Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading
そう sou
kanji
相Meaning
Mutual
Reading
ai
onyomiそうsou
しょうshou
Parts
木Tree, Wood 目Eye
Example Word
相違: difference. The Japanese noun '相違 (そうい)' means 'difference'. It is used to describe a distinction or discrepancy between two or more things, ideas, or situations. This word is often used in formal or written contexts to highlight contrasts or disagreements. For example: there is a difference in opinion「意見に相違がある」(いけんにそういがある). The difference between the two plans is clear「二つの計画の相違は明らかだ」(ふたつのけいかくのそういはあきらかだ). Note that '相違' is more formal than other words like '違い (ちがい)', which is more commonly used in everyday conversation.
Radical
目
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
104
Handwriting
kanji
想Meaning
Concept
Reading
omo
onyomiそうsou
Parts
心Heart 相Mutual
Example Word
想像: conception or imagination. The Japanese verbal noun '想像 (そうぞう)' primarily means 'imagination' or 'conception'. It refers to the ability to form mental images or ideas of things not present to the senses or not previously known or experienced. It is often used in contexts discussing creativity, planning, or hypothesizing about future events or scenarios. For example: His imagination is boundless「彼の想像は無限だ」(かれのそうぞうはむげんだ). It's hard to conceive of such a situation「そんな状況を想像するのは難しい」(そんなじょうきょうをそうぞうするのはむずかしい). This word is commonly used in both everyday conversation and formal writing, highlighting its versatility in describing both creative and speculative thought processes.
Radical
心
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
206
Handwriting
kanji
早Meaning
Early, Fast
Reading
haya
onyomiそうsou
さsa
Parts
日Day, Sun 十Ten
Example Word
最早: already or no longer. The Japanese adverb '最早 (もはや)' is used to express that a situation has already reached a certain point or that something is no longer the case. It often carries a nuance of finality or inevitability. For example: It's already too late「最早手遅れだ」(もはやておくれだ). He is no longer the person he used to be「最早彼は昔の彼ではない」(もはやかれはむかしのかれではない). This word is commonly used in formal or literary contexts and can convey a sense of resignation or conclusion.
Radical
日
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N4Grade
1Frequency
207
Handwriting
kanji
草Meaning
Grass
Reading
kusa
onyomiそうsou
Parts
早Early, Fast 艹Grass
Example Word
草木: plants. The Japanese noun '草木 (くさき)' refers to 'plants' in general, including both grasses and trees. It is often used to describe vegetation or greenery in a natural setting. For example: The plants are growing「草木が生えている」(くさきがはえている). The garden is full of plants「庭には草木がいっぱいだ」(にわにはくさきがいっぱいだ). This word is commonly used in contexts related to nature, gardening, or the environment.
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N3Grade
1Frequency
250
Handwriting
kanji
走Meaning
Run
Reading
hashi
onyomiそうsou
Parts
土Soil 龰Stop (止)
Example Word
走る: run. The Japanese verb '走る (はしる)' means 'to run'. It is used to describe the action of moving quickly on foot, typically faster than walking. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as running in a race, running away from something, or even metaphorically, like a river running through a valley. For example: I run every morning「私は毎朝走る」(わたしはまいあさはしる). The river runs through the valley「川が谷間を走る」(かわがたにまをはしる). It's important to note that '走る' can also be used in compound verbs, such as '駆け走る (かけはしる)' which means 'to dash' or 'to sprint'.
Radical
走
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
438
Handwriting
kanji
送Meaning
Send
Reading
oku
onyomiそうsou
Parts
⻌Walk 关Close
Example Word
見送り: seeing off. The Japanese verbal noun '見送り (みおくり)' refers to the act of seeing someone off, typically when they are departing, such as at a train station, airport, or when someone is leaving home. It conveys a sense of farewell and care. For example: I went to the station to see my friend off「友達を見送りに駅に行った」(ともだちをみおくりにえきにいった). They saw me off at the airport「彼らは空港で私を見送った」(かれらはくうこうでわたしをみおくった). This term is often used in contexts involving travel or long-term separation, emphasizing the emotional aspect of parting.
Radical
辵
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
456
Handwriting
kanji
窓Meaning
Window
Reading
mado
onyomiそうsou
Parts
穴Hole 厶Private 心Heart
Example Word
窓口: window or counter. The Japanese noun '窓口 (まどぐち)' has two primary meanings. The first meaning refers to a physical 'window', such as a window in a building or vehicle. The second meaning refers to a 'counter' or service desk, often found in places like banks, post offices, or ticket offices, where transactions or inquiries are handled. For example: Please go to the counter for assistance「窓口でお尋ねください」(まどぐちでおたずねください). The window is open「窓口が開いています」(まどぐちがあいています). The word is commonly used in both literal and service-related contexts, making it versatile in everyday Japanese.
Radical
穴
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N3Grade
6Frequency
478
Handwriting
kanji
宗Meaning
Religion
Reading
sou
しゅうshuu
Parts
宀Roof 示Show, Indicate
Example Word
宗教: religion. The Japanese noun '宗教 (しゅうきょう)' means 'religion'. It refers to a system of beliefs, practices, and worship centered around a higher power or spiritual principles. This word is commonly used in discussions about faith, spirituality, or religious practices. For example: He studies religion「彼は宗教を勉強しています」(かれはしゅうきょうをべんきょうしています). Different religions coexist in this country「この国ではさまざまな宗教が共存しています」(このくにではさまざまなしゅうきょうがきょうぞんしています). The word can also be used in contexts like 'religious freedom' (宗教の自由, しゅうきょうのじゆう) or 'religious conflict' (宗教的対立, しゅうきょうてきたいりつ).
Radical
宀
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N1Grade
6Frequency
582
Handwriting
kanji
争Meaning
Dispute
Reading
araso
onyomiそうsou
Parts
⺈Wrap ⺕Hand 亅Barb
Example Word
競争: competition. The Japanese verbal noun '競争 (きょうそう)' means 'competition'. It refers to a situation in which individuals or groups strive to outperform each other, often in a specific activity or field. This word is commonly used in contexts such as sports, business, academics, or any scenario where rivalry or striving for superiority is involved. For example: The competition was fierce「競争は激しかった」(きょうそうははげしかった). They are in competition for the top position「彼らはトップの座を競争している」(かれらはトップのざをきょうそうしている). Note that '競争' can also imply a sense of striving or effort, not just direct rivalry.
Radical
亅
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
584
Handwriting
kanji
僧Meaning
Bonze, Buddhist priest
Reading
sou
Parts
亻Person (人)曽Formerly
Example Word
僧侶: monk. The Japanese noun '僧侶 (そうりょ)' refers to a Buddhist monk or priest. This term is used to describe individuals who have dedicated their lives to religious practice within Buddhism, often living in temples and following a strict set of spiritual and ethical guidelines. For example: The monk is meditating「僧侶は瞑想しています」(そうりょはめいそうしています). The temple is home to many monks「その寺には多くの僧侶がいます」(そのてらにはおおくのそうりょがいます). It's important to note that '僧侶' specifically refers to Buddhist clergy and does not apply to religious figures in other traditions.
Radical
人
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
698
Handwriting
kanji
倉Meaning
Warehouse
Reading
kura
onyomiそうsou
Parts
亻Person (人)口Mouth 尸Corpse
Example Word
倉庫: warehouse. The Japanese noun '