kanji

Meaning

Reason

Reading

Parts

王King 里Hometown

Example Word

理性: reason. The Japanese noun '理性 (りