Page 1
kanji
気Meaning
Spirit
Reading
onyomiきki
けke
Parts
㐅Katakana me 气Air
Example Word
気分: mood. The Japanese noun '気分 (きぶん)' refers to one's mood or emotional state. It can describe how someone feels emotionally or physically at a given moment. For example: I'm in a good mood today「今日は気分がいい」(きょうはきぶんがいい). She's in a bad mood「彼女は気分が悪い」(かのじょはきぶんがわるい). Additionally, '気分' can also refer to the atmosphere or vibe of a place or situation, such as: The atmosphere here is relaxing「ここは気分が落ち着く」(ここはきぶんがおちつく). Note that '気分' is often used in contexts related to emotional well-being or the general feeling of a situation.
Radical
气
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N5Grade
1Frequency
26
Handwriting
kanji
帰Meaning
Return
Reading
kunyomiかえkae
onyomiきki
Parts
刂Sword (刀)巾Towel 冖Crown 彐Katakana yo
Example Word
帰る: return. The Japanese verb '帰る (かえる)' means 'to return' or 'to go back'. It is commonly used to indicate returning to a place, such as one's home or a familiar location. This verb is often used in everyday conversation to describe going back home after work, school, or an outing. For example: I will return home「家に帰ります」(いえにかえります). He returned to his hometown「彼は故郷に帰った」(かれはふるさとにかえった). The verb can also imply a sense of returning to a state or condition, such as returning to normalcy. Note that '帰る' is an intransitive verb, meaning it does not take a direct object.
Radical
巾
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
141
Handwriting
kanji
起Meaning
Wake up
Reading
kunyomiおo
onyomiきki
Parts
走Run 己Oneself
Example Word
起こる: happen. The Japanese verb '起こる (おこる)' means 'to happen' or 'to occur'. It is used to describe events or incidents that take place, often unexpectedly or naturally. This verb is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. For example: An accident happened「事故が起こった」(じこがおこった). A big earthquake occurred「大きな地震が起こった」(おおきなじしんがおこった). The verb '起こる' is intransitive, meaning it does not take a direct object. It is often used with natural phenomena, accidents, or significant events. Note that '起こる' is different from '起きる (おきる)', which can mean 'to wake up' or 'to occur' but is more commonly used for waking up.
Radical
走
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
187
Handwriting
kanji
記Meaning
Record
Reading
kunyomiしるshiru
onyomiきki
Parts
己Oneself 言Say
Example Word
筆記試験: written exam. The Japanese noun '筆記試験 (ひっきしけん)' refers to a 'written exam' or 'written test'. It is commonly used in academic or professional settings to describe an examination where answers are written down, as opposed to oral or practical exams. For example: I have a written exam tomorrow「明日は筆記試験があります」(あしたはひっきしけんがあります). The written exam was difficult「筆記試験は難しかった」(ひっきしけんはむずかしかった). This term is often used in contexts like school, university, or job qualification tests.
Radical
言
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N3Grade
2Frequency
246
Handwriting
kanji
機Meaning
Machine, Opportunity
Reading
kunyomiはたhata
onyomiきki
Parts
木Tree, Wood 幾Some, How many
Example Word
機会: opportunity. The Japanese noun '機会 (きかい)' means 'opportunity'. It refers to a favorable or suitable time or occasion for doing something. This word is often used in contexts where one is presented with a chance to achieve something or to engage in an activity. For example: I want to take this opportunity to thank you「この機会に感謝の気持ちを伝えたいです」(このきかいにかんしゃのきもちをつたえたいです). He missed the opportunity to study abroad「彼は留学する機会を逃した」(かれ はりゅうがくするきかいをのがした). The word can be used in both formal and informal settings, and it is commonly found in both spoken and written Japanese.
