Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Fit, Match

Reading

Parts

口Mouth 一One 人Person

Example Word

見合い: matchmaking. The Japanese verbal noun '見合い (みあい)' refers to a formal meeting arranged for the purpose of matchmaking, often with the intention of marriage. It is a traditional practice in Japan where potential partners are introduced to each other, usually by family members, friends, or professional matchmakers. For example: They had a matchmaking meeting「彼らは見合いをした」(かれらはみあいをした). My parents arranged a matchmaking for me「私の両親は私に見合いをセットした」(わたしのりょうしんはわたしにみあいをセットした). The term can also be used more broadly to describe any situation where two parties are brought together for mutual consideration, though it is most commonly associated with marriage arrangements.

Radical

口

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

48

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Strong

Reading

Parts

虫Insect 厶Private 弓Bow

Example Word

強い: strong. The Japanese adjective '強い (つよい)' means 'strong'. It is used to describe physical strength, intensity, or resilience. It can also describe someone's character, willpower, or even flavors and sensations. For example: He is strong「彼は強い」(かれはつよい). This coffee is strong「このコーヒーは強い」(このコーヒーはつよい). The wind is strong today「今日は風が強い」(きょうはかぜがつよい). Additionally, it can be used metaphorically, such as in '強い意志 (つよいいし) (strong will)' or '強い味 (つよいあじ) (strong flavor)'. Note that the adjective can also imply toughness or durability, as in '強い素材 (つよいそざい) (durable material)'.

Radical

弓

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

258

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Business

Reading

Parts

未Not yet 䒑Herbs 业Business (業)

Example Word

残業: overtime. The Japanese verbal noun '残業 (ざんぎょう)' refers to 'overtime work'. It is commonly used in workplace contexts to describe working beyond regular working hours. This term is often associated with the demanding work culture in Japan, where employees may frequently work late. For example: I have to do overtime today「今日は残業しなければならない」(きょうはざんぎょうしなければならない). He often works overtime「彼はよく残業する」(かれはよくざんぎょうする). The term can also be used in phrases like '残業代 (ざんぎょうだい)', which means 'overtime pay'.

Radical

木

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

310

Radical Form

业

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Hometown

Reading

Parts

幺Slight 艮Stopping ⻏Mound (阜)

Example Word

故郷: hometown. The Japanese noun '故郷 (こきょう)' refers to one's hometown or birthplace, the place where someone was born or raised. It carries a nostalgic and emotional connotation, often evoking feelings of longing or fond memories. For example: I miss my hometown「故郷が恋しい」(こきょうがこいしい). I returned to my hometown after many years「長い年月を経て故郷に戻った」(ながいとしつきをへてこきょうにもどった). This word is commonly used in literature, songs, and conversations to express a deep connection to one's roots.

Radical

邑

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

752

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Number

Reading

Parts

口Mouth 丂Breath obstruction

Example Word

記号: sign or symbol. The Japanese noun '記号 (きごう)' refers to a 'symbol' or 'sign'. It is used to describe a mark, character, or visual representation that conveys meaning, often in a concise or abstract way. This word is commonly used in contexts such as mathematics, music, or written language. For example: The symbol for infinity is interesting「無限の記号は面白い」(むげんのきごうはおもしろい). Musical notation uses many signs「楽譜には多くの記号が使われている」(がくふにはおおくのきごうがつかわれている). Note that '記号' can also refer to punctuation marks or other visual indicators in written text.

Radical

口

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

804

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Great man, Magnificent

Reading

Parts

亠Lid 口Mouth 冖Crown 豕Pig

Radical

豕

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1252

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Strength, Sturdy

Reading

Parts

岡Hill 刂Sword (刀)

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1656

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Empress

Reading

Parts

口Mouth

Example Word

皇后: empress. The Japanese noun '皇后 (こうごう)' refers to the 'empress', specifically the wife of the reigning emperor. This term is used in the context of the Japanese imperial family and carries a formal and respectful tone. For example: The empress attended the ceremony「皇后は式典に出席しました」(こうごうはしきてんにしゅっせきしました). The empress is known for her charity work「皇后は慈善活動で知られています」(こうごうはじぜんかつどうでしられています). This term is distinct from other titles like '皇太子妃 (こうたいしひ)' (crown princess) or '女帝 (じょてい)' (female emperor), as it specifically denotes the consort of the emperor.

Radical

口

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1834

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Proud

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)敖

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1927

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Effulgent

Reading

Parts

日Day, Sun 王King

Radical

日

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2041

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Torture

Reading

Parts

扌Hand (手)考Think, Consider

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2045

Handwriting