Page 1
kanji
当Meaning
Hit, Appropriate
Reading
kunyomiあa
onyomiとうtou
Parts
⺌Small (小)彐Katakana yo
Example Word
見当: direction or estimate. The Japanese noun '見当 (けんとう)' can mean 'estimate' or 'direction'. When used to mean 'estimate', it refers to a rough calculation or guess about something, such as time, cost, or quantity. For example: I have an estimate of the cost「費用の見当がつく」(ひようのけんとうがつく). When used to mean 'direction', it refers to the general area or orientation where something is located. For example: I have no idea of the direction「見当がつかない」(けんとうがつかない). The word is often used in contexts where precision is not required, and it carries a nuance of approximation or uncertainty.
Radical
彐
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N3Grade
2Frequency
92
Handwriting
kanji
頭Meaning
Head
Reading
kunyomiあたまatama
かしらkashira
onyomiとうtou
ずzu
Parts
豆Beans 𦣻Neck (首)八Eight
Example Word
頭痛: headache. The Japanese noun '頭 痛 (ずつう)' means 'headache'. It refers to a pain in the head, often caused by stress, illness, or other factors. This word is commonly used in both medical and everyday contexts. For example: I have a headache「頭痛がする」(ずつうがする). She often gets headaches「彼女はよく頭痛がする」(かのじょはよくずつうがする). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe a troublesome or annoying situation, such as 'this problem is a headache'「この問題は頭痛の種だ」(このもんだいはずつうのたねだ).
Radical
頁
Stroke Count
16JLPT
N3Grade
2Frequency
129
Handwriting
kanji
等Meaning
Equal
Reading
kunyomiひとhito
らra
onyomiとうtou
Parts
⺮Bamboo (竹)寺Temple
Example Word
高等学校: highschool. The Japanese noun '高等学校 (こうとうがっこう)' refers to a 'high school', which is an educational institution for students typically aged 15 to 18. In Japan, high school is not compulsory, but most students attend to prepare for university entrance exams or vocational training. Example sentences: I go to high school「私は高等学校に行きます」(わたしはこうとうがっこうにいきます). High school is fun「高等学校は楽しい」(こうとうがっこうはたのしい). The term is often abbreviated to '高校 (こうこう)' in casual conversation.
Radical
竹
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
164
Handwriting
kanji
東Meaning
East
Reading
kunyomiひがしhigashi
onyomiとうtou
Parts
木Tree, Wood 日Day, Sun
Example Word
南東: southeast. The Japanese noun '南東 (なんとう)' means 'southeast'. It refers to the cardinal direction that is halfway between south and east. This term is commonly used in geographical contexts, such as describing the location of a place or the direction of movement. For example: The wind is coming from the southeast「風が南東から吹いている」(かぜがなんとうからふいている). The city is located to the southeast of Tokyo「その都市は東京の南東に位置している」(そのとしはとうきょうのなんとうにいちしている). The term can also be used in weather forecasts or navigation.
Radical
木
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N5Grade
2Frequency
233
Handwriting
kanji
島Meaning
Island
Reading
kunyomiしまshima
onyomiとうtou
Parts
山Mountain 鳥Bird
Example Word
諸島: archipelago. The Japanese noun '諸島 (しょとう)' refers to an 'archipelago', which is a group or chain of islands. This term is often used in geographical contexts to describe clusters of islands, such as the Japanese archipelago itself. For example: The Japanese archipelago consists of many islands「日本の諸島は多くの島々から成る」(にほんのしょとうはおおくのしまじまからなる). The Ryukyu Islands are a famous archipelago「琉球諸島は有名な諸島です」(りゅうきゅうしょとうはゆうめいなしょとうです). The term can also be used metaphorically to describe any group or collection of similar things, though this usage is less common.
