Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading
とう tou
kanji
当Meaning
Hit, Appropriate
Reading
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
atama
かしらkashira
onyomiとうtou
ずzu
Parts
豆Beans 𦣻Neck (首)八Eight
Example Word
冒頭: beginning. The Japanese noun '冒頭 (ぼうとう)' refers to the 'beginning' or 'start' of something, such as a speech, story, or event. It is often used in formal or literary contexts to describe the opening part of a narrative or presentation. For example: at the beginning of the story「冒頭の部分」(ぼうとうのぶぶん). The speaker started with a joke at the beginning「スピーカーは冒頭でジョークを言った」(スピーカーはぼうとうでジョークをいった). This word emphasizes the initial part of something, setting the stage for what follows.
Radical
頁
Stroke Count
16JLPT
N3Grade
2Frequency
129
Handwriting
kanji
等Meaning
Equal
Reading
hito
らra
onyomiとうtou
Parts
⺮Bamboo (竹)寺Temple
Example Word
等々: etc. The Japanese suffix '等々 (とうとう)' is used to indicate that there are additional items or examples that are not explicitly listed, similar to 'etc.' or 'and so on' in English. It is often used in both formal and informal contexts to imply a continuation of a list without specifying every item. For example: I bought apples, oranges, etc.「りんごやオレンジ等々を買いました」(りんごやオレンジとうとうをかいました). The meeting discussed budgets, schedules, etc.「会議では予算やスケジュール等々について話し合いました」(かいぎではよさんやスケジュールとうとうについてはなしあいました). This suffix is versatile and can be used in various contexts to avoid listing every single item or detail.
Radical
竹
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
164
Handwriting
kanji
東Meaning
East
Reading
higashi
onyomiとうtou
Parts
木Tree, Wood 日Day, Sun
Example Word
東西: east and west. The Japanese noun '東西 (とうざい)' refers to the concept of 'east and west', often used to describe direction, orientation, or geographical location. It can also metaphorically represent contrasting ideas, cultures, or traditions from the East and West. For example: The train runs east-west「電車は東西に走る」(でんしゃはとうざいにはしる). The cultural exchange between East and West is important「東西の文化交流は重要だ」(とうざいのぶんかこう りゅうはじゅうようだ). This word is commonly used in contexts involving geography, travel, or cultural comparisons.
Radical
木
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N5Grade
2Frequency
233
Handwriting
kanji
島Meaning
Island
Reading
shima
onyomiとうtou
Parts
山Mountain 鳥Bird
Example Word
半島: peninsula. The Japanese noun '半島 (はんとう)' means 'peninsula'. It refers to a piece of land that is almost entirely surrounded by water but connected to the mainland on one side. This term is commonly used in geography and everyday conversation when referring to specific peninsulas, such as the Korean Peninsula or the Izu Peninsula. For example: The Korean Peninsula is beautiful「朝鮮半島は美しい」(ちょうせんはんとうはうつくしい). I visited the Izu Peninsula last summer「去年の夏、伊豆半島を訪れました」(きょねんのなつ、いずはんとうをおとずれました).
Radical
山
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N2Grade
3Frequency
292
Handwriting
kanji
答Meaning
Answer
Reading
kota
onyomiとうtou
Parts
合Fit, Match 竹Bamboo
Example Word
問答: dialogue. The Japanese verbal noun '問答 (もんどう)' refers to a dialogue or discussion, typically involving questions and answers. It is often used to describe a formal or philosophical exchange of ideas, but can also be used in everyday contexts. For example: The teacher and student had a dialogue「先生と生徒が問答した」(せんせいとせいとがもんどうした). The politicians engaged in a heated discussion「政治家たちが激しい 問答をした」(せいじかたちがはげしいもんどうをした). The word can also imply a back-and-forth exchange, sometimes with a sense of debate or argument.
