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Nihongo

Classroom

Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

そう sou

 

    kanji

    Meaning

    Mutual

    Reading

    kunyomiあい

    ai

    onyomiそう

    sou

    しょう

    shou

    Parts

    Tree, Wood Eye

    Example Word

    相応しい: suitable. The Japanese adjective '相応しい (ふさわしい)' means 'suitable' or 'appropriate'. It is used to describe something that is fitting or proper for a particular situation, person, or context. This word often carries a nuance of being well-matched or deserving. For example: He is suitable for the position「彼はその役職に相応しい」(かれはそのやくしょくにふさわしい). This gift is appropriate for the occasion「この贈り物はその場に相応しい」(このおくりものはそのばにふさわしい). The adjective is commonly used in formal or polite contexts and can describe people, actions, or objects.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    9

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    3

    Frequency

    104

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Concept

    Reading

    kunyomiおも

    omo

    onyomiそう

    sou

    Parts

    Heart Mutual

    Example Word

    空想: daydream. The Japanese verbal noun '空想 (くうそう)' refers to the act of daydreaming or indulging in fantasy. It is often used to describe imaginative thoughts or scenarios that are not grounded in reality. For example: I often daydream about traveling the world「私はよく世界旅行を空想する」(わたしはよくせかいりょこうをくうそうする). His stories are full of wild fantasies「彼の話は空想に満ちている」(かれのはなしはくうそうにみちている). The term can also be used in a more neutral or creative context, such as when discussing imaginative works or ideas.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    13

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    3

    Frequency

    206

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Early, Fast

    Reading

    kunyomiはや

    haya

    onyomiそう

    sou

    sa

    Parts

    Day, Sun 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

    Stroke Count

    6

    JLPT

    N4

    Grade

    1

    Frequency

    207

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Grass

    Reading

    kunyomiくさ

    kusa

    onyomiそう

    sou

    Parts

    Early, Fast Grass

    Example Word

    ほうれん草: spinach. The Japanese noun 'ほうれん草 (ほうれんそう)' refers to 'spinach', a leafy green vegetable commonly used in cooking. It is a staple in many Japanese dishes, such as salads, soups, and side dishes. For example: I bought spinach at the market「ほうれん草を市場で買いました」(ほうれんそうをいちばでかいました). Spinach is rich in iron「ほうれん草は鉄分が豊富です」(ほうれんそうはてつぶんがほうふです). This word is often used in everyday conversation, especially when discussing food or recipes.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    9

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    1

    Frequency

    250

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Run

    Reading

    kunyomiはし

    hashi

    onyomiそう

    sou

    Parts

    Soil Stop (止)

    Example Word

    走行: travel. The Japanese noun '走行 (そうこう)' refers to the act of traveling or moving, particularly by vehicle. It is commonly used in contexts related to driving, such as measuring the distance a vehicle has traveled or discussing the performance of a vehicle. For example: The car has traveled 10,000 kilometers「その車は10,000キロ走行した」(そのくるまは10,000キロそうこうした). The train's travel speed is high「その電車の走行速度は高い」(そのでんしゃのそうこうそくどはたかい). This term is often used in technical or formal contexts related to transportation.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    7

    JLPT

    N4

    Grade

    2

    Frequency

    438

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Send

    Reading

    kunyomiおく

    oku

    onyomiそう

    sou

    Parts

    Walk Close

    Example Word

    送別会: farewell. The Japanese noun '送別会 (そうべつかい)' refers to a 'farewell party' or 'send-off gathering'. It is a common social event held to bid farewell to someone who is leaving, such as a colleague transferring to another location, a friend moving abroad, or a student graduating. The event typically involves speeches, gifts, and sometimes entertainment to express good wishes for the person's future. For example: We held a farewell party for our teacher「先生の送別会を開きました」(せんせいのそうべつかいをひらきました). I attended a farewell party last night「昨夜、送別会に出席しました」(さくや、そうべつかいにしゅっせきしました). The term emphasizes the communal aspect of saying goodbye and is deeply rooted in Japanese social customs.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    9