Radical
木
Stroke Count
16JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
269
Handwriting
kanji
寄Meaning
Draw near
Reading
kunyomiよyo
onyomiきki
Parts
宀Roof 奇Strange, Unusual
Example Word
近寄る: approach. The Japanese verb '近寄る (ちかよる)' means 'to approach' or 'to come near'. It is used to describe the action of moving closer to something or someone, either physically or metaphorically. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as approaching a person, an object, or even an abstract concept like danger. For example: The dog approached the stranger「犬がその見知らぬ人に近寄った」(いぬがそのみしらぬひとにちかよった). Don't approach the edge of the cliff「崖の端に近寄らないで」(がけのはしにちかよらないで). The verb often implies a deliberate or cautious movement towards something.
Radical
宀
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N3Grade
5Frequency
303
Handwriting
kanji
貴Meaning
Precious
Reading
kunyomiたっとtatto
とうとtouto
onyomiきki
Parts
貝Shellfish 中Center 一One
Example Word
貴族: nobility. The Japanese noun '貴族 (きぞく)' refers to 'nobility' or 'aristocracy'. It describes a social class of people who hold hereditary titles or ranks, often associated with wealth, power, and privilege. This term is commonly used in historical or formal contexts to refer to the elite class in feudal or monarchical societies. For example: The nobility lived in grand castles「貴族は大きな城に住んでいた」(きぞくはおおきなしろにすんでいた). She comes from a family of nobility「彼女は貴族の家系です」(かのじょはきぞくのかけいです). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe someone with refined or elegant qualities, though this usage is less common.
Radical
貝
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N1Grade
6Frequency
371
Handwriting
kanji
幾Meaning
Some, How many
Reading
kunyomiいくiku
onyomiきki
Parts
幺Slight 戈 人Person
Example Word
幾ら: price or how much. The Japanese noun '幾ら (いくら)' primarily means 'how much' and is used to inquire about the quantity, amount, or price of something. It is commonly used in questions like 'how much does this cost?' or 'how much is it?'. Additionally, '幾ら' can also mean 'price' in certain contexts, though this usage is less common. Example sentences: How much is this?「これは幾らですか?」(これはいくらですか?). I don't know the price「幾らかわかりません」(いくらかわかりません). Note that '幾ら' is often used in formal or polite contexts, and its usage can vary depending on the situation.
Radical
幺
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
7Frequency
414
Handwriting
kanji
喜Meaning
Rejoice
Reading
kunyomiよろこyoroko
onyomiきki
Parts
口Mouth 壴
Example Word
喜ぶ: rejoice. The Japanese verb '喜ぶ (よろこぶ)' means 'to rejoice' or 'to be delighted'. It is used to express happiness or joy in response to something positive, such as good news, a gift, or an achievement. This verb can be used in both formal and informal contexts. For example: She rejoiced at the news「彼女はその知らせを喜んだ」(かのじょはそのしらせをよろこんだ). We were delighted with the gift「私たちはその贈り物を喜んだ」(わたしたちはそのおくりものをよろこんだ). The verb can also be used to describe someone's general state of happiness, as in 'He is always rejoicing'「彼はいつも喜んでいる」(かれはいつもよろこんでいる).
Radical
口
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
492
Handwriting
kanji
期Meaning
Time, Period
Reading
onyomiごgo
きki
Parts
月Moon, Month 其That
Example Word
短期: short term. The Japanese noun '短期 (たんき)' refers to a 'short-term' period or duration. It is commonly used in contexts such as finance, education, and employment to describe something that lasts for a brief period. For example: short-term loan「短期ローン」(たんきローン). He is on a short-term contract「彼は短期契約です」(かれはたんきけいやくです). The word emphasizes brevity and is often contrasted with '長期 (ちょうき)' which means 'long-term'.
Radical
月
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
511
Handwriting
kanji
己Meaning
Oneself
Reading
kunyomiおのれonore
onyomiきki
こko
Example Word
己: oneself. The Japanese noun '己 (おのれ)' refers to 'oneself' or 'self'. It is often used in a reflective or introspective context, emphasizing the speaker's own identity or actions. This term can carry a formal or archaic tone and is sometimes used in expressions of self-reproach or determination. For example: I must rely on myself「己を頼りにしなければならない」(おのれをたより にしなければならない). He blamed himself「彼は己を責めた」(かれはおのれをせめた). Note that '己' can also appear in idiomatic expressions or proverbs, such as '己の欲せざる所は人に施す勿れ (おのれのほっせざるところはひとにほどこすなかれ)', which translates to 'Do not impose on others what you do not desire for yourself.'
