字Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

White

Reading

Parts

丿Katakana no 日Day, Sun

Example Word

面白い: interesting or funny. The Japanese adjective '面白い (おもしろい)' has two primary meanings: 'interesting' and 'funny'. When used to mean 'interesting', it describes something that captures attention or is engaging, such as a book, movie, or idea. For example: This book is interesting「この本は面白い」(このほんはおもしろい). When used to mean 'funny', it describes something that causes laughter or amusement, such as a joke or a situation. For example: That joke was funny「そのジョークは面白かった」(そのジョークはおもしろかった). The context usually makes it clear which meaning is intended. Note that '面白い' can also imply a sense of novelty or uniqueness, adding depth to its usage.

Radical

白

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

95

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Extensive, Doctor (phd)

Reading

Parts

尃 十Ten

Example Word

博物館: museum. The Japanese noun '博物館 (はくぶつかん)' means 'museum'. It refers to a place where objects of historical, scientific, artistic, or cultural significance are stored and exhibited for public viewing. This word is commonly used in contexts related to education, tourism, and cultural activities. For example: I went to the museum yesterday「昨日、博物館に行きました」(きのう、はくぶつかんにいきました). The museum has many interesting exhibits「その博物館には面白い展示がたくさんあります」(そのはくぶつかんにはおもしろいてんじがたくさんあります). The word is often paired with specific types of museums, such as 'art museum' (美術館, びじゅつかん) or 'science museum' (科学博物館, かがくはくぶつかん).

Radical

十

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

521

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Thin, Dilute

Reading

Parts

溥 艹Grass

Example Word

薄い: thin or pale. The Japanese adjective '薄い (うすい)' has two primary meanings: 'thin' and 'pale'. When used to mean 'thin', it describes something with little thickness or density, such as a thin book or a thin layer of paint. For example: this paper is thin「この紙は薄い」(このかみはうすい). When used to mean 'pale', it describes something with a light or faint color, such as pale skin or a pale shade of blue. For example: her dress is pale pink「彼女のドレスは薄いピンクです」(かのじょのドレスはうすいピンクです). The context will usually make it clear which meaning is intended.

Radical

艸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

550

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Chief, Older sibling of parent

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)白White

Example Word

伯父: uncle. The Japanese noun '伯父 (おじ)' refers to an uncle, specifically one's father's older brother. It is used to denote a familial relationship and is part of the Japanese kinship terminology. The term is distinct from '叔父 (おじ)', which refers to one's father's younger brother. Example sentences include: My uncle is coming over「伯父が来ます」(おじがきます). I visited my uncle's house「伯父の家を訪ねました」(おじのいえをたずねました). The term is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to refer to this specific family member.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

883

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Urge, Press

Reading

Parts

辶Walk 白White

Example Word

迫る: press or approach. The Japanese verb '迫る (せまる)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'to approach,' often used to describe something coming closer in time, space, or situation. For example: The deadline is approaching「締め切りが迫っている」(しめきりがせまっている). The second meaning is 'to press' or 'to urge,' often used in contexts where someone is being pressured or compelled to act. For example: He pressed me for an answer「彼は私に答えを迫った」(かれはわたしにこたえをせまった). The verb can also imply a sense of urgency or inevitability, depending on the context.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

926

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Overnight, Stay overnight

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)白White

Example Word

泊める: accommodate. The Japanese verb '泊める (とめる)' means 'to accommodate' or 'to let someone stay overnight'. It is commonly used when referring to providing lodging or a place to stay for someone, such as in a home, hotel, or inn. For example: I will accommodate my friend at my house「友達を家に泊める」(ともだちをいえにとめる). This hotel accommodates many guests「このホテルは多くの客を泊める」(このホテルはおおくのきゃくをとめる). The verb can also imply a temporary stay, often for a night or a short period. It is important to note that '泊める' is transitive, meaning it requires a direct object (the person being accommodated).

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

936

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Clap, Beat

Reading

Parts

扌Hand (手)白White

Example Word

拍手: clap. The Japanese verbal noun '拍手 (はくしゅ)' means 'clap' or 'applause'. It refers to the act of clapping one's hands together, often as a form of appreciation, approval, or celebration. This word is commonly used in contexts such as performances, speeches, or ceremonies. For example: let's give a round of applause「拍手をお願いします」(はくしゅをおねがいします). The audience clapped loudly「観客は大きな拍手を送りました」(かんきゃくはおおきなはくしゅをおくりました). It's important to note that '拍手' can also be used metaphorically to express approval or encouragement in a broader sense.

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1446

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Peel off

Reading

Example Word

剥く: peel. The Japanese verb '剥く (むく)' means 'to peel'. It is commonly used when referring to removing the outer layer or skin of something, such as fruits, vegetables, or even objects. For example: I peeled the apple「リンゴを剥いた」(りんごをむいた). He peeled the potato「彼はジャガイモを剥いた」(かれはじゃがいもをむいた). This verb can also be used metaphorically to describe stripping away layers of something abstract, such as emotions or concepts. However, the primary and most common usage is in the context of physically peeling something.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1548

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Hegemony, Supremacy

Reading

Parts

䩗 覀

Radical

西

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2019

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ship

Reading

Parts

舟Boat 白White

Radical

舟

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2056

Handwriting