Radical
山
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N2Grade
3Frequency
292
Handwriting
kanji
答Meaning
Answer
Reading
kunyomiこたkota
onyomiとうtou
Parts
合Fit, Match 竹Bamboo
Example Word
答案: answer or test paper. The Japanese noun '答案 (とうあん)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning refers to an 'answer' or 'solution' to a problem, often in an academic or test context. The second meaning refers to a 'test paper' or 'exam sheet' itself, which includes the questions and the space for answers. For example: Please submit your answer sheet「答案を提出してください」(とうあんをていしゅつしてください). The teacher checked the answers on the test paper「先生は答案の答えを確認した」(せんせいはとうあんのこたえをかくにんした). The word is commonly used in educational settings and is important for understanding academic contexts in Japanese.
Radical
竹
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
392
Handwriting
kanji
逃Meaning
Escape
Reading
kunyomiのno
にni
のがnoga
onyomiとうtou
Parts
辶Walk 兆Omen, Trillion
Example Word
見逃す: miss or overlook. The Japanese verb '見逃す (みのがす)' can mean either 'to miss' or 'to overlook' depending on the context. When used to mean 'to miss', it refers to failing to see or notice something, often due to inattention or bad timing. For example: I missed the train「電車を見逃した」(でんしゃをみのがした). When used to mean 'to overlook', it refers to deliberately or accidentally ignoring or failing to take action on something. For example: The teacher overlooked the student's mistake「先生は生徒のミスを見逃した」(せんせいはせいとのミスをみのがした). This verb is often used in situations where something important or noteworthy is not properly noticed or addressed.
Radical
辵
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N3Grade
7Frequency
446
Handwriting
kanji
刀Meaning
Sword
Reading
kunyomiちchi
かたなkatana
onyomiとうtou
Parts
丿Katakana no 𠃌Enclosure
Example Word
刀: sword. The Japanese noun '刀 (かたな)' refers to a traditional Japanese sword, particularly the single-edged, curved blade used by samurai. It is a culturally significant weapon in Japan, often associated with the samurai class and martial arts. The term can also be used more broadly to refer to any type of sword, but it is most commonly associated with the katana. Example sentences: He owns a beautiful sword「彼は美しい刀を持っている」(かれはうつくしいかたなをもっている). The sword is sharp「その刀は鋭い」(そのかたなはするどい).
Radical
刀
Stroke Count
2JLPT
N1Grade
2Frequency
603
Radical Form
刂
Handwriting
kanji
投Meaning
Throw
Reading
kunyomiなna
onyomiとうtou
Parts
扌Hand (手)殳Pike
Example Word
投資: investment. The Japanese verbal noun '投資 (とうし)' means 'investment'. It refers to the act of investing money, time, or resources into something with the expectation of achieving a profit or benefit. This term is commonly used in financial contexts but can also apply to non-monetary investments, such as investing effort into a project. For example: He made a good investment in stocks「彼は株に良い投資をした」(かれはかぶにいいとうしをした). Investing in education is important「教育への投資は重要だ」(きょういくへのとうしはじゅうようだ). The word can also be used metaphorically, such as investing time in a relationship.
Radical
手
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
617
Handwriting
kanji
倒Meaning
Topple, Overthrow
Reading
kunyomiたおtao
onyomiとうtou
Parts
亻Person (人)到Reach, Arrival
Example Word
倒産: bankruptcy. The Japanese verbal noun '倒産 (とうさん)' refers to the state or event of a business going bankrupt or insolvent. It is commonly used in economic and business contexts to describe a company's failure to continue operations due to financial difficulties. For example: The company went bankrupt「その会社は倒産した」(そのかいしゃはとうさんした). Many small businesses face bankruptcy「多くの小企業が倒産に直面している」(おおくのしょうきぎょうがとうさんにちょくめんしている). The term is often used in news reports or discussions about economic trends.