Radical
己
Stroke Count
3JLPT
N1Grade
6Frequency
548
Handwriting
kanji
器Meaning
Vessel
Reading
kunyomiうつわutsuwa
onyomiきki
Parts
口Mouth 大Big
Example Word
器: container. The Japanese noun '器 (うつわ)' primarily means 'container'. It refers to a vessel or receptacle used to hold something, such as food, liquids, or other items. This word is often used in contexts related to kitchenware, pottery, or storage. For example: a beautiful container「美しい器」(うつくしいうつわ). This container is for soup「この器はスープ用です」(このうつわはスープようです). Additionally, '器' can metaphorically refer to a person's capacity or ability, as in '彼は器が大きい (かれはうつわがおおきい)', which means 'He has a great capacity (for understanding or handling things).' However, this metaphorical usage is less common and should be clarified in context.
Radical
口
Stroke Count
15JLPT
N1Grade
4Frequency
611
Handwriting
kanji
奇Meaning
Strange, Unusual
Reading
onyomiきki
Parts
大Big 可Possible
Example Word
好奇: curiosity. The Japanese noun '好奇 (こうき)' means 'curiosity'. It refers to a strong desire to know or learn something, often about things that are unusual, mysterious, or unfamiliar. This word is commonly used in contexts where someone is intrigued or fascinated by something. For example: His curiosity was piqued by the strange object「彼の好奇はその奇妙な物にそそられた」(かれのこうきはそのきみょうなものにそそられた). Curiosity drives scientific discovery「好奇は科学の発見を駆り立てる」(こうきはかがくのはっけんをかりたてる). The word can also imply a sense of inquisitiveness or a thirst for knowledge.
Radical
大
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
630
Handwriting
kanji
危Meaning
Dangerous
Reading
kunyomiあやaya
あぶabu
onyomiきki
Parts
厃 㔾
Example Word
危機: crisis. The Japanese noun '危機 (きき)' means 'crisis'. It refers to a time of intense difficulty, trouble, or danger, often requiring immediate action or decision. This word is commonly used in contexts such as economic crises, environmental crises, or personal crises. For example: The country is facing an economic crisis「その国は経済危機に直面している」(そのくにはけいざいききにちょくめんしている). We must act quickly to avoid a crisis「危機を避けるために迅速に行動しなければならない」(ききをさけるためにじんそくにこうどうしなければならない). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe a critical turning point or moment of decision.
Radical
卩
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N3Grade
6Frequency
757
Handwriting
kanji
紀Meaning
Chronicle, Era
Reading
onyomiきki
Parts
糸Thread 已
Example Word
書紀: chronicle. The Japanese noun '書紀 (しょき)' refers to a historical chronicle or record. It is often used in the context of ancient Japanese historical texts, such as the '日本書紀 (にほんしょき)' (Nihon Shoki), which is one of the oldest and most important historical records of Japan. The term can also be used more generally to refer to any historical chronicle. Example sentences: The Nihon Shoki is an ancient chronicle「日本書紀は古代の書紀です」(にほんしょきはこだいのしょきです). He is studying the chronicles of the Heian period「彼は平安時代の書紀を勉強しています」(かれはへいあんじだいのしょきをべんきょうしています).
Radical
糸
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N1Grade
4Frequency
865
Handwriting
kanji
既Meaning
Already, Previously
Reading
kunyomiすでsude
onyomiきki
Parts
牙Fang, Tusk 艮Stopping
Example Word
既に: already. The Japanese adverb '既に (すでに)' means 'already'. It is used to indicate that something has happened or been completed before the present moment or a specified time. This adverb often conveys a sense of something being settled or irreversible. For example: He has already left「彼は既に出発した」(かれはすでにしゅっぱつした). The train has already departed「電車は既に出発した」(でんしゃはすでにしゅっぱつした). It can also imply that something is too late or has passed the point of no return, as in 'It's already too late to change plans「既に計画を変えるには遅すぎる」(すでにけいかくをかえるにはおそすぎる)'. Note that '既に' is often used in formal or written contexts, while 'もう' is more common in casual speech.