    JLPT

    N4

    Grade

    3

    Frequency

    456

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Window

    Reading

    kunyomiまど

    mado

    onyomiそう

    sou

    Parts

    Hole Private 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

    Stroke Count

    11

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    6

    Frequency

    478

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Religion

    Reading

    onyomiそう

    sou

    しゅう

    shuu

    Parts

    Roof Show, Indicate

    Example Word

    宗: sect. The Japanese suffix '宗 (しゅう)' means 'sect' and is commonly used in the context of religious or philosophical schools. It refers to a specific branch or tradition within a larger religious or philosophical system. For example, in Buddhism, it is used to denote different sects such as Zen Buddhism (禅宗, ぜんしゅう) or Pure Land Buddhism (浄土宗, じょうどしゅう). The suffix can also be used more broadly to refer to any organized group or school of thought. Example sentences: He belongs to the Zen sect「彼は禅宗です」(かれはぜんしゅうです). This temple is affiliated with the Pure Land sect「この寺は浄土宗です」(このてらはじょうどしゅうです).

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    8

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    6

    Frequency

    582

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Dispute

    Reading

    kunyomiあらそ

    araso

    onyomiそう

    sou

    Parts

    Wrap Hand Barb

    Example Word

    戦争: war. The Japanese verbal noun '戦争 (せんそう)' means 'war'. It refers to a state of armed conflict between different nations, states, or groups. This term is often used in historical, political, or social contexts to describe large-scale conflicts. For example: The war ended in 1945「戦争は1945年に終わった」(せんそうは1945ねんにおわった). Many people suffered during the war「多くの人が戦争中に苦しんだ」(おおくのひとがせんそうちゅうにくるしんだ). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe intense competition or conflict in non-military contexts, such as 'price wars' or 'trade wars'.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    6

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    4

    Frequency

    584

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Bonze, Buddhist priest

    Reading

    onyomiそう

    sou

    Parts

    Person (人)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

    Stroke Count

    13

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    7

    Frequency

    698

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Warehouse

    Reading

    kunyomiくら

    kura

    onyomiそう

    sou

    Parts

    Person (人)Mouth Corpse

    Example Word

    倉庫: warehouse. The Japanese noun '倉庫 (そうこ)' refers to a 'warehouse', a large building used for storing goods. It is commonly used in contexts related to logistics, storage, and business. For example: The warehouse is full「倉庫がいっぱいです」(そうこがいっぱいです). They built a new warehouse「新しい倉庫を建てました」(あたらしいそうこをたてました). The term can also be used metaphorically to describe a place where something is stored in large quantities, such as a 'warehouse of knowledge'「知識の倉庫」(ちしきのそうこ).

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    10

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    4

    Frequency

    764

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Clamor, Boisterous

    Reading

    kunyomiさわ

    sawa

    onyomiそう

    sou

    Parts

    Horse Again Insect

    Example Word

    騒々しい: noisy. The Japanese adjective '騒々しい (そうぞうしい)' means 'noisy'. It is used to describe a situation, place, or environment that is loud, chaotic, or filled with disruptive sounds. This word often carries a negative connotation, implying that the noise is bothersome or overwhelming. For example: The street is noisy「通りが騒々しい」(とおりがそうぞうしい). The classroom became noisy「教室が騒々しくなった」(きょうしつがそうぞうしくなった). It can also describe a situation that is tumultuous or unsettled, such as 'a noisy argument'「騒々しい議論」(そうぞうしいぎろん).

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    18

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    7

    Frequency

    776

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Dress, Attire

    Reading

    kunyomiよそお

    yosoo

    onyomiそう

    sou

    しょう

    shou

    Parts

    Clothes Grand, Robust

    Example Word

    装置: device. The Japanese noun '装置 (そうち)' refers to a 'device' or 'equipment'. It is commonly used to describe a mechanical or electronic device designed for a specific purpose. This term can be applied to a wide range of devices, from household appliances to industrial machinery. For example: This device is very useful「この装置はとても便利です」(このそうちはとてもべんりです). The factory has many advanced devices「その工場には多くの先進的な装置があります」(そのこうじょうにはおおくのせんしんてきなそうちがあります). The word can also be used in a more abstract sense to refer to systems or setups, such as in theatrical or artistic contexts, where it might describe the arrangement or setup of elements to create a particular effect.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    12