Radical
竹
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
392
Handwriting
kanji
逃Meaning
Escape
Reading
no
にni
のがnoga
onyomiとうtou
Parts
辶Walk 兆Omen, Trillion
Example Word
逃げ道: escape. The Japanese noun '逃げ道 (にげみち)' literally means 'escape route' or 'way out'. It refers to a path or method that allows someone to escape from a difficult or dangerous situation. This word can be used both literally, such as finding a physical escape route, and figuratively, such as finding a way to avoid responsibility or a tricky situation. For example: He always looks for an escape「彼はいつも逃げ道を探す」(かれはいつもにげみちをさがす). There is no escape from this situation「この状況から逃げ 道はない」(このじょうきょうからにげみちはない). The word carries a nuance of seeking a solution or exit, often under pressure.
Radical
辵
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N3Grade
7Frequency
446
Handwriting
kanji
刀Meaning
Sword
Reading
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
na
onyomiとうtou
Parts
扌Hand (手)殳Pike
Example Word
投票: voting. The Japanese verbal noun '投票 (とうひょう)' means 'voting'. It refers to the act of casting a vote, typically in an election or decision-making process. This word is commonly used in contexts related to elections, referendums, or any situation where a formal decision is made through votes. For example: I will participate in the voting「私は投票に参加します」(わたしはとうひょうにさんかします). The voting results were announced「投票結果が発表された」(とうひょうけっかがはっぴょうされた). It is important to note that '投票' is often used in formal or official contexts and is a key term in discussions about democracy and governance.
Radical
手
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
617
Handwriting
kanji
倒Meaning
Topple, Overthrow
Reading
tao
onyomiとうtou
Parts
亻Person (人)到Reach, Arrival
Example Word
倒れる: fall or collapse. The Japanese verb '倒れる (たおれる)' primarily means 'to collapse' or 'to fall'. It is used to describe something or someone falling over, collapsing, or being knocked down. This verb can be applied to physical objects, structures, or people. For example: The tree collapsed due to the strong wind「強い風で木が倒れた」(つよいかぜできがたおれた). He fell unconscious after the accident「彼は事故の後、倒れた」(かれはじこのあと、たおれた). Additionally, '倒れる' can also be used metaphorically to describe the failure or downfall of organizations, systems, or plans. For instance: The company collapsed due to financial problems「その会社は財政問題で倒れた」(そのかいしゃはざいせいもんだいでたおれた).
Radical
人
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N3Grade
7Frequency
662
Handwriting
kanji
登Meaning
Ascend
Reading
nobo
onyomiとto
とうtou
Parts
癶Dotted tent 豆Beans
Example Word
山登り: mountain climbing. The Japanese verbal noun '山登り (やまのぼり)' refers to the activity of 'mountain climbing'. It is used to describe the act of ascending mountains, often as a recreational or sporting activity. This term can be used in various contexts, such as discussing hobbies, travel plans, or physical activities. For example: I enjoy mountain climbing「私は山登りが好きです」(わたしはやまのぼりがすきです). They went mountain climbing last weekend「彼らは先週末に山登りに行きました」(かれらはせんしゅうまつにやまのぼりにいきました). It is important to note that '山登り' specifically refers to climbing mountains, not just any type of climbing.
Radical
癶
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
666
Handwriting
kanji
湯Meaning
Hot water
Reading
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
fu
onyomiとうtou
Parts
足Foot, Sufficient 沓
Example Word
踏み込む: step in. The Japanese verb '踏み込む (ふみこむ)' means 'to step into' or 'to enter deeply'. This verb is often used to describe physically stepping into a space, but it can also be used metaphorically to describe delving deeply into a subject or situation. For example: He stepped into the room「彼は部屋に踏み込んだ」(かれはへやにふみこんだ). The detective delved deeply into the case「探偵は事件に踏み込んだ」(たんていはじけんにふみこんだ). It's important to note that this verb often carries a connotation of entering a space or situation with determination or force.
Radical
足
Stroke Count
15JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
736
Handwriting
kanji
灯Meaning
Light, Lamp
Reading
hi
onyomiとうtou
Parts
火Fire 丁Street
Example Word
蛍光灯: lamp or fluorescent. The Japanese noun '蛍光灯 (けいこうとう)' refers to a 'fluorescent lamp'. This term is commonly used to describe the type of lighting that uses fluorescence to produce visible light. It is often found in offices, schools, and homes due to its energy efficiency. For example: The fluorescent lamp is bright「蛍光灯が明るい」(けいこうとうがあかるい). I replaced the fluorescent lamp「蛍光灯を交換した」(けいこうとうをこうかんした). Note that while '蛍光灯' specifically refers to fluorescent lamps, it can sometimes be shortened to just '蛍光灯' in casual conversation, but the full term is more precise.