Radical
人
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N3Grade
7Frequency
662
Handwriting
kanji
登Meaning
Ascend
Reading
kunyomiのぼnobo
onyomiとto
とうtou
Parts
癶Dotted tent 豆Beans
Example Word
登録: registration. The Japanese verbal noun '登録 (とうろく)' means 'registration'. It refers to the act of officially recording or entering information into a system, list, or database. This term is commonly used in contexts such as signing up for services, registering for events, or enrolling in programs. For example: I completed the registration「登録を完了しました 」(とうろくをかんりょうしました). Please register your email address「メールアドレスを登録してください」(メールアドレスをとうろくしてください). The word can also imply formal acknowledgment or certification, as in '登録商標 (とうろくしょうひょう) (registered trademark)'.
Radical
癶
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
666
Handwriting
kanji
湯Meaning
Hot water
Reading
kunyomiゆyu
onyomiとうtou
Parts
氵Water (水)昜Sunray
Example Word
湯気: steam. The Japanese noun '湯気 (ゆげ)' refers to 'steam' or 'vapor', specifically the visible mist that rises from hot water or other heated liquids. It is commonly used in everyday contexts, such as when describing steam from a hot bath, tea, or food. For example: The steam from the hot spring is warm「温泉の湯気は温かい」(おんせんのゆげはあたたかい). Steam is rising from the cup of tea「湯気がお茶のカップから立ち上っている」(ゆげがおちゃのカップからたちあがっている). This word is often associated with warmth and comfort, particularly in Japanese culture, where hot baths and tea are deeply ingrained.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N2Grade
3Frequency
716
Handwriting
kanji
踏Meaning
Step on, Step
Reading
kunyomiふfu
onyomiとうtou
Parts
足Foot, Sufficient 沓
Example Word
踏切: crossing or railroad. The Japanese noun '踏切 (ふみきり)' refers to a 'railroad crossing', which is a place where a road or path intersects with railway tracks. It is commonly used in contexts related to transportation and safety. For example: Be careful at the railroad crossing「踏切に気をつけて」(ふみきりにきをつけて). The train is approaching the crossing「電車が踏切に近づいている」(でんしゃがふみきりにちかづいている). This word is essential for understanding directions and safety warnings in Japan.
Radical
足
Stroke Count
15JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
736
Handwriting
kanji
灯Meaning
Light, Lamp
Reading
kunyomiひhi
onyomiとうtou
Parts
火Fire 丁Street
Example Word
灯: light. The Japanese suffix '灯 (とう)' means 'light' and is often used in compound words related to lighting or illumination. It is derived from the kanji 灯, which represents a lamp or light source. This suffix is commonly found in words like '街灯 (がいとう)' (streetlight) or '信号灯 (しんごうとう)' (traffic light). For example: The streetlight is bright「街灯が明るい」(がいとうがあかるい). The traffic light turned red「信号灯が赤になった」(しんごうとうがあかになった). Note that 灯 is rarely used as a standalone word and typically appears as part of compound nouns.
Radical
火
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
755
Handwriting
kanji
冬Meaning
Winter
Reading
kunyomiふゆfuyu
onyomiとうtou
Parts
夂Late 冫Ice (水)
Example Word
冬休み: winter vacation. The Japanese noun '冬休み (ふゆやすみ)' refers to a 'winter vacation' or 'winter break'. This term is commonly used to describe the holiday period during winter, especially in schools and workplaces. It typically occurs around late December to early January, coinciding with the New Year holidays in Japan. For example: I will go skiing during winter vacation「冬休みにスキーに行きます」(ふゆやすみにスキーにいきます). Winter vacation is a time to relax「冬休みはリラックスする時間です」(ふゆやすみはリラックスするじかんです). The term is often associated with family gatherings, travel, and seasonal activities.
Radical
冫
Stroke Count
5JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
817
Handwriting
kanji
統Meaning
Unite
Reading
kunyomiすsu
onyomiとうtou
Parts
糸Thread 充Fill, Allocate
Example Word
統一: unification. The Japanese verbal noun '統一 (とういつ)' means 'unification'. It refers to the act of combining or integrating separate elements into a single, cohesive whole. This term is often used in contexts such as politics, organizations, or systems where disparate parts are brought together under a common framework or authority. For example: The unification of the two companies was successful「二つの会社の統一は成功した」(ふたつのかいしゃのとういつはせいこうした). The country aims for national unification「その国は国家統一を目指している」(そのくにはこっかとういつをめざしている). It can also be used in abstract contexts, such as unifying ideas or theories.
Radical
糸
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N1Grade
5Frequency
834
Handwriting
kanji
到Meaning
Reach, Arrival
Reading
onyomiとうtou
Parts
至Arrive, Climax 刂Sword (刀)
Example Word
到底: cannot. The Japanese adverb '到底 (とうてい)' is used to express that something is absolutely impossible or cannot be done under any circumstances. It is often used in negative sentences to emphasize the impossibility of an action or situation. For example: I cannot possibly understand「到底理解できない」(とうていりかいできない). It is impossible to finish this by today「到底今日中には終わらない」(とうていきょうじゅうにはおわらない). This adverb carries a strong sense of finality and is typically used in formal or written contexts.
Radical
刀
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N3Grade
7Frequency
858
Handwriting
kanji
納Meaning
Settlement
Reading
kunyomiなna
おさosa
onyomiなんnan
とうtou
のうnou
Parts
糸Thread 內
Example Word
納得: understanding or acceptance. The Japanese verbal noun '納得 (なっとく)' refers to the act of accepting or understanding something, often after being convinced or persuaded. It implies a sense of agreement or satisfaction with an explanation or situation. For example: I finally understood his explanation「彼の説明に納得した」(かれのせつめいになっとくした). She couldn't accept the decision「彼女はその決定に納得できなかった」(かのじょはそのけっていになっとくできなかった). This word is often used in contexts where logical reasoning or emotional persuasion leads to a resolution or agreement.
Radical
糸
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N1Grade
6Frequency
904
Handwriting
kanji
党Meaning
Party, Faction
Reading
onyomiとうtou
Parts
龸 兄Older brother
Example Word
党: party. The Japanese noun '党 (とう)' primarily refers to a political party. It is used to describe organized groups of people with shared political goals and ideologies. For example: the Liberal Democratic Party「自由民主党」(じゆうみんしゅとう). He joined a new political party「彼は新しい政党に加わった」(かれはあたらしいせいとうにくわわった). While '党' can sometimes refer to factions or groups in a broader sense, its most common and significant usage is in the context of politics. It is important to note that '党' is often combined with other kanji to form the names of specific political parties, such as '民主党 (みんしゅとう)' (Democratic Party) or '共産党 (きょうさんとう)' (Communist Party).
Radical
儿
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N2Grade
6Frequency
1010
Handwriting
kanji
盗Meaning
Steal
Reading
kunyomiぬすnusu
onyomiとうtou
Parts
次Next 皿Plate
Example Word
盗む: steal. The Japanese verb '盗む (ぬすむ)' means 'to steal'. It is used to describe the act of taking something that belongs to someone else without their permission. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as stealing physical objects, ideas, or even moments. For example: He stole my wallet「彼は私の財布を盗んだ」(かれはわたしのさいふをぬすんだ). She stole the idea from her colleague「彼女は同僚からそのアイデアを盗んだ」(かのじょはどうりょうからそのアイデアをぬすんだ). It's important to note that this verb carries a strong negative connotation and is considered a serious offense in Japanese culture.