    JLPT

    N2

    Grade

    6

    Frequency

    812

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Layer

    Reading

    onyomiそう

    sou

    Parts

    Corpse Formerly

    Example Word

    大層: very. The Japanese adverb '大層 (たいそう)' means 'very' or 'extremely'. It is often used to emphasize the degree or extent of something, typically in a formal or literary context. This word carries a nuance of exaggeration or grandiosity, making it suitable for describing something as being remarkably significant or impressive. For example: He is very busy「彼は大層忙しい」(かれはたいそういそがしい). The scenery was extremely beautiful「景色が大層美しかった」(けしきがたいそううつくしかった). Note that '大層' is less commonly used in casual conversation and is more often found in written or formal speech.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    14

    JLPT

    N2

    Grade

    6

    Frequency

    850

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    General, Total

    Reading

    onyomiそう

    sou

    Parts

    Thread

    Example Word

    総額: total. The Japanese noun '総額 (そうがく)' means 'total' and refers to the complete sum or aggregate amount of something, often used in financial or quantitative contexts. It is commonly used when discussing budgets, costs, or overall amounts. For example: The total cost is 10,000 yen「総額は1万円です」(そうがくはいちまんえんです). The total amount of the project is high「プロジェクトの総額は高いです」(ぷろじぇくとのそうがくはたかいです). This word is typically used in formal or business settings to emphasize the entirety of a sum.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    14

    JLPT

    N2

    Grade

    5

    Frequency

    889

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Reel, Spin

    Reading

    kunyomi

    ku

    onyomiそう

    sou

    Parts

    Thread

    Example Word

    繰り返す: repeat. The Japanese verb '繰り返す (くりかえす)' means 'to repeat'. It is used to describe the action of doing something again or multiple times. This verb can be applied to various contexts, such as repeating a task, a phrase, or an event. For example: Please repeat after me「私の後について繰り返してください」(わたしのあとについてくりかえしてください). History repeats itself「歴史は繰り返す」(れきしはくりかえす). The verb can also be used in a more abstract sense, such as repeating a mistake or a pattern. It is important to note that '繰り返す' often implies a deliberate or conscious repetition, rather than something happening by chance.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    19

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    7

    Frequency

    1030

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Create

    Reading

    kunyomiつく

    tsuku

    onyomiそう

    sou

    Parts

    Warehouse Sword (刀)

    Example Word

    創立: establishment. The Japanese verbal noun '創立 (そうりつ)' means 'establishment' or 'founding'. It is used to refer to the act of creating or setting up an organization, institution, or company. This term is often used in formal contexts, such as when discussing the founding of schools, businesses, or other entities. For example: The establishment of the company was in 1980「その会社の創立は1980年でした」(そのかいしゃのそうりつは1980ねんでした). The school celebrated its 100th anniversary since its founding「その学校は創立100周年を祝いました」(そのがっこうはそうりつ100しゅうねんをいわいました). Note that '創立' is typically used for formal or significant establishments, and it carries a sense of historical or institutional importance.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    12

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    6

    Frequency

    1090

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Handle, Chastity

    Reading

    kunyomiみさお

    misao

    あやつ

    ayatsu

    onyomiそう

    sou

    Parts

    Hand (手)

    Example Word

    体操: exercise. The Japanese noun '体操 (たいそう)' refers to physical exercise or gymnastics. It is commonly used to describe a set of physical activities performed to improve health, flexibility, or strength. This word is often associated with school routines, where students perform 'ラジオ体操 (ラジオたいそう)' (radio calisthenics) as a group. Example sentences: I do exercise every morning「私は毎朝体操をします」(わたしはまいあさたいそうをします). Gymnastics is good for your body「体操は体に良いです」(たいそうはからだにいいです). The word can also refer to formal gymnastics as a sport, such as in '体操競技 (たいそうきょうぎ)' (gymnastics competition).