Radical
火
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
755
Handwriting
kanji
冬Meaning
Winter
Reading
fuyu
onyomiとうtou
Parts
夂Late 冫Ice (水)
Example Word
春夏秋冬: seasons. The Japanese noun '春夏秋冬 (しゅんかしゅうとう)' literally translates to 'spring, summer, autumn, winter,' collectively representing the four seasons. This word is often used to symbolize the passage of time or the cyclical nature of the year. It can be used in poetic or formal contexts to evoke imagery of nature and the changing seasons. For example: The beauty of the four seasons is unparalleled「春夏秋冬の美しさは比類ない」(しゅんかしゅうとうのうつくしさはひるいない). I love the rhythm of the seasons「私は春夏秋冬のリズムが好きです」(わたしはしゅんかしゅうとうのリズムがすきです). Note that this word is more formal and less commonly used in everyday conversation compared to simply saying '季節 (きせつ)' for 'season.'
Radical
冫
Stroke Count
5JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
817
Handwriting
kanji
統Meaning
Unite
Reading
su
onyomiとうtou
Parts
糸Thread 充Fill, Allocate
Example Word
大統領: president. The Japanese noun '大統領 (だいとうりょう)' refers to the 'president' of a country, particularly in the context of a republic or democratic nation. It is commonly used to describe the head of state or government in countries like the United States. For example: The president gave a speech「大統領が演説をした」(だいとうりょうがえんぜつをした). The president visited Japan「大統領が日本を訪問した」(だいとうりょうがにほんをほうもんした). This term is specific to political leaders and is not used for other types of leaders or executives.
Radical
糸
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N1Grade
5Frequency
834
Handwriting
kanji
到Meaning
Reach, Arrival
Reading
tou
Parts
至Arrive, Climax 刂Sword (刀)
Example Word
到着: arrival. The Japanese verbal noun '到着 (とうちゃく)' means 'arrival'. It refers to the act of reaching a destination or the state of having arrived somewhere. This word is commonly used in contexts related to travel, transportation, or events. For example: The train's arrival is delayed「電車の到着が遅れています」(でんしゃのとうちゃくがおくれています). I will inform you upon my arrival「到着したらお知らせします」(とうちゃくしたらおしらせします). It is often paired with verbs like 'する' to indicate the action of arriving, as in '到着する (とうちゃくする)'.
Radical
刀
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N3Grade
7Frequency
858
Handwriting
kanji
納Meaning
Settlement
Reading
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
tou
Parts
龸 兄Older brother
Example Word
政党: political party. The Japanese noun '政党 (せいとう)' refers to a 'political party'. This term is used to describe an organized group of people who share similar political goals and work together to influence government policies and gain political power. For example: The new political party was established「新しい政党が設立された」(あたらしいせいとうがせつりつされた). He joined a major political party「彼は主要な政党に加入した」(かれはしゅようなせいとうかにゅうした). The term is commonly used in discussions about politics, elections, and governance.
Radical
儿
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N2Grade
6Frequency
1010
Handwriting
kanji
盗Meaning
Steal
Reading
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
tataka
onyomiとうtou
Parts
門Gate 豆Beans 寸Measurement
Example Word
戦闘: battle. The Japanese noun '戦闘 (せんとう)' means 'battle' or 'combat'. It refers to a fight or conflict between armed forces, often in a war or military context. This word is commonly used in discussions about military operations, historical battles, or even metaphorical battles in non-physical contexts. For example: The battle was intense「戦闘は激しかった」(せんとうははげしかった). They engaged in combat「彼らは戦闘に参加した」(かれらはせんとうにさんかした). Note that '戦闘' is a formal term and is typically used in serious or professional contexts.
Radical
門
Stroke Count
18JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
1108
Handwriting