Radical
无
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
891
Handwriting
kanji
鬼Meaning
Demon, Ogre
Reading
kunyomiおにoni
onyomiきki
Parts
甶 儿Legs 厶Private
Example Word
餓鬼: brat. The Japanese noun '餓鬼 (がき)' is a colloquial term often used to describe a mischievous or unruly child, similar to the English word 'brat'. It carries a slightly negative or playful tone, depending on the context. In Buddhist contexts, '餓鬼' refers to 'hungry ghosts', but in everyday usage, it is almost exclusively used to refer to children. Example sentences: That kid is such a brat「あの子は本当に餓鬼だ」(あのこはほんとうにがきだ). Don't act like a brat「餓鬼みたいなことをするな」(がきみたいなことをするな). Note that this term can be considered rude or offensive if used directly toward someone, so it is often used in a teasing or informal manner among friends or family.
Radical
鬼
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
932
Handwriting
kanji
基Meaning
Base, Fundation
Reading
kunyomiもとmoto
もといmotoi
onyomiきki
Parts
土Soil 其That
Example Word
基本: basis. The Japanese noun '基本 (きほん)' means 'basis' or 'foundation'. It refers to the fundamental principles or essential elements that form the core of something. This word is often used in contexts related to education, rules, or systems to denote the underlying principles. For example: The basis of learning is practice「基本は練習です」(きほんはれんしゅうです). Understanding the basics is important「基本を理解することが大切です」(きほんをりかいすることがたいせつです). It can also be used in phrases like '基本ルール (きほんルール)' (basic rules) or '基本方針 (きほんほうしん)' (basic policy).
Radical
土
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N1Grade
5Frequency
939
Handwriting
kanji
汽Meaning
Steam
Reading
onyomiきki
Parts
氵Water (水)气Air
Example Word
汽車: steam train. The Japanese noun '汽車 (きしゃ)' refers to a 'steam train'. This word is often used to describe old-fashioned trains powered by steam engines, which were common in Japan during the early to mid-20th century. It evokes a sense of nostalgia and is frequently used in literature, songs, and historical contexts. For example: The steam train is coming「汽車が来る」(きしゃがくる). I saw a steam train at the museum「博物館で汽車を見た」(はくぶつかんできしゃをみた). Note that while modern trains are referred to as '電車 (でん しゃ)', '汽車' specifically refers to steam-powered trains.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N1Grade
2Frequency
979
Handwriting
kanji
机Meaning
Desk, Table
Reading
kunyomiつくえtsukue
onyomiきki
Parts
木Tree, Wood 几
Example Word
机: desk. The Japanese noun '机 (つくえ)' means 'desk'. It refers to a piece of furniture with a flat surface, typically used for writing, reading, or working. This word is commonly used in everyday contexts, such as in homes, schools, or offices. For example: There is a desk in my room「私の部屋に机があります」(わたしのへやにつくえがあります). I study at my desk「机で勉強します」(つくえでべんきょうします). The word '机' is often paired with other words to specify the type of desk, such as '学習机 (がくしゅうづくえ)' (study desk) or 'オフィス机 (オフィスづくえ)' (office desk).
Radical
木
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N2Grade
6Frequency
1070
Handwriting
kanji
規Meaning
Standard, Regulation
Reading
onyomiきki
Parts
夫Man, Husband 見See
Example Word
新規: new. The Japanese adjectival noun '新規 (しんき)' means 'new' and is often used to describe something that is newly established, introduced, or started. It is commonly used in business contexts to refer to new customers, projects, or accounts. For example: We are looking for new customers「新規の顧客を探しています」(しんきのこきゃくをさがしています). This is a new project「これは新規のプロジェクトです」(これはしんきのぷろじぇくとです). The term emphasizes the freshness or novelty of the subject and is frequently used in formal or professional settings.