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    16

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    6

    Frequency

    1230

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Bury, Burial

    Reading

    kunyomiほうむ

    houmu

    onyomiそう

    sou

    Parts

    Grass Death Twenty

    Example Word

    葬儀: funeral. The Japanese noun '葬儀 (そうぎ)' refers to a funeral ceremony. It is used to describe the formal rituals and services held to honor and remember a deceased person. This word is commonly used in formal contexts and is associated with the cultural and religious practices surrounding death in Japan. For example: The funeral was held yesterday「葬儀は昨日行われた」(そうぎはきのうおこなわれた). Many people attended the funeral「多くの人が葬儀に参列した」(おおくのひとがそうぎにさんれつした). The word '葬儀' often carries a solemn and respectful tone, reflecting the importance of the event in Japanese culture.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    12

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    8

    Frequency

    1289

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Search

    Reading

    kunyomiさが

    saga

    onyomiそう

    sou

    Parts

    Hand (手)Rice field Again

    Example Word

    捜査: investigation. The Japanese verbal noun '捜査 (そうさ)' refers to the act of investigating, particularly in a legal or criminal context. It is commonly used to describe police investigations or official inquiries into crimes or incidents. For example: The police are conducting an investigation「警察が捜査をしている」(けいさつがそうさをしている). The investigation into the case is ongoing「その事件の捜査は続いている」(そのじけんのそうさはつづいている). This term is often used in formal or official settings, and it emphasizes the systematic and thorough nature of the investigation.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    10

    JLPT

    N2

    Grade

    9

    Frequency

    1309

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Grand, Robust

    Reading

    onyomiそう

    sou

    Parts

    Samurai

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    6

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    9

    Frequency

    1321

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Play music

    Reading

    kunyomiかな

    kana

    onyomiそう

    sou

    Parts

    Cereal

    Example Word

    演奏: performance. The Japanese verbal noun '演奏 (えんそう)' refers to the act of performing music, typically on an instrument or as part of an ensemble. It is commonly used in contexts involving concerts, recitals, or any musical presentation. For example: The piano performance was beautiful「ピアノの演奏は美しかった」(ぴあののえんそうはうつくしかった). I will attend a violin performance tomorrow「明日、バイオリンの演奏を聴きに行きます」(あした、ばいおりんのえんそうをききにいきます). This word is often associated with formal or artistic settings and emphasizes the act of playing music rather than just listening to it.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    9

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    6

    Frequency

    1324

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Solemn, Villa

    Reading

    kunyomiほうき

    houki

    あごそ

    agoso

    onyomiそう

    sou

    しょう

    shou

    ちゃん

    chan

    Parts

    Grass Grand, Robust

    Example Word

    荘: villa. The Japanese suffix '荘 (しょう)' is used to denote a villa, mansion, or a type of residence, often implying a certain level of elegance or grandeur. It is commonly found in the names of residential buildings, hotels, or estates. For example: a luxurious villa「豪華な荘」(ごうかなしょう). This suffix can also be part of the name of a place, such as a hotel or a resort, indicating a place of lodging or retreat. For instance: staying at a mountain villa「山荘に泊まる」(さんしょうにとまる). The usage of '荘' often conveys a sense of traditional or upscale accommodation.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    9

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    9

    Frequency

    1334

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Official

    Reading

    kunyomiともがら

    tomogara

    へや

    heya

    つかさ

    tsukasa

    onyomiぞう

    zou

    そう

    sou

    Parts

    Music, Bend

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    11

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    9

    Frequency

    1365

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Nest

    Reading

    kunyomi

    su

    onyomiそう

    sou

    Parts

    Small Fruit

    Example Word

    巣: nest. The Japanese noun '巣 (す)' means 'nest'. This word is used to describe the structure built by birds, insects, or other animals to lay eggs or raise their young. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a place where people gather or live, often with a negative connotation. For example: a bird's nest「鳥の巣」(とりのす). The criminal's hideout was like a nest「犯罪者の隠れ家は巣のようだった」(はんざいしゃのかくれがはすのようだった). The word can also be used in compound words, such as '蜘蛛の巣 (くものす)' (spider's web).

