Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Make, Build

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 告Announce

Example Word

創造: creation. The Japanese noun '創造 (そうぞう)' means 'creation'. It refers to the act of bringing something into existence, often used in contexts involving art, innovation, or the universe. For example: the creation of the universe「宇宙の創造」(うちゅうのそうぞう). This word can also imply a sense of originality and imagination, as in: the creation of new ideas「新しいアイデアの創造」(あたらしいアイデアのそうぞう). It is commonly used in both artistic and scientific contexts to denote the process of making something new and unique.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

423

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Storehouse

Reading

Parts

茂Grow thickly, Luxuriant 臣Servant, Retainer

Example Word

蔵: storehouse. The Japanese noun '蔵 (くら)' refers to a 'storehouse' or 'warehouse', a place where goods, especially food, alcohol, or valuables, are stored. It is often associated with traditional Japanese architecture and is commonly used in contexts related to storage, preservation, or historical buildings. For example: The sake is stored in the storehouse「酒は蔵に保管されている」(さけはくらにほかんされている). This old storehouse has been here for centuries「この古い蔵は何世紀も前からここにある」(このふるいくらはなんせいきもまえからここにある). The term can also be used metaphorically to describe a repository of knowledge or memories.

Radical

艸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

443

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Elephant, Phenomenon

Reading

Parts

⺈Wrap 豕Pig

Example Word

象徴: symbol. The Japanese verbal noun '象徴 (しょうちょう)' means 'symbol'. It refers to something that represents or stands for an idea, quality, or concept. This word is often used in contexts where an object, person, or event embodies a larger meaning or represents a significant idea. For example: The dove is a symbol of peace「鳩は平和の象徴です」(はとはへいわのしょうちょうです). This building symbolizes the city's history「この建物は街の歴史を象徴しています」(このたてものはまちのれきしをしょうちょうしています). The term is commonly used in discussions about culture, art, and philosophy.

Radical

豕

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

484

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Image, Statue

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)象Elephant, Phenomenon

Example Word

想像: conception or imagination. The Japanese verbal noun '想像 (そうぞう)' primarily means 'imagination' or 'conception'. It refers to the ability to form mental images or ideas of things not present to the senses or not previously known or experienced. It is often used in contexts discussing creativity, planning, or hypothesizing about future events or scenarios. For example: His imagination is boundless「彼の想像は無限だ」(かれのそうぞうはむげんだ). It's hard to conceive of such a situation「そんな状況を想像するのは難しい」(そんなじょうきょうをそうぞうするのはむずかしい). This word is commonly used in both everyday conversation and formal writing, highlighting its versatility in describing both creative and speculative thought processes.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

530

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Miscellaneous

Reading

Parts

杂 隹Bird

Example Word

雑音: noise. The Japanese noun '雑音 (ざつおん)' refers to 'noise', particularly unwanted or disruptive sounds. This term is often used in contexts where background noise interferes with communication or clarity, such as in audio recordings, phone calls, or public spaces. For example: There is too much noise in this room「この部屋は雑音が多すぎる」(このへやはざつおんがおおすぎる). The noise from the construction site is annoying「工事現場の雑音がうるさい」(こうじげんばのざつおんがうるさい). It can also be used metaphorically to describe irrelevant or distracting information, such as in a discussion or written text.

Radical

隹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

534

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Increase

Reading

Parts

土Soil 曽Formerly

Example Word

増加: increase. The Japanese verbal noun '増加 (ぞうか)' means 'increase'. It refers to the act of becoming greater in size, amount, or number. This word is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe growth or expansion in various areas such as population, prices, or data. For example: The population is increasing「人口が増加している」(じんこうがぞうかしている). There was an increase in prices「価格の増加があった」(かかくのぞうかがあった). It's important to note that '増加' is often used in reports, statistics, and discussions about trends.

Radical

土

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

838

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Hate

Reading

Parts

火Fire 曽Formerly

Example Word

憎しみ: hatred. The Japanese noun '憎しみ (にくしみ)' means 'hatred'. It refers to a strong feeling of dislike or animosity towards someone or something. This word is often used in contexts involving deep-seated resentment or hostility. For example: His hatred for injustice was evident「彼の不正への憎しみは明らかだった」(かれのふせいへのにくしみはあきらかだった). She couldn't hide her hatred for him「彼女は彼への憎しみを隠せなかった」(かのじょはかれへのにくしみをかくせなかった). The word can also be used in more abstract contexts, such as hatred towards an idea or concept.

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

963

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Official

Reading

Parts

曰 曲Music, Bend

Radical

曰

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1365

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Entrails, Viscera

Reading

Parts

肉Meat 蔵Storehouse

Example Word

内臓: internal organs. The Japanese noun '内臓 (ないぞう)' refers to the internal organs of the body, such as the heart, liver, stomach, and intestines. It is commonly used in medical or biological contexts to describe the organs located inside the body cavity. For example: The doctor examined his internal organs「医師は彼の内臓を検査した」(いしはかれのないぞうをけんさした). Eating healthy is important for your internal organs「健康的な食事は内臓に重要です」(けんこうてきなしょくじはないぞうにじゅうようです). The term is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings.

Radical

肉

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1398

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Present, Presents

Reading

Parts

貝Shellfish 曽Formerly

Example Word

贈り物: gift. The Japanese noun '贈り物 (おくりもの)' means 'gift'. It refers to something given to someone as a present, often to show appreciation, celebrate an occasion, or express goodwill. This word is commonly used in contexts like birthdays, weddings, or holidays. For example: I received a gift from my friend「友達から贈り物をもらった」(ともだちからおくりものをもらった). She prepared a gift for her mother「彼女は母親に贈り物を用意した」(かのじょはははおやにおくりものをよういした). The word can also imply thoughtfulness or care in choosing the gift.

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1594

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Formerly

Reading

Parts

丷Divide 田Rice field 日Day, Sun

Radical

曰

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1966

Handwriting