Page 1
kanji
気Meaning
Spirit
Reading
onyomiきki
けke
Parts
㐅Katakana me 气Air
Example Word
雰囲気: atmosphere. The Japanese noun '雰囲気 (ふんいき)' refers to the 'atmosphere' or 'mood' of a place, situation, or event. It describes the overall feeling or vibe that is perceived in a particular environment. This word is often used to convey the intangible qualities that make a setting unique or memorable. For example: The atmosphere of the cafe was cozy「カフェの雰囲気は居心地が良かった」(かふぇのふんいきはいごこちがよかった). The party had a lively atmosphere「パーティーの雰囲気は活気があった」(ぱーてぃーのふんいきはかっきがあった). It can also be used to describe the mood of a person or group, such as '彼の雰囲気は優しかった (かれのふんいきはやさしかった)' (His demeanor was gentle).
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
日帰り: day trip. The Japanese verbal noun '日帰り (ひがえり)' refers to a trip or outing that is completed within a single day, without staying overnight. It is commonly used to describe short trips, such as visiting a nearby city or tourist spot and returning home the same day. For example: We went on a daytrip to Kyoto「私たちは京都に日帰りで行きました」(わたしたちはきょうとにひがえりでいきました). A daytrip to the hot springs「温泉に日帰りで行く」(おんせんにひがえりでいく). This term is often used in travel contexts and emphasizes the brevity of the trip.
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
起き上がる: getup. The Japanese verb '起き上がる (おきあがる)' means 'to get up' or 'to rise up'. This verb is typically used to describe the action of moving from a lying or sitting position to a standing position. It can also be used metaphorically to describe recovering from a setback or difficult situation. For example: He got up from the floor「彼は床から起き上がった」(かれはゆかからおきあがった). After the accident, she managed to get up and walk「事故の後、彼女は起き上がって歩くことができた」(じこのあと、かのじょはおきあがってあるくことができた). The verb is often used in contexts involving physical movement or recovery.
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
下記: below. The Japanese noun '下記 (かき)' means 'below' or 'the following'. It is commonly used in written contexts, such as documents, articles, or instructions, to refer to information that is listed or explained further down in the text. For example: please refer to the information below「下記の情報をご参照ください」(かきのじょうほうをごさんしょうください). The details are as follows「下記の通りです」(かきのとおりです). This word is often used in formal or business settings to direct the reader's attention to specific details or instructions.
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
ジェット機: jet. The Japanese noun 'ジェット機 (ジェットき)' refers to a 'jet' or more specifically a 'jet aircraft'. This term is used to describe aircraft that are powered by jet engines, which are commonly used in both commercial and military aviation. For example: The jet is fast「ジェット機は速い」(ジェットきははやい). I saw a jet in the sky「空にジェット機を見た」(そらにジェットきをみた). The word combines the English loanword 'ジェット' (jet) with the Japanese word '機' (き), which means 'machine' or 'aircraft', to specifically denote jet-powered planes.
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
寄る: stop by. The Japanese verb '寄る (よる)' primarily means 'to stop by' or 'to drop in'. It is used when someone visits a place briefly, often on the way to another destination. This verb can also imply a casual or unplanned visit. For example: I will stop by the store「店に寄ります」(みせによります). Let's drop by the park on the way home「帰りに公園に寄りましょう」(かえりにこうえんによりましょう). Additionally, '寄る' can sometimes mean 'to lean' or 'to approach', but these meanings are less common and context-dependent. For example: The tree is leaning to the left「木が左に寄っている」(きがひだり によるっている).
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
貴い: precious. The Japanese adjective '貴い (とうとい)' means 'precious' or 'valuable'. It is often used to describe something of high value, importance, or rarity, whether it be physical objects, abstract concepts, or even people. This word carries a sense of reverence or respect. For example: Time is precious「時間は貴い」(じかんはとうとい). This is a precious gift「これは貴い贈り物です」(これはとうといおくりものです). The word can also imply something noble or sacred, as in '貴い使命 (とうといしめい)' (noble mission).
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
幾つ: how many. The Japanese noun '幾つ (いくつ)' is used to ask about the number or quantity of something, typically when the exact number is unknown or unspecified. It is often translated as 'how many' in English. This word is commonly used in questions to inquire about age, quantity, or the number of items. For example: How many apples are there?「りんごは幾つありますか?」(りんごはいくつありますか?). How old is your child?「お子さんは幾つですか?」(おこさんはいくつですか?). Note that '幾つ' is more formal and less commonly used in casual conversation compared to '何個 (なんこ)' or '何歳 (なんさい)' for specific contexts.