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    11

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    4

    Frequency

    1373

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Both, Pair

    Reading

    kunyomiふた

    futa

    onyomiそう

    sou

    Parts

    Again

    Example Word

    双子: twins. The Japanese noun '双子 (ふたご)' refers to 'twins', specifically two offspring born from the same pregnancy. This word is used to describe siblings who are born at the same time. It can be used for both humans and animals. For example: They are twins「彼らは双子です」(かれらはふたごです). The cat gave birth to twins「その猫は双子を産んだ」(そのねこはふたごをうんだ). The term is neutral and does not specify whether the twins are identical or fraternal.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    4

    JLPT

    N2

    Grade

    8

    Frequency

    1392

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Sweep

    Reading

    kunyomi

    ha

    onyomiそう

    sou

    Parts

    Hand (手)

    Example Word

    掃除機: vacuum. The Japanese noun '掃除機 (そうじき)' refers to a 'vacuum cleaner', a device used for cleaning floors and surfaces by suction. It is commonly used in households and workplaces. Example sentences: I bought a new vacuum「新しい掃除機を買いました」(あたらしいそうじきをかいました). Please use the vacuum to clean the room「部屋を掃除するために掃除機を使ってください」(へやをそうじするためにそうじきをつかってください). The word is a combination of '掃除 (そうじ)', meaning 'cleaning', and '機 (き)', meaning 'machine'.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    11

    JLPT

    N2

    Grade

    8

    Frequency

    1455

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Claw

    Reading

    kunyomiつま

    tsuma

    つめ

    tsume

    onyomiそう

    sou

    Example Word

    爪: nail. The Japanese noun '爪 (つめ)' refers to the 'nail' on a finger or toe. It is used to describe the hard, keratinous covering at the end of digits in humans and animals. For example: I cut my nails「爪を切った」(つめをきった). Her nails are long「彼女の爪は長い」(かのじょのつめはながい). This word can also be used metaphorically to describe something sharp or claw-like, but its primary meaning is related to the physical nail.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    4

    Grade

    10

    Frequency

    1492

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Thin

    Reading

    kunyomi

    ya

    onyomiそう

    sou

    Parts

    Sick Report Again

    Example Word

    痩せる: lose weight. The Japanese verb '痩せる (やせる)' means 'to lose weight' or 'to become thin'. It is used to describe the process of reducing body weight or becoming slimmer. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as describing someone's physical appearance or health. For example: I want to lose weight「痩せたい」(やせたい). She has lost weight recently「彼女は最近痩せた」(かのじょはさいきんやせた). It's important to note that this verb is often used in a neutral or positive context, but it can also imply concern if someone loses too much weight.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    12

    Grade

    10

    Frequency

    1509

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Frost

    Reading

    kunyomiしも

    shimo

    onyomiそう

    sou

    Parts

    Rain Mutual

    Example Word

    霜: frost. The Japanese noun '霜 (しも)' refers to 'frost', which is the thin layer of ice that forms on surfaces when the temperature drops below freezing. This word is often used in weather-related contexts or to describe the natural phenomenon of frost forming on plants, windows, or the ground. For example: The frost is beautiful this morning「今朝の霜は美しい」(けさのしもはうつくしい). The garden was covered in frost「庭が霜で覆われていた」(にわがしもでおおわれていた). Frost can also symbolize coldness or the arrival of winter in poetic or literary contexts.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    17

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    9

    Frequency

    1560

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Present, Presents

    Reading

    kunyomiおく

    oku

    onyomiぞう

    zou

    そう

    sou

    Parts

    Shellfish Formerly

    Example Word

    贈る: give. The Japanese verb '贈る (おくる)' means 'to give' or 'to present'. It is specifically used when giving something as a gift, award, or token of appreciation. This verb carries a nuance of formality and is often used in contexts like giving presents, awards, or donations. For example: I will give a book as a gift「本を贈ります」(ほんをおくります). They gave her a medal「彼らは彼女にメダルを贈った」(かれらはかのじょにメダルをおくった). Note that '贈る' is distinct from other verbs like 'あげる', as it implies a more formal or ceremonial act of giving.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    18