Radical
見
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N3Grade
5Frequency
1074
Handwriting
kanji
輝Meaning
Radiance, Shine brilliantly
Reading
kunyomiかがやkagaya
onyomiきki
Parts
光Light 軍Army
Example Word
輝く: shine. The Japanese verb '輝く (かがやく)' means 'to shine' or 'to sparkle'. It is often used to describe something that emits light or has a radiant appearance, such as stars, jewels, or even a person's eyes. It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who stands out due to their talent, success, or positive qualities. Example sentences: The stars shine brightly in the night sky「夜空に星が輝く」(よぞらにほしがかがやく). Her smile sparkles with joy「彼女の笑顔は喜びで輝いている」(かのじょのえがおはよろこびでかがやいている). The athlete shone in the competition「その選手は競技で輝いた」(そのせんしゅはきょうぎでかがやいた).
Radical
車
Stroke Count
15JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
1082
Handwriting
kanji
旗Meaning
Flag
Reading
kunyomiはたhata
onyomiきki
Parts
方Direction 其That
Example Word
国旗: flag or national flag. The Japanese noun '国旗 (こっき)' refers to a 'flag' or specifically a 'national flag'. It is used to denote the official flag of a country, symbolizing its identity and sovereignty. For example: The national flag of Japan is beautiful「日本の国旗は美しい」(にほんのこっきはうつくしい). I saw many national flags at the event「イベントでたくさんの国旗を見た」(イベントでたくさんのこっきをみた). The word is commonly used in contexts related to national identity, international events, and ceremonies.
Radical
方
Stroke Count
14JLPT
N1Grade
4Frequency
1137
Handwriting
kanji
希Meaning
Wish, Hope
Reading
onyomiきki
Parts
㐅Katakana me 布Cloth, Linen
Example Word
希望: hope. The Japanese verbal noun '希望 (きぼう)' means 'hope'. It refers to a feeling of expectation and desire for a particular thing to happen. This word is often used to express aspirations, wishes, or desires for the future. For example: I have hope for the future「 私は将来に希望を持っています」(わたしはしょうらいにきぼうをもっています). She lost hope「彼女は希望を失った」(かのじょはきぼうをうしなった). It can also be used in formal contexts, such as in job applications or surveys, to indicate preferences or desires, as in '希望の職種 (きぼうのしょくしゅ) (desired job type)'.
Radical
巾
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
1142
Handwriting
kanji
祈Meaning
Pray
Reading
kunyomiいのino
onyomiきki
Parts
礻Cult (示)斤Axe, Catty
Example Word
祈る: pray. The Japanese verb '祈る (いのる)' means 'to pray'. It is used when someone is making a wish or request to a higher power, such as a deity or the universe, often for the well-being of oneself or others. It can also be used in a more general sense to express a strong hope or desire for something to happen. For example: I pray for your happiness「あなたの幸せを祈ります」(あなたのしあわせをいのります). She prayed for good weather「彼女は良い天気を祈った」(かのじょはよいてんきをいのった). The verb can be used in both formal and informal contexts, and it often carries a sense of earnestness or sincerity.
Radical
示
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N2Grade
7Frequency
1205
Handwriting
kanji
棄Meaning
Abandon, Renounce
Reading
onyomiきki
Parts
𠫓Child 丗Thirty 木Tree, Wood
Example Word
放棄: abandonment. The Japanese noun '放棄 (ほうき)' means 'abandonment'. It refers to the act of giving up or relinquishing something, such as rights, responsibilities, or possessions. This word is often used in legal, formal, or serious contexts. For example: the abandonment of property「財産の放棄」(ざいさんのほうき). The government announced the abandonment of the project「政府はそのプロジェクトの放棄を発表した」(せいふはそのプロジェクトのほうきをはっぴょうした). It can also be used in personal contexts, such as abandoning a dream「夢の放棄」(ゆめのほうき). Note that this word carries a formal tone and is not typically used in casual conversation.
