Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Fit, Match

Reading

Parts

口Mouth 一One 人Person

Example Word

合理: rationality. The Japanese noun '合理 (ごうり)' refers to 'rationality' or 'logical consistency'. It is often used in contexts where something is based on reason, logic, or efficiency, rather than emotion or tradition. This term is commonly used in discussions about systems, methods, or decisions that are logically sound or efficiently designed. For example: The rationality of the plan was undeniable「その計画の合理は否定できなかった」(そのけいかくのごうりはひていできなかった). The company's approach is based on rationality「その会社のアプローチは合理に基づいている」(そのかいしゃのアプローチはごうりにもとづいている).

Radical

口

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

48

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Strong

Reading

Parts

虫Insect 厶Private 弓Bow

Example Word

強まる: strengthen. The Japanese verb '強まる (つよまる)' means 'to strengthen' or 'to intensify'. It is used to describe a situation, feeling, or condition becoming stronger or more intense over time. This verb is often used in contexts where gradual or noticeable growth in intensity is observed. For example: The wind is strengthening「風が強まっている」(かぜがつよまっている). Her determination intensified「彼女の決意が強まった」(かのじょのけついがつよまった). Note that '強まる' is an intransitive verb, meaning it does not take a direct object and focuses on the subject's change in state.

Radical

弓

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

258

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Business

Reading

Parts

未Not yet 䒑Herbs 业Business (業)

Example Word

卒業: graduation. The Japanese verbal noun '卒業 (そつぎょう)' means 'graduation'. It refers to the act of completing a course of study, typically from a school or university. This word is commonly used in contexts related to education, such as graduating from high school or university. For example: I graduated from university last year「私は去年大学を卒業しました」(わたしはきょねんだいがくをそつぎょうしました). She will graduate from high school next spring「彼女は来春高校を卒業します」(かのじょはらいしゅんこうこうをそつぎょうします). Additionally, '卒業' can sometimes be used metaphorically to indicate moving on from a phase or stage in life, such as '卒業する' meaning 'to graduate from' a particular habit or mindset.

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

番号: number. The Japanese noun '番号 (ばんごう)' means 'number'. It refers to a numerical identifier used for various purposes, such as phone numbers, identification numbers, or serial numbers. For example: What is your phone number?「あなたの電話番号は何ですか？」(あなたのでんわばんごうはなんですか？). Please write your student number here「ここに学生番号を書いてください」(ここにがくせいばんごうをかいてください). This word is commonly used in formal and informal contexts to refer to any kind of numerical identifier.

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