Radical
皿
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N3Grade
7Frequency
1028
Handwriting
kanji
闘Meaning
Fight, Struggle
Reading
kunyomiたたかtataka
onyomiとうtou
Parts
門Gate 豆Beans 寸Measurement
Example Word
闘争: struggle or conflict. The Japanese noun '闘争 (とうそう)' can mean 'struggle' or 'conflict'. It is often used to describe a serious or prolonged effort to overcome a challenge, or a clash between opposing forces. This word can be applied to physical, emotional, or ideological battles. For example: The workers are in a struggle for better wages「労働 者は賃金向上のための闘争中だ」(ろうどうしゃはちんぎんこうじょうのためのとうそうちゅうだ). The conflict between the two nations escalated「二国間の闘争が激化した」(にこくかんのとうそうがげきかした). Note that '闘争' carries a strong connotation of intensity and effort, and is often used in formal or serious contexts.
Radical
門
Stroke Count
18JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
1108
Handwriting
kanji
討Meaning
Chastise
Reading
kunyomiうu
onyomiとうtou
Parts
訁Say (言)寸Measurement
Example Word
検討: consideration or examination. The Japanese verbal noun '検討 (けんとう)' primarily means 'consideration' or 'examination'. It refers to the act of carefully thinking about or analyzing something, often in preparation for making a decision. This word is commonly used in formal or professional contexts, such as business meetings, academic discussions, or policy-making. For example: We will consider the proposal「提案を検討します」(ていあんをけんとうします). The committee is examining the plan「委員会はその計画を検討しています」(いいんかいはそのけいかくをけんとうしています). Note that '検討' often implies a thorough and deliberate process, and it is frequently paired with verbs like 'する' (to do) or '行う' (to carry out).
Radical
言
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N1Grade
6Frequency
1126
Handwriting
kanji
唐Meaning
Tang dynasty
Reading
kunyomiからkara
onyomiとうtou
Parts
广Dotted cliff 肀 口Mouth
Example Word
唐: China or Tang. The Japanese proper noun '唐 (とう)' primarily refers to the Tang Dynasty of China, which lasted from 618 to 907 AD. This term is often used in historical contexts to refer to this specific period. Additionally, '唐' can also be used more broadly to refer to China in general, especially in historical or literary contexts. For example: The Tang Dynasty was a golden age of Chinese culture「唐の時代は中国文化の黄金時代だった」(とうの じだいはちゅうごくぶんかのおうごんじだいだった). This art was influenced by Tang China「この芸術は唐の中国の影響を受けている」(このげいじゅつはとうのちゅうごくのえいきょうをうけている).
Radical
口
Stroke Count
10JLPT
UnknownGrade
7Frequency
1144
Handwriting
kanji
豆Meaning
Beans
Reading
kunyomiまめmame
onyomiとうtou
ずzu
Parts
一One 口Mouth 䒑Herbs
Example Word
大豆: soybean. The Japanese noun '大豆 (だいず)' refers to 'soybean', a type of legume widely used in Japanese cuisine. Soybeans are a staple ingredient in many traditional dishes, such as tofu, miso, and soy sauce. They are also consumed in their whole form, often boiled or roasted. For example: I bought soybeans at the market「市場で大豆を買いました」(いちばでだいずをかいました). Soybeans are rich in protein「大豆はタンパク質が豊富です」(だいずはタンパクしつがほうふです). The word '大豆' is commonly used in both everyday conversation and cooking contexts.
Radical
豆
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N1Grade
3Frequency
1155
Handwriting
kanji
透Meaning
Pass through, Transparent
Reading
kunyomiすsu
onyomiとうtou
Parts
辶Walk 秀Excel, Excellent
Example Word
透明: transparent. The Japanese adjectival noun '透明 (とうめい)' means 'transparent'. It is used to describe something that allows light to pass through so that objects behind can be distinctly seen. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is clear or easily understood. For example: The glass is transparent「ガラスは透明だ」(ガラスはとうめいだ). Her intentions were transparent「彼女の意図は透明だった」(かのじょのいとはとうめいだった). This word is often used in both literal and figurative contexts, making it versatile in describing clarity and visibility.
