kanji

Meaning

Cut

Reading

Parts

刀Sword 七Seven

Example Word

切り: end. The Japanese suffix '切り (きり)' is used to indicate the end or limit of something. It often implies a definitive stopping point or a clear boundary. This suffix can be attached to nouns or verbs to convey the idea of completion or finality. For example: that was the last of it「それっきり」(それっきり). I haven't seen him since that day「あの日きり会っていない」(あのひきりあっていない). It can also be used to emphasize that something is done thoroughly or completely, as in 'しっかり (しっかり) (firmly/solidly)', though this is a different usage of the same kanji.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

123

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Theory, Explanation

Reading

Parts

訁Say (言)兑

Example Word

解説: explanation. The Japanese verbal noun '解説 (かいせつ)' means 'explanation' or 'commentary'. It is used to describe a detailed explanation or analysis of a topic, often provided by an expert or someone knowledgeable. This term is commonly used in contexts such as news programs, sports broadcasts, or academic lectures, where a commentator or expert provides insights or explanations. For example: The professor gave a detailed explanation of the theory「教授はその理論の解説をした」(きょうじゅはそのりろんのかいせつをした). The sports commentator provided a play-by-play commentary「スポーツ解説者が実況解説をした」(スポーツかいせつしゃがじっきょうかいせつをした).

Radical

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

194

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Kill

Reading

Parts

殳Pike 木Tree, Wood

Example Word

自殺: suicide. The Japanese verbal noun '自殺 (じさつ)' means 'suicide'. It refers to the act of intentionally causing one's own death. This word is often used in serious or sensitive contexts, such as discussions about mental health, societal issues, or personal tragedies. For example: suicide is a serious problem「自殺は深刻な問題です」(じさつはしんこくなもんだいです). He committed suicide「彼は自殺した」(かれはじさつした). The term can also appear in compound words, such as '自殺防止 (じさつぼうし)' (suicide prevention). It is important to approach this word with care due to its sensitive nature.

Radical

殳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

265

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Snow

Reading

Parts

雨Rain 彐Katakana yo

Example Word

雪: snow. The Japanese noun '雪 (ゆき)' means 'snow'. This word refers to the frozen precipitation that falls from the sky in cold weather. It is commonly used to describe weather conditions or to talk about snowy landscapes. For example: The snow is beautiful「雪がきれいです」(ゆきがきれいです). I like snow「私は雪が好きです」(わたしはゆきがすきです). Snow can also be used metaphorically to describe something pure or white, such as '雪のような肌 (ゆきのようなはだ)' meaning 'skin like snow'.

Radical

雨

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

338

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Bend, Fold

Reading

Parts

扌Hand (手)斤Axe, Catty

Example Word

折: occasion. The Japanese noun '折 (おり)' primarily means 'occasion' or 'time' when referring to a specific moment or event. It is often used to describe a particular instance or opportunity. For example: on that occasion「その折に」(そのおりに). It can also imply a sense of timing or a chance to do something. Another example: this is a good opportunity「これは良い折だ」(これはよいおりだ). Note that '折' is often used in formal or written contexts and carries a nuanced sense of a fleeting or significant moment.

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

416

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Season, Node

Reading

Parts

⺮Bamboo (竹)即Instant, Immediate

Example Word

関節: joint. The Japanese noun '関節 (かんせつ)' refers to a 'joint' in the body, where two bones meet and allow movement. It is commonly used in medical or anatomical contexts. For example: My knee joint hurts「私の膝の関節が痛い」(わたしのひざのかんせつがいたい). The doctor examined his shoulder joint「医者は彼の肩の関節を診た」(いしゃはかれのかたのかんせつをみた). This term is specific to the anatomical structure and should not be confused with other uses of the word 'joint' in English, such as a place or a connection between objects.

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

648

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Contact, Touch

Reading

Parts

扌Hand (手)妾

Example Word

間接: indirect. The Japanese noun '間接 (かんせつ)' means 'indirect'. It refers to something that is not directly connected or involved, often implying an intermediary or secondary relationship. This term is commonly used in contexts such as communication, influence, or methods. For example: indirect communication「間接的なコミュニケーション」(かんせつてきなコミュニケーション). The company used indirect methods to gather information「その会社は情報を集めるために間接的な方法を使った」(そのかいしゃはじょうほうをあつめるためにかんせつてきなほうほうをつかった). Note that '間接' is often used in compound words or phrases to describe indirect actions or relationships.

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

694

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Set up, Establish

Reading

Parts

訁Say (言)殳Pike

Example Word

設立: establishment. The Japanese verbal noun '設立 (せつりつ)' means 'establishment' or 'founding'. It refers to the act of setting up or creating an organization, institution, or company. This term is commonly used in formal contexts, such as business or legal settings. For example: The establishment of the company was in 1995「その会社の設立は1995年でした」(そのかいしゃのせつりつは1995ねんでした). They are planning the establishment of a new school「彼らは新しい学校の設立を計画しています」(かれらはあたらしいがっこうのせつりつをけいかくしています). The word is often paired with verbs like 'する' to indicate the action of establishing something, as in '設立する (せつりつする)'.

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