

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Difference

Reading

Parts

左Left 羊Sheep

Example Word

眼差し: gaze. The Japanese noun '眼差し (まなざし)' refers to the way someone looks at something or someone, often implying a certain emotion or intention behind the gaze. It can convey feelings such as affection, scrutiny, or intensity. For example: her gaze was full of love「彼女の眼差しは愛に満ちていた」(かのじょのまなざしはあいにみちていた). His gaze was sharp and piercing「彼の眼差しは鋭くて貫くようだった」(かれのまなざしはするどくてつらぬくようだった). This word is often used in literary or poetic contexts to describe the depth or quality of someone's look.

Radical

工

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

547

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Assist, Help

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)左Left

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

620

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Again, Twice

Reading

Parts

一One 冉

Example Word

再建: rebuilding. The Japanese noun '再建 (さいけん)' means 'rebuilding'. It refers to the process of reconstructing or restoring something that has been damaged, destroyed, or fallen into disrepair. This term is often used in contexts such as rebuilding structures, organizations, or systems. For example: the rebuilding of the city after the earthquake「地震の後の街の再建」(じしんのあとのまちのさいけん). The company is undergoing rebuilding「会社は再建中です」(かいしゃはさいけんちゅうです). It can also be used metaphorically, such as rebuilding trust or relationships.

Radical

冂

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

658

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Sand

Reading

Parts

石Stone 少Few

Example Word

砂糖: sugar. The Japanese noun '砂糖 (さとう)' means 'sugar'. It refers to the sweet crystalline substance used to flavor food and drinks. This word is commonly used in everyday contexts, such as cooking or discussing food. For example: I put sugar in my coffee「コーヒーに砂糖を入れました」(コーヒーにさとうをいれました). This cake has a lot of sugar「このケーキは砂糖が多い」(このケーキはさとうがおおい). The word '砂糖' is neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal settings.

Radical

石

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

940

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Investigate

Reading

Parts

木Tree, Wood 且Moreover, Also

Example Word

監査: audit. The Japanese noun '監査 (かんさ)' refers to an 'audit', which is a systematic examination or review of financial records, processes, or systems to ensure accuracy, compliance, or efficiency. This term is commonly used in business, finance, and legal contexts. For example: The company conducted an internal audit「会社は内部監査を行った」(かいしゃはないぶかんさをおこなった). The audit revealed discrepancies in the accounts「監査により帳簿の不一致が明らかになった」(かんさによりちょうぼのふいっちがあきらかになった). It is important to note that '監査' often implies a formal or official review process.

Radical

木

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

986

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Sand

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)少Few

Example Word

沙汰: matter or news. The Japanese noun '沙汰 (さた)' can mean 'matter' or 'news', depending on the context. It is often used to refer to an event, incident, or piece of information that is noteworthy or requires attention. For example: I heard about the matter「その沙汰を聞いた」(そのさたをきいた). There's no news from him「彼からの沙汰がない」(かれからのさたがない). The word can also imply something that is being discussed or judged, as in '世間の沙汰 (せけんのさた) (public judgment)'. It is a somewhat formal or old-fashioned term, often used in written or formal spoken contexts.

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1275

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Chain

Reading

Parts

釒Gold (金)貝Shellfish

Example Word

閉鎖: closure. The Japanese noun '閉鎖 (へいさ)' means 'closure'. It refers to the act of closing something, such as a facility, business, or system, or the state of being closed. This word is often used in contexts like the closure of a road, a school, or a business. For example: The factory's closure was announced「工場の閉鎖が発表された」(こうじょうのへいさがはっぴょうされた). The road closure caused traffic「道路の閉鎖で渋滞が起きた」(どうろのへいさでじゅうたいがおきた). It can also be used metaphorically, such as the closure of a chapter in life or a project.

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1621

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Lie, Swindle

Reading

Parts

訁Say (言)乍

Example Word

詐欺: fraud. The Japanese noun '詐欺 (さぎ)' means 'fraud'. It refers to the act of deceiving someone for personal gain, often involving money or property. This word is commonly used in legal, financial, and everyday contexts to describe scams, swindles, or dishonest schemes. For example: He was arrested for fraud「彼は詐欺で逮捕された」(かれはさぎでたいほされた). This is a classic case of fraud「これは典型的な詐欺です」(これはてんけいてきなさぎです). The term can also be used in compound words, such as '詐欺師 (さぎし)' (fraudster or con artist).

Radical

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1987

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Entice, Instigate

Reading

Parts

口Mouth 夋

Example Word

示唆: hint. The Japanese noun '示唆 (しさ)' means 'hint' or 'suggestion'. It refers to an indirect indication or clue that implies something without stating it explicitly. This word is often used in formal or intellectual contexts, such as academic discussions, literature, or professional advice. For example: The professor gave a hint about the exam questions「教授は試験問題について示唆を与えた」(きょうじゅはしけんもんだいについてしさをあたえた). Her words contained a subtle suggestion「彼女の言葉には微妙な示唆が含まれていた」(かのじょのことばにはびみょうなしさがふくまれていた). Note that '示唆' is more formal than other words like 'ヒント' (hint) or '暗示' (あんじ, implication), and it often carries a nuanced or sophisticated tone.

Radical

口

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1997

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Sprain

Reading

Parts

扌Hand (手)坐

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2003

Handwriting