Radical
木
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
1270
Handwriting
kanji
肌Meaning
Skin
Reading
kunyomiはだhada
onyomiきki
Parts
肉Meat 几
Example Word
肌着: underwear. The Japanese noun '肌着 (はだぎ)' refers to 'underwear' or 'underclothing'. It specifically denotes garments worn directly against the skin, such as undershirts, underpants, or thermal wear. This term is commonly used in everyday contexts when discussing clothing or laundry. For example: I bought new underwear「新しい肌着を買いました」(あたらしいはだぎをかいました). She washed her underwear「彼女は肌着を洗いました」(かのじょははだぎをあらいました). The word emphasizes the closeness of the clothing to the skin, often implying comfort or practicality.
Radical
肉
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N2Grade
9Frequency
1306
Handwriting
kanji
季Meaning
Season
Reading
onyomiきki
Parts
子Child 禾Cereal
Example Word
季節: season. The Japanese noun '季節 (きせつ)' refers to 'season', specifically one of the four divisions of the year (spring, summer, autumn, winter). It is used to describe the natural changes and characteristics associated with each period. For example: I love the autumn season「秋の季節が大好きです」(あきのきせつがだいすきです). The cherry blossoms are a symbol of the spring season「桜は春の季節の象徴です」(さくらははるのきせつのしょうちょうです). This word is commonly used in everyday conversation, poetry, and literature to evoke the beauty and atmosphere of each season.
Radical
子
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
1341
Handwriting
kanji
揮Meaning
Wield, Display
Reading
onyomiきki
Parts
扌Hand (手)軍Army
Example Word
指揮: command. The Japanese verbal noun '指揮 (しき)' means 'command' or 'directing'. It is commonly used in contexts where someone is leading or managing a group, such as in military, musical, or organizational settings. For example: The conductor is directing the orchestra「指揮者がオーケストラを指揮している」(しきしゃがオーケストラをしきしている). The general commanded the troops「将軍が部隊を指揮した」(しょうぐんがぶたいをしきした). This word emphasizes the act of guiding or controlling a group or activity, often with authority or expertise.
Radical
手
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N1Grade
6Frequency
1394
Handwriting
kanji
企Meaning
Plan, Project
Reading
kunyomiくわだkuwada
onyomiきki
Parts
人Person 止Stop
Example Word
企業: company. The Japanese noun '企業 (きぎょう)' refers to a 'company' or 'enterprise'. It is commonly used to describe a business organization engaged in commercial, industrial, or professional activities. This term is often used in formal contexts, such as business discussions, news, or academic writing. For example: That company is growing rapidly「あの企業は急速に成長している」(あのきぎょうはきゅうそくにせいちょうしている). Many companies are adopting new technologies「多くの企業が新しい技術を採用している」(おおくのきぎょうがあたらしいぎじゅつをさいようしている). The word can also be used in compound terms like '大企業 (だいきぎょう)' (large corporation) or '中小企業 (ちゅうしょうきぎょう)' (small and medium-sized enterprises).
Radical
人
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
1490
Handwriting
kanji
亀Meaning
Turtle
Reading
kunyomiかめkame
onyomiきki
Parts
龟 日Day, Sun
Example Word
亀: turtle or tortoise. The Japanese noun '亀 (かめ)' refers to a turtle or tortoise. It is used to describe the reptile known for its hard shell and slow movement. In Japanese culture, turtles are often associated with longevity and good fortune. For example: I saw a turtle at the zoo「動物園で亀を見た」(どうぶつえんでかめをみた). The tortoise is walking slowly「亀がゆっくり歩いている」(かめがゆっくりあるいている). Note that while 'turtle' and 'tortoise' are distinct in English, '亀' can refer to both in Japanese, with context often clarifying the specific type.
Radical
乛
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N1Grade
10Frequency
1515
Handwriting