kanji

Meaning

Righteousness

Reading

Parts

羊Sheep 我Self, Ego

Example Word

義理: duty or obligation. The Japanese noun '義理 (ぎり)' refers to a sense of social obligation or duty, often tied to relationships or societal expectations. It is a deeply rooted concept in Japanese culture, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling one's responsibilities to maintain harmony. For example: I feel a sense of duty to help my friend「友達を助ける義理を感じる」(ともだちをたすけるぎりをかんじる). He attended the wedding out of obligation「彼は義理で結婚式に出席した」(かれはぎりでけっこんしきにしゅっせきした). This word is often used in contexts involving social expectations, such as gift-giving or attending events.

Radical

羊

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

205

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Deliberation

Reading

Parts

訁Say (言)義Righteousness

Example Word

議論: discussion. The Japanese verbal noun '議論 (ぎろん)' means 'discussion' or 'debate'. It refers to the act of discussing or debating a topic, often involving an exchange of opinions or arguments. This word is commonly used in formal or serious contexts, such as academic, political, or professional settings. For example: We had a heated discussion about the policy「私たちはその政策について熱い議論をした」(わたしたちはそのせいさくについてあついぎろんをした). The debate on environmental issues continues「環境問題についての議論は続いている」(かんきょうもんだいについてのぎろんはつづいている). Note that '議論' often implies a structured or formal exchange of ideas, rather than casual conversation.

Radical

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

319

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Doubt, Suspect

Reading

Example Word

疑問: doubt. The Japanese noun '疑問 (ぎもん)' means 'doubt' or 'question'. It refers to a feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction about something. This word is often used when someone is unsure about a fact, statement, or situation. For example: I have doubts about his story「彼の話に疑問を持っています」(かれのはなしにぎもんをもっています). There is no doubt that she is talented「彼女が才能があることに疑問はありません」(かのじょがさいのうがあることにぎもんはありません). The word can also be used in a more philosophical sense to express skepticism or inquiry, as in '疑問を抱く (ぎもんをいだく)' (to harbor doubts).

Radical

疋

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

546

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ceremony

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)義Righteousness

Example Word

行儀: manners. The Japanese noun '行儀 (ぎょうぎ)' refers to 'manners' or 'behavior' in a social context. It is often used to describe how someone conducts themselves, particularly in terms of politeness, etiquette, or decorum. This word is commonly used in situations where proper behavior is expected, such as in formal settings, schools, or public places. For example: Good manners are important「行儀が大切です」(ぎょうぎがたいせつです). The child has bad manners「その子は行儀が悪い」(そのこはぎょうぎがわるい). It can also be used to describe the way something is done, such as '行儀よく食べる (ぎょうぎよくたべる)' meaning 'to eat politely'.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

679

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Skill

Reading

Parts

扌Hand (手)支Branch, Support

Example Word

技師: engineer. The Japanese noun '技師 (ぎし)' refers to an 'engineer', a professional who applies scientific and mathematical principles to design, develop, and maintain structures, machines, or systems. This term is often used in professional contexts and can refer to various types of engineers, such as civil engineers, mechanical engineers, or electrical engineers. For example: He is a civil engineer「彼は土木技師です」(かれはどぼくぎしです). The company hired a new engineer「会社は新しい技師を雇いました」(かいしゃはあたらしいぎしをやといました). Note that '技師' is a formal term and is typically used in professional or official settings.

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

860

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Right, Best regards

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 且Moreover, Also

Example Word

宜しく: properly. The Japanese adverb '宜しく (よろしく)' is a versatile word often used to convey a sense of proper handling, goodwill, or politeness. It can be used in various contexts, such as when asking someone to take care of something, expressing gratitude, or setting the tone for a relationship. For example: please take care of me「宜しくお願いします」(よろしくおねがいします). Please treat me well「宜しくお願いします」(よろしくおねがいします). It's important to note that this word is often used in formal or semi-formal situations, and its meaning can vary depending on the context.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

937

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Play, Frolic

Reading

Parts

虚Empty, Void 戈

Example Word

悪戯: mischief or prank. The Japanese noun '悪戯 (いたずら)' can mean 'mischief' or 'prank'. It refers to playful or harmless actions intended to cause amusement or minor trouble. It can also imply a sense of naughtiness or teasing. For example: The child's mischief made everyone laugh「子供の悪戯がみんなを笑わせた」(こどものいたずらがみんなをわらわせた). He played a prank on his friend「彼は友達に悪戯をした」(かれはともだちにいたずらをした). The word can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation depending on the context, but it generally describes lighthearted behavior.

Radical

戈

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1057

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Falsify, Fake

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)為Do, Sake

Example Word

偽物: fake. The Japanese noun '偽物 (にせもの)' means 'fake'. It refers to something that is not genuine, such as counterfeit goods, imitations, or forged items. This word is often used in contexts where authenticity is important, such as art, fashion, or documents. For example: This painting is a fake「この絵は偽物です」(このえはにせものです). Be careful of fake products「偽物に気をつけて」(にせものにきをつけて). The term can also carry a negative connotation, implying deceit or inferior quality.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1375

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Sacrifice

Reading

Parts

牛Cow 義Righteousness

Example Word

犠牲: sacrifice. The Japanese noun '犠牲 (ぎせい)' means 'sacrifice'. It refers to the act of giving up something valuable or important for the sake of others or a greater cause. This word is often used in contexts involving personal loss, such as in war, accidents, or even in daily life when someone makes a significant compromise. For example: He made a great sacrifice for his family「彼は家族のために大きな犠牲を払った」(かれはかぞくのためにおおきなぎせいをはらった). The victims of the disaster were a tragic sacrifice「その災害の犠牲者は悲劇的な犠牲だった」(そのさいがいのぎせいしゃはひげきてきなぎせいだった).

Radical

牛

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1626

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Deceit, Deceive

Reading

Parts

其That 欠Lack

Example Word

詐欺: fraud. The Japanese noun '詐欺 (さぎ)' means 'fraud'. It refers to the act of deceiving someone for personal gain, often involving money or property. This word is commonly used in legal, financial, and everyday contexts to describe scams, swindles, or dishonest schemes. For example: He was arrested for fraud「彼は詐欺で逮捕された」(かれはさぎでたいほされた). This is a classic case of fraud「これは典型的な詐欺です」(これはてんけいてきなさぎです). The term can also be used in compound words, such as '詐欺師 (さぎし)' (fraudster or con artist).

Radical

欠

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1668

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Model, Imitate

Reading

Parts

扌Hand (手)疑Doubt, Suspect

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1941

Handwriting