Radical
辵
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
1177
Handwriting
kanji
塔Meaning
Tower
Reading
onyomiとうtou
Parts
土Soil 荅
Example Word
塔: tower. The Japanese noun '塔 (とう)' refers to a 'tower', a tall structure that is often used for observation, communication, or as a landmark. This word is commonly used to describe both historical and modern towers, such as the Tokyo Tower or ancient pagodas. For example: The tower is tall「その塔は高い」(そのとうはたかい). We visited the old tower「私たちは古い塔を訪れた」(わたしたちはふるいとうをおとずれた). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something that stands out prominently, like a 'tower of strength'.
Radical
土
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N2Grade
7Frequency
1228
Handwriting
kanji
稲Meaning
Rice plant
Reading
kunyomiいなina
いねine
onyomiとうtou
Parts
禾Cereal 日Day, Sun
Example Word
稲: rice. The Japanese noun '稲 (いね)' refers specifically to the rice plant, particularly before it is harvested. This term is used in agricultural contexts and is distinct from '米 (こめ)', which refers to rice as a grain or food. '稲' is often associated with rice paddies and the cultivation process. For example: The rice plants are growing well「稲がよく育っている」(いねがよくそだっている). We planted rice in the field「田んぼに稲を植えた」(たんぼにいねをうえた).
Radical
禾
Stroke Count
14JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
1357
Handwriting
kanji
桃Meaning
Peach
Reading
kunyomiももmomo
onyomiとうtou
Parts
木Tree, Wood 兆Omen, Trillion
Example Word
桃: peach. The Japanese noun '桃 (もも)' refers to the fruit 'peach'. It is commonly used to describe the fruit itself, as well as things that are peach-colored or peach-shaped. In Japanese culture, peaches are often associated with longevity and good fortune, and they appear in various folktales and traditions. Example sentences: I ate a peach「桃を食べた」(ももをたべた). The peach is sweet「桃は甘い」(ももはあまい). This juice is made from peaches「このジュースは桃から作られている」(このジュースはももからつくられている).
Radical
木
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
1437
Handwriting
kanji
筒Meaning
Pipe, Cylinder
Reading
kunyomiつつtsutsu
onyomiとうtou
Parts
⺮Bamboo (竹)同Same
Example Word
封筒: envelope. The Japanese noun '封筒 (ふうとう)' refers to an 'envelope', a flat paper container used to hold letters or documents. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, such as mailing letters or storing important papers. Example sentences: Please put the letter in the envelope「手紙を封筒に入れてください」(てがみをふうとうにいれてください). I bought a pack of envelopes「封筒を一冊買いました」(ふうとうをいっさつかいました). The word is often paired with verbs like '入れる (いれる)' (to put in) or '送る (おくる)' (to send).
Radical
竹
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N2Grade
9Frequency
1473
Handwriting
kanji
凍Meaning
Freeze, Frozen
Reading
kunyomiこおkoo
こごkogo
onyomiとうtou
Parts
冫Ice (水)東East
Example Word
凍る: freeze. The Japanese verb '凍る ( こおる)' means 'to freeze'. It is used to describe the process of a liquid turning into a solid due to cold temperatures. This verb can be used for both natural phenomena and man-made situations. For example: the lake froze「湖が凍った」(みずうみがこおった). My hands are freezing「手が凍る」(てがこおる). It can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation or a person becoming emotionally cold or unresponsive. For example: his heart froze「彼の心が凍った」(かれのこころがこおった).
Radical
冫
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N2Grade
8Frequency
1616
Handwriting
kanji
瞳Meaning
Pupil
Reading
kunyomiひとみhitomi
onyomiどうdou
とうtou
Parts
目Eye 童Juvenile
Example Word
瞳: pupil. The Japanese noun '瞳 (ひとみ)' primarily refers to the 'pupil' of the eye, the black circular opening in the center of the iris. It can also poetically or metaphorically refer to the eyes themselves, often evoking a sense of beauty or depth. For example: Her pupils are beautiful「彼女の瞳は美しい」(かのじょのひとみはうつくしい). The child's eyes sparkled「子供の瞳が輝いていた」(こどものひとみがかがやいていた). This word is often used in literary or emotional contexts to emphasize the expressiveness or allure of someone's eyes.
