Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Cut

Reading

Parts

刀Sword 七Seven

Example Word

切れる: cut or runout. The Japanese verb '切れる (きれる)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'to be cut' or 'to cut', often referring to something being severed or divided. For example: the string was cut「糸が切れた」(いとがきれた). The second meaning is 'to run out' or 'to be used up', often referring to resources or time. For example: the battery ran out「バッテリーが切れた」(バッテリーがきれた). This verb is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts, and its meaning can change significantly depending on the context in which it is used.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

123

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Theory, Explanation

Reading

Parts

訁Say (言)兑

Example Word

説: theory. The Japanese noun '説 (せつ)' primarily means 'theory' or 'explanation'. It refers to a systematic explanation of a phenomenon, often based on reasoning or evidence. This word is commonly used in academic, scientific, or philosophical contexts. For example: his theory is interesting「彼の説は面白い」(かれのせつはおもしろい). There are various theories about this phenomenon「この現象について様々な説がある」(このげんしょうについてさまざまなせつがある). Additionally, '説' can sometimes imply a narrative or story, particularly in historical or mythological contexts, but this usage is less common and typically requires additional context to distinguish it from the primary meaning of 'theory'.

Radical

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

194

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Kill

Reading

Parts

殳Pike 木Tree, Wood

Example Word

殺す: kill. The Japanese verb '殺す (ころす)' means 'to kill'. It is used to describe the act of causing the death of a living being, whether intentionally or unintentionally. This verb can be applied to humans, animals, or even metaphorically to ideas or emotions. For example: he killed the insect「彼は虫を殺した」(かれはむしをころした). The harsh words killed her enthusiasm「厳しい言葉が彼女の熱意を殺した」(きびしいことばがかのじょのねついをころした). Note that this verb carries a strong and often negative connotation, so it should be used with care in conversation.

Radical

殳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

265

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Snow

Reading

Parts

雨Rain 彐Katakana yo

Example Word

大雪: heavy snow. The Japanese noun '大雪 (おおゆき)' refers to 'heavy snow'. It is used to describe a significant snowfall, often implying that the snow is deep or has caused disruptions. This term is commonly used in weather forecasts or when discussing winter conditions. For example: Heavy snow is expected tomorrow「明日は大雪が予想されています」(あしたはおおゆきがよそうされています). The heavy snow blocked the roads「大雪で道路がふさがれた」(おおゆきでどうろがふさがれた). Note that '大雪' can also be used metaphorically to describe something overwhelming or abundant, though this usage is less common.

Radical

雨

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

338

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Bend, Fold

Reading

Parts

扌Hand (手)斤Axe, Catty

Example Word

折れる: bend or break. The Japanese verb '折れる (おれる)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'to break', typically referring to something snapping or breaking off, such as a branch or a bone. For example: the branch broke「枝が折れた」(えだがおれた). The second meaning is 'to bend', often implying flexibility or yielding, such as bending under pressure or bending one's will. For example: he bent under the pressure「彼はプレッシャーに折れた」(かれはぷれっしゃーにおれた). This verb can also be used metaphorically, such as yielding in an argument or compromising. For example: she finally gave in「彼女はついに折れた」(かのじょはついにおれた).

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

416

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Season, Node

Reading

Parts

⺮Bamboo (竹)即Instant, Immediate

Example Word

季節: season. The Japanese noun '季節 (きせつ)' refers to 'season', specifically one of the four divisions of the year (spring, summer, autumn, winter). It is used to describe the natural changes and characteristics associated with each period. For example: I love the autumn season「秋の季節が大好きです」(あきのきせつがだいすきです). The cherry blossoms are a symbol of the spring season「桜は春の季節の象徴です」(さくらははるのきせつのしょうちょうです). This word is commonly used in everyday conversation, poetry, and literature to evoke the beauty and atmosphere of each season.

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

648

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Contact, Touch

Reading

Parts

扌Hand (手)妾

Example Word

直接: directly. The Japanese adverb '直接 (ちょくせつ)' means 'directly'. It is used to describe actions or interactions that occur without any intermediaries or detours. This word is often used in contexts where something is done in a straightforward manner, such as communication, contact, or physical movement. For example: I spoke to him directly「彼に直接話しました」(かれにちょくせつはなしました). The package was delivered directly to my house「荷物は直接家に届けられました」(にもつはちょくせついえにとどけられました). It can also imply immediacy or lack of interference, as in 'directly responsible' or 'directly involved'.

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

694

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Set up, Establish

Reading

Parts

訁Say (言)殳Pike

Example Word

設置: installation. The Japanese verbal noun '設置 (せっち)' means 'installation'. It refers to the act of setting up or installing something, such as equipment, facilities, or systems. This word is commonly used in contexts involving construction, technology, or infrastructure. For example: The installation of the new air conditioner was completed「新しいエアコンの設置が完了した」(あたらしいエアコンのせっちがかんりょうした). The company plans to install solar panels「会社はソーラーパネルの設置を計画している」(かいしゃはソーラーパネルのせっちをけいかくしている). Note that '設置' is often used in formal or technical settings.

Radical

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1056

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Clumsy, Unskillful

Reading

Parts

扌Hand (手)出Exit

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1307

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Temple

Reading

Parts

㐅Katakana me 木Tree, Wood 刂Sword (刀)

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1782

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Take in, Vicarious

Reading

Parts

扌Hand (手)耳Ear 丷Divide 八Eight

Example Word

摂取: intake. The Japanese noun '摂取 (せっしゅ)' refers to the act of taking in or consuming something, often used in contexts related to nutrition, medicine, or substances. It can describe the intake of food, nutrients, or even information. For example: daily nutrient intake「毎日の栄養摂取」(まいにちのえいようせっしゅ). Excessive caffeine intake can be harmful「過剰なカフェイン摂取は有害です」(かじょうなカフェインせっしゅはゆうがいです). This word is commonly used in health-related discussions and scientific contexts.

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1862

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Steal

Reading

Parts

穴Hole 切Cut

Radical

穴

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1983

Handwriting