Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Reason

Reading

Parts

王King 里Hometown

Example Word

理解: understanding. The Japanese verbal noun '理解 (りかい)' means 'understanding'. It refers to the act of comprehending or grasping something, whether it be a concept, situation, or another person's feelings. This word is often used in both formal and informal contexts to express the idea of gaining insight or knowledge. For example: I have a deep understanding of the problem「私はその問題を深く理解しています」(わたしはそのもんだいをふかくりかいしています). Mutual understanding is important in relationships「関係において相互理解は重要です」(かんけいにおいてそうごりかいはじゅうようです). It can also be used to describe the process of understanding, as in 'understanding the instructions' (理解する (りかいする)).

Radical

玉

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

88

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Profit, Advantage

Reading

Parts

禾Cereal 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

有利: advantageous. The Japanese adjectival noun '有利 (ゆうり)' means 'advantageous' or 'favorable'. It is used to describe situations, conditions, or positions that provide a benefit or advantage. For example: This deal is advantageous for us「この取引は私たちにとって有利だ」(このとりひきはわたしたちにとってゆうりだ). The team is in a favorable position「そのチームは有利な立場にある」(そのチームはゆうりなたちばにある). It is often used in contexts related to business, competition, or strategic decisions.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

262

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Detach, Separate

Reading

Parts

离 隹Bird

Example Word

距離: distance. The Japanese noun '距離 (きょり)' refers to the physical or metaphorical distance between two points, objects, or concepts. It is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts. For example: the distance between Tokyo and Osaka is about 500 kilometers「東京と大阪の距離は約500キロです」(とうきょうとおおさかのきょりはやく500キロです). There is a distance between their opinions「彼らの意見には距離がある」(かれらのいけんにはきょりがある). The word can also imply emotional or relational distance, such as in '彼との距離を感じる (かれときょりをかんじる) (I feel a distance between us).'

Radical

隹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

401

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Inside, Rear

Reading

Parts

亠Lid 里Hometown

Example Word

裏門: back gate. The Japanese noun '裏門 (うらもん)' refers to a 'back gate' or 'rear entrance' of a building, estate, or compound. It is often used to describe a secondary or less prominent entrance, as opposed to the main gate. This term can be used in both literal and figurative contexts. For example: The back gate is closed「裏門は閉まっている」(うらもんはしまっている). He entered through the back gate「彼は裏門から入った」(かれはうらもんからはいった). In some cases, '裏門' can also imply a sense of secrecy or informality, as it is less visible than the main entrance.

Radical

衣

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

497

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Hometown

Reading

Parts

田Rice field 土Soil

Example Word

古里: hometown. The Japanese noun '古里 (ふるさと)' refers to one's hometown or birthplace, often evoking a sense of nostalgia and emotional attachment. It is commonly used to describe the place where someone grew up or has deep roots. For example: I miss my hometown「古里が懐かしい」(ふるさとがなつかしい). He returned to his hometown「彼は古里に帰った」(かれはふるさとにかえった). The word carries a sentimental tone and is often associated with memories of childhood or family.

Radical

里

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

556

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fulfill, Footgear

Reading

Parts

尸Corpse 復Restore

Example Word

履歴書: resume. The Japanese noun '履歴書 (りれきしょ)' refers to a 'resume' or 'curriculum vitae (CV)'. It is a formal document used when applying for jobs, detailing a person's work history, education, skills, and other relevant information. In Japan, submitting a well-prepared 履歴書 is a crucial part of the job application process. Example sentences: Please submit your resume「履歴書を提出してください」(りれきしょをていしゅつしてください). I updated my resume「履歴書を更新しました」(りれきしょをこうしんしました). The format and content of a 履歴書 are often standardized in Japan, and it is typically accompanied by a 職務経歴書 (しょくむけいれきしょ), which provides more detailed work experience.

Radical

尸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1537

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Glassy

Reading

Radical

玉

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1651

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Officer, Official

Reading

Parts

丈Stout, Length 口Mouth

Radical

口

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1675

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Pear

Reading

Parts

利Profit, Advantage 木Tree, Wood

Radical

木

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1837

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Diarrhea, Diarrhoea

Reading

Parts

疒Sick 利Profit, Advantage

Example Word

下痢: diarrhea. The Japanese verbal noun '下痢 (げり)' refers to 'diarrhea', a condition characterized by frequent, loose, or watery bowel movements. It is commonly used in medical or everyday contexts to describe this specific health issue. For example: I have diarrhea「下痢をしています」(げりをしています). He got diarrhea from bad food「彼は悪い食べ物で下痢になった」(かれはわるいたべものでげりになった). This term is straightforward and typically used in both formal and informal settings to describe the condition.

Radical

疒

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2082

Handwriting