Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Soil

Reading

Parts

一One 十Ten

Example Word

浄土: paradise. The Japanese noun '浄土 (じょうど)' refers to 'paradise' or 'pure land', particularly in the context of Buddhism. It signifies a realm of purity and bliss, often associated with the afterlife or a spiritual destination free from suffering. This term is deeply rooted in Buddhist teachings and is frequently used in religious or philosophical discussions. For example: He wishes to be reborn in the Pure Land「彼は浄土に生まれ変わりたいと願っている」(かれはじょうどにうまれかわりたいとねがっている). The Pure Land is a place of eternal peace「浄土は永遠の平和の場所です」(じょうどはえいえんのへいわのばしょです).

Radical

土

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

216

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Cross, Transit

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)度Degrees, Times

Example Word

見渡す: survey or overlook. The Japanese verb '見渡す (みわたす)' means 'to overlook' or 'to survey'. It is used to describe the action of looking over a wide area or taking in a broad view of something. This verb often implies a sense of observing something comprehensively or from a vantage point. For example: From the hill, I overlooked the entire town「丘から町全体を見渡した」(おかからまちぜんたいをみわたした). She surveyed the room before entering「彼女は部屋を見渡してから入った」(かのじょはへやをみわたしてからはいった). The verb can also be used metaphorically to describe understanding or grasping a situation broadly, as in 'He surveyed the situation calmly'「彼は状況を冷静に見渡した」(かれはじょうきょうをれいせいにみわたした).

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

381

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Metropolis

Reading

Parts

者Someone ⻏Mound (阜)

Example Word

都合: convenience or circumstances. The Japanese noun '都合 (つごう)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'circumstances,' referring to the conditions or factors affecting a situation. For example: Due to unforeseen circumstances, the event was canceled「都合により、イベントは中止されました」(つごうにより、イベントはちゅうしされました). The second meaning is 'convenience,' referring to what is suitable or practical for someone. For example: Please let me know your convenience「ご都合をお知らせください」(ごつごうをおしらせください). This word is often used in formal or polite contexts to discuss schedules, availability, or reasons for decisions.

Radical

邑

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

409

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Way, Route

Reading

Parts

辶Walk 余Excess

Example Word

途端: moment. The Japanese noun '途端 (とたん)' refers to the exact moment when something happens, often implying an immediate or sudden change. It is commonly used in the structure '～た途端に' to describe an action or event that occurs right after another. For example: The moment I sat down, the phone rang「座った途端に電話が鳴った」(すわったとたんにでんわがなった). The moment he left, it started raining「彼が出た途端に雨が降り始めた」(かれがでたとたんにあめがふりはじめた). This word emphasizes the immediacy of the second action following the first.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

555

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Map

Reading

Parts

囗Box 斗Ladle, Dipper

Example Word

図書室: library. The Japanese noun '図書室 (としょしつ)' refers to a 'library', specifically a room or space where books and other reading materials are kept for reading or borrowing. It is commonly used in schools, universities, or public buildings. For example: I borrowed a book from the library「図書室から本を借りました」(としょしつからほんをかりました). The library is quiet「図書室は静かです」(としょしつはしずかです). This word is often associated with educational or institutional settings, and it emphasizes the function of the space as a repository for books and study materials.

Radical

囗

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

576

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ascend

Reading

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

666

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Follower, Junior

Reading

Parts

彳Stop 走Run

Example Word

徒: follower. The Japanese noun '徒 (と)' means 'follower' or 'disciple'. It is often used to refer to someone who follows a particular person, group, or ideology. This term can carry a neutral or slightly negative connotation depending on the context, implying blind adherence or lack of independent thought. Example sentences: He is a follower of that philosophy「彼はその哲学の徒だ」(かれはそのてつがくのとだ). The followers of the cult were devoted「そのカルトの徒は熱心だった」(そのカルトのとはねっしんだった). Note that '徒' can also appear in compound words, such as '信徒 (しんと)' (believer) or '学徒 (がくと)' (student).

Radical

彳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

815

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Spit, Spew

Reading

Parts

口Mouth 土Soil

Example Word

吐く: vomit or emit. The Japanese verb '吐く (はく)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'to vomit' or 'to throw up', referring to the act of expelling the contents of the stomach through the mouth. For example: he vomited after eating bad sushi「彼は悪い寿司を食べた後で吐いた」(かれはわるいすしをたべたあとではいた). The second meaning is 'to emit' or 'to exhale', which can refer to breathing out air, smoke, or other substances. For example: the factory emits smoke「工場が煙を吐く」(こうじょうがけむりをはく). It's important to note that the context in which '吐く' is used will determine which meaning is intended, as the verb can describe both physical expulsion and the release of substances into the environment.

Radical

口

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1063

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Plaster, Paint

Reading

Parts

涂 土Soil

Example Word

塗る: paint. The Japanese verb '塗る (ぬる)' means 'to paint' or 'to apply a coating'. It is used when describing the action of spreading a substance, such as paint, varnish, or makeup, onto a surface. This verb is commonly used in contexts involving art, construction, or personal grooming. For example: I painted the wall「壁を塗った」(かべをぬった). She applied nail polish「彼女はマニキュアを塗った」(かのじょはまにきゅあをぬった). The nuance of '塗る' emphasizes the act of spreading or covering a surface with a substance, and it can be used both literally and metaphorically.

Radical

土

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1261

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Envy, Jealous

Reading

Parts

女Woman 石Stone

Example Word

嫉妬: jealousy. The Japanese noun '嫉妬 (しっと)' means 'jealousy'. It refers to the feeling of envy or resentment towards someone because of their advantages, achievements, or possessions. This word is often used in contexts involving relationships, competition, or personal insecurities. For example: She felt jealousy towards her friend「彼女は友達に嫉妬を感じた」(かのじょはともだちにしっとをかんじた). His success caused jealousy among his colleagues「彼の成功は同僚の間に嫉妬を引き起こした」(かれのせいこうはどうりょうのあいだにしっとをひきおこした). The word can also imply a sense of bitterness or ill will, depending on the context.

Radical

女

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1700

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ladle, Dipper

Reading

Radical

斗

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1772

Handwriting