Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Place

Reading

Parts

戸Door 斤Axe, Catty

Example Word

所有: ownership. The Japanese noun '所有 (しょゆう)' refers to the state or right of owning something. It is commonly used in legal, formal, or everyday contexts to describe possession or ownership of property, assets, or items. For example: The ownership of this land is unclear「この土地の所有は不明です」(このとちのしょゆうはふめいです). He transferred the ownership of the car to his son「彼は車の所有権を息子に譲りました」(かれはくるまのしょゆうけんをむすこにゆずりました). Note that '所有' often appears in compound words like '所有権 (しょゆうけん)' (ownership rights) or '所有物 (しょゆうぶつ)' (possessions).

Radical

戶

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

65

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Write

Reading

Parts

聿Brush 日Day, Sun

Example Word

書簡: letter. The Japanese noun '書簡 (しょかん)' refers to a 'letter' or 'written correspondence'. It is a formal term often used to describe written communications, particularly in a literary or historical context. This word is more formal and less commonly used in everyday conversation compared to '手紙 (てがみ)', which also means 'letter'. Example sentences: I received a letter from my teacher「先生から書簡を受け取りました」(せんせいからしょかんをうけとりました). He wrote a letter to his friend「彼は友達に書簡を書いた」(かれはともだちにしょかんをかいた).

Radical

曰

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

67

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Deal with

Reading

Parts

夂Late 几

Example Word

処方: prescription. The Japanese noun '処方 (しょほう)' refers to a 'prescription' in the medical context. It specifically denotes the act of prescribing medication or the written instructions provided by a doctor for the preparation and administration of a medicine. This term is commonly used in healthcare settings. For example: The doctor wrote a prescription「医者が処方を書いた」(いしゃがしょほうをかいた). I need to take this prescription to the pharmacy「この処方を薬局に持っていかなければならない」(このしょほうをやっきょくにもっていかなければならない). The word is often associated with medical treatment and is essential in contexts involving healthcare and medication management.

Radical

几

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

212

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Beginning, First

Reading

Parts

衤 刀Sword

Example Word

初級: beginner. The Japanese noun '初級 (しょきゅう)' refers to a beginner or introductory level. It is commonly used in educational contexts to describe courses, classes, or materials designed for those who are just starting to learn a subject. For example: I am taking a beginner-level Japanese class「私は初級の日本語クラスを取っています」(わたしはしょきゅうのにほんごクラスをとっています). This textbook is for beginners「この教科書は初級者向けです」(このきょうかしょはしょきゅうしゃむけです). The term emphasizes the foundational stage of learning and is often contrasted with intermediate (中級, ちゅうきゅう) and advanced (上級, じょうきゅう) levels.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

226

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Many, Various

Reading

Parts

訁Say (言)者Someone

Example Word

諸: various. The Japanese prefix '諸 (しょ)' is used to indicate 'various' or 'many' when attached to nouns. It often implies a collective or plural sense, referring to multiple items or aspects of the noun it modifies. For example: various countries「諸国」(しょこく). It is commonly used in formal or written contexts. Another example: various opinions「諸意見」(しょいけん). Note that this prefix is not used in casual conversation and is typically found in compound words or formal expressions.

Radical

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

477

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Beginning, Together

Reading

Parts

糸Thread 者Someone

Example Word

内緒: secret. The Japanese noun '内緒 (ないしょ)' means 'secret'. It refers to information that is deliberately kept hidden or not disclosed to others. This word is often used in casual conversations to indicate that something should not be shared. For example: This is a secret, so don't tell anyone「これは内緒だから、誰にも言わないで」(これはないしょだから、だれにもいわないで). I'll tell you a secret「内緒の話を教えるね」(ないしょのはなしをおしえるね). The term can also imply confidentiality in relationships or agreements, such as keeping a surprise party a secret from someone.

Radical

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

537

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Hot

Reading

Parts

日Day, Sun 者Someone

Example Word

暑中見舞い: summer greeting. The Japanese noun '暑中見舞い (しょちゅうみまい)' refers to a traditional summer greeting card sent during the hottest part of the year, typically in July or August. It is a way to inquire about someone's well-being and express concern for their health during the intense summer heat. These cards are often sent to friends, family, or colleagues and may include updates about the sender's life or seasonal greetings. Example sentences: I sent a summer greeting to my friend「友達に暑中見舞いを送りました」(ともだちにしょちゅうみまいをおくりました). Did you receive a summer greeting card?「暑中見舞いをもらいましたか？」(しょちゅうみまいをもらいましたか？).

Radical

日

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1221

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Government office

Reading

Parts

罒Net 者Someone

Example Word

署名: signature. The Japanese noun '署名 (しょめい)' refers to a 'signature'. It is commonly used in formal contexts, such as signing contracts, documents, or petitions. For example: Please put your signature here「ここに署名してください」(ここにしょめいしてください). The document requires your signature「その書類には署名が必要です」(そのしょるいにはしょめいがひつようです). The word can also be used in legal or official contexts, such as '署名運動 (しょめいうんどう)', which refers to a signature campaign or petition drive.

Radical

网

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1479

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Moreover, Also

Reading

Example Word

且つ: and. The Japanese conjunction '且つ (かつ)' is used to connect two statements or ideas, similar to the English 'and'. However, it is more formal and often used in written language or formal speech. It emphasizes that both connected elements are true or applicable. For example: He is intelligent and diligent「彼は賢く且つ勤勉だ」(かれはかしこくかつきんべんだ). This method is effective and safe「この方法は効果的且つ安全だ」(このほうほうはこうかてきかつあんぜんだ). Note that '且つ' is less common in casual conversation, where 'そして' or 'そして' might be used instead.

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1576

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Sparse, Alienate

Reading

Parts

疋 束Bundle, Bind

Radical

疋

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1707

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Commoner, Manifold

Reading

Parts

广Dotted cliff 廿Twenty 灬Fire (火)

Example Word

庶民: commoners. The Japanese noun '庶民 (しょみん)' refers to 'commoners' or 'ordinary people'. It is used to describe the general populace, as opposed to the elite or aristocracy. This term often carries a neutral or slightly humble connotation, emphasizing the everyday lives of regular people. For example: The life of commoners is simple「庶民の生活はシンプルだ」(しょみんのせいかつはシンプルだ). Commoners enjoy festivals too「庶民もお祭りを楽しむ」(しょみんもおまつりをたのしむ). The word is commonly used in historical contexts or when discussing social classes, but it can also appear in modern contexts to contrast ordinary people with those in positions of power or wealth.

Radical

广

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1931

Handwriting