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
期: period. The Japanese suffix '期 (き)' is used to denote a specific period, phase, or stage. It is often attached to nouns to indicate a time frame or a particular stage in a process. For example: the rainy season「梅雨期」(つゆき). The growth period「成長期」(せいちょうき). This suffix is commonly used in contexts related to seasons, development, or historical periods. It is important to note that '期' is not used alone but always as a suffix attached to another noun to specify the period or phase being referred to.
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
兵器: weapon. The Japanese noun '兵器 (へいき)' refers to 'weapon' or 'armament'. It is commonly used to describe tools or devices designed for combat or warfare, such as guns, missiles, or tanks. This term can also be used in a broader sense to include any equipment or technology used in military contexts. For example: The country developed new weapons「その国は新しい兵器を開発した」(そのくにはあたらしいへいきをかいはつした). Modern weapons are highly advanced「現代の兵 器は非常に進んでいる」(げんだいのへいきはひじょうにすすんでいる). The word can also appear in compound terms like '核兵器 (かくへいき)' (nuclear weapons) or '生物兵器 (せいぶつへいき)' (biological weapons).
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
奇跡: miracle. The Japanese noun '奇跡 (きせき)' means 'miracle'. It refers to an extraordinary and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is therefore attributed to a divine agency. This word is often used in religious, spiritual, or awe-inspiring contexts. For example: It was a miracle that he survived「彼が生き残ったのは奇跡だった」(かれがいきのこったのはきせきだった). The discovery of the cure was a miracle「その治療法の発見は奇跡だった」(そのちりょうほうのはっけんはきせきだった). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is highly unlikely or surprising, such as a miraculous comeback in sports or a rare natural phenomenon.
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
紀元: era. The Japanese noun '紀元 (きげん)' refers to an 'era' or 'epoch', particularly in the context of marking the beginning of a historical period or calendar system. It is often used in historical or academic contexts to denote significant starting points in time. For example: The Gregorian calendar starts from the year 1 AD「グレゴリオ暦は紀元1年から始まる」(グレゴリオれきはきげん1ねんからはじまる). The Meiji era marked a new epoch in Japanese history「明治時代は日本の歴史における新しい紀元を画した」(めいじじだいはにほんのれきしにおけるあたらしいきげんをかくした). Note that '紀元' can also be used metaphorically to describe the beginning of a significant event or movement.
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
鬼: demon or ogre. The Japanese noun '鬼 (おに)' refers to a mythical creature often depicted as a demon or ogre in Japanese folklore. These beings are typically portrayed as fearsome, with horns, sharp claws, and wild hair. They are often associated with evil or mischief but can also symbolize strength and perseverance. In modern contexts, '鬼' is sometimes used metaphorically to describe someone who is exceptionally strict or relentless, such as a demanding coach or boss. Example sentences: The demon is scary「鬼は怖い」(おにはこわい). My boss is a real ogre「私の上司は本当に鬼だ」(わたしのじょうしはほんとうにおにだ). In festivals, people dress up as demons「祭りで鬼の格好をする人もいる」(まつりでおにのかっこうをするひともいる).
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
基づく: based. The Japanese verb '基づく (もとづく)' means 'to be based on' or 'to be grounded in'. It is used to indicate that something is founded on or derived from a particular source, principle, or fact. This verb is often used in formal or academic contexts. For example: This theory is based on solid evidence「この理論は確かな証拠に基づいている」(このりろんはたしかなしょうこにもとづいている). The decision was based on careful consideration「その決定は慎重な考慮に基づいていた」(そのけっていはしんちょうなこうりょにもとづいていた). Note that '基づく' is typically followed by the particle 'に' to indicate the basis or source.
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
規範: norm. The Japanese noun '規範 (きはん)' refers to a standard, norm, or model that serves as a guideline for behavior, thought, or judgment. It is often used in contexts related to social, ethical, or professional standards. For example: Society has its own norms「社会にはその規範がある」(しゃかいにはそのきはんがある). We must follow the norms of the workplace「職場の規範に従わなければならない」(しょくばのきはんにしたがわなければならない). The word can also imply a sense of authority or a benchmark that is widely accepted within a community or group.
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
旗: flag. The Japanese noun '旗 (はた)' means 'flag'. This word refers to a piece of cloth or similar material, typically rectangular or triangular, attached to a pole or rope and used as a symbol, signaling device, or decoration. It is commonly used in contexts such as national flags, sports events, or festivals. For example: The national flag is flying「国旗がはためいている」(こっきがはためいている). They raised the white flag「彼らは白い旗を上げた」(かれらはしろいはたをあげた). The word can also be used metaphorically to represent a cause or movement, as in '旗を掲げる (はたをかかげる)' which means 'to raise a flag' or 'to champion a cause'.
Radical