    JLPT

    N2

    Grade

    7

    Frequency

    1594

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Algae, Seaweed

    Reading

    kunyomi

    mo

    onyomiそう

    sou

    Parts

    Grass

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    19

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    9

    Frequency

    1745

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Mulberry

    Reading

    kunyomiくわ

    kuwa

    onyomiそう

    sou

    Parts

    Tree, Wood

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    10

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    8

    Frequency

    1770

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Encounter, Meet with

    Reading

    kunyomi

    a

    onyomiそう

    sou

    Parts

    Walk Official

    Example Word

    遭う: suffer or encounter. The Japanese verb '遭う (あう)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'to encounter' or 'to meet', often used in the context of encountering something unexpected or undesirable, such as an accident or misfortune. For example: I encountered a traffic jam「渋滞に遭った」(じゅうたいにあった). The second meaning is 'to suffer' or 'to experience', typically referring to experiencing something negative or unfortunate. For example: He suffered a great loss「彼は大きな損失に遭った」(かれはおおきなそんしつにあった). The verb is often used in situations where the encounter or experience is unplanned and usually negative. It is important to note that '遭う' is distinct from the more neutral verb '会う (あう)', which means 'to meet' in a general sense.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    14

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    8

    Frequency

    1789

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Loss, Mourn, Mourning

    Reading

    kunyomi

    mo

    onyomiそう

    sou

    Parts

    Mouth Clothes

    Example Word

    喪失: loss. The Japanese noun '喪失 (そうしつ)' means 'loss'. It refers to the state of losing something important, such as a person, object, or abstract concept like hope or identity. This word is often used in emotional or serious contexts, such as grief or significant life changes. For example: the loss of a loved one「愛する人を喪失する」(あいするひとをそうしつする). A sense of loss「喪失感」(そうしつかん). It can also be used in broader contexts, such as the loss of trust「信頼の喪失」(しんらいのそうしつ).

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    12

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    9

    Frequency

    1811

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Refreshing

    Reading

    kunyomiさわ

    sawa

    onyomiそう

    sou

    Parts

    Big

    Example Word

    爽やか: refreshing. The Japanese adjective '爽やか (さわやか)' means 'refreshing'. It is often used to describe something that feels fresh, clear, or invigorating, such as weather, a person's demeanor, or a taste. For example: The morning air is refreshing「朝の空気は爽やかです」(あさのくうきはさわやかです). He has a refreshing personality「彼は爽やかな性格です」(かれはさわやかなせいかくです). This word can also imply a sense of clarity or cleanliness, both physically and emotionally. It is commonly used in positive contexts to describe things that uplift or energize.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    11

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    10

    Frequency

    1832

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Insert

    Reading

    kunyomi

    sa

    onyomiそう

    sou

    Parts

    Hand (手)

    Example Word

    挿入: insertion. The Japanese noun '挿入 (そうにゅう)' means 'insertion'. It refers to the act of inserting something into a specific place or position. This word is commonly used in various contexts, such as inserting objects, data, or even scenes in media. For example: the insertion of a key into a lock「鍵の挿入」(かぎのそうにゅう). The insertion of a scene in a movie「映画のシーンの挿入」(えいがのシーンのそうにゅう). It can also be used in medical contexts, such as the insertion of a catheter「カテーテルの挿入」(カテーテルのそうにゅう).

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    10

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    9

    Frequency

    1852

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Dry, Parch, Dry up

    Reading

    kunyomiはしゃ

    hasha

    onyomiそう

    sou

    Parts

    Fire

    Example Word

    乾燥: drying or dryness. The Japanese verbal noun '乾燥 (かんそう)' primarily refers to the state of being dry or the process of drying. It is commonly used in contexts related to weather, food preservation, and materials. For example: The dryness of the air is intense「空気の乾燥が激しい」(くうきのかんそうがはげしい). Drying clothes in the sun「服を乾燥させる」(ふくをかんそうさせる). This word can also be used in scientific or technical contexts, such as in describing the drying process of paint or other substances.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    17

    JLPT

    N2

    Grade

    7

    Frequency

    1939

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Formerly

    Reading

    kunyomiかつ

    katsu

    すなわち

    sunawachi

    かつて

    katsute

    onyomiぞう

    zou

    そう

    sou

    so

    Parts

    Divide Rice field Day, Sun

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    11

    Grade

    10

    Frequency

    1966

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Vat, Tank

    Reading

    kunyomiふね

    fune

    onyomiそう

    sou

    Parts

    Tree, Wood Official

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    15

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    9

    Frequency

    1981

    Handwriting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Trail, Footprint

    Reading

    kunyomiあと

    ato

    onyomiそう

    sou

    しょう

    shou

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    15

    Grade

    10

    Frequency

    2078

    Handwriting

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Onyomi reading Groups

Group 6 of 305