Radical
目
Stroke Count
17JLPT
N1Grade
10Frequency
1674
Handwriting
kanji
棟Meaning
Block, Ridgepole
Reading
kunyomiむねmune
むなmuna
onyomiとうtou
Parts
木Tree, Wood 東East
Example Word
棟: building. The Japanese suffix '棟 (とう)' is used to denote a building or a structure, often in the context of counting or identifying specific buildings within a complex. It is commonly used in addresses, building names, or when referring to multiple buildings. For example: building number 3「3棟」(さんとう). The main building「本棟」(ほんとう). This suffix is particularly useful in contexts like schools, hospitals, or office complexes where there are multiple buildings. Note that '棟' can also refer to a specific wing or section of a larger building.
Radical
木
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
1757
Handwriting
kanji
糖Meaning
Sugar
Reading
onyomiとうtou
Parts
米Rice 唐Tang dynasty
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
米
Stroke Count
16JLPT
N1Grade
6Frequency
1785
Handwriting
kanji
騰Meaning
Rise, Inflation
Reading
kunyomiのぼnobo
あがaga
onyomiとうtou
Parts
月Moon, Month 駦
Example Word
沸騰: boiling. The Japanese verbal noun '沸騰 (ふっとう)' means 'boiling'. It refers to the process of a liquid reaching its boiling point and bubbling vigorously due to heat. This term is commonly used in both scientific and everyday contexts. For example: the water is boiling「お湯が沸騰している」(おゆがふっとうしている). The excitement reached a boiling point「興奮が沸騰点に達した」(こうふんがふっとうてんにたっした). In a figurative sense, it can also describe a situation or emotions reaching a peak or climax, such as 'the crowd's excitement was boiling over'「群衆の興奮が沸騰していた」(ぐんしゅうのこうふんがふっとうしていた).
Radical
馬
Stroke Count
20JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
1839
Handwriting
kanji
酬Meaning
Reward, Repay
Reading
kunyomiむくmuku
onyomiしゅshu
とうtou
しゅうshuu
Parts
酉Bird of the zodiac 州State
Example Word
報酬: reward or compensation. The Japanese noun '報酬 (ほうしゅう)' refers to a reward or compensation given in return for services, work, or effort. It is commonly used in professional or contractual contexts to describe payment, bonuses, or other forms of remuneration. For example: The company paid a generous reward for his hard work「会社は彼の努力に対して寛大な報酬を支払った」(かいしゃはかれのどりょくにたいしてかんだいなほうしゅうをしはらった). The compensation for the project was fair「そのプロジェクトの報酬は公平だった」(そのプロジェクトのほうしゅうはこうへいだった). Note that '報酬' often implies a formal or agreed-upon exchange, distinguishing it from casual gifts or tips.
Radical
酉
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
1878
Handwriting
kanji
憧Meaning
Yearn, Long for
Reading
kunyomiあこがakoga
onyomiしょうshou
どうdou
とうtou
Parts
忄 童Juvenile
Example Word
憧れる: yearn. The Japanese verb '憧れる (あこがれる)' means 'to yearn' or 'to long for'. It is used to express a deep admiration or desire for something or someone, often with a sense of idealization. This verb is commonly used when talking about aspirations, dreams, or admiration for a person, lifestyle, or achievement. For example: I yearn to become a musician「私はミュージシャンに憧れている」(わたしはミュージシャンにあこがれている). She yearns for a life in Paris「彼女はパリでの生活に憧れている」(かのじょはパリでのせいかつにあこがれている). The verb often carries a nuance of something being slightly out of reach or idealized.
Radical
心
Stroke Count
15JLPT
N1Grade
10Frequency
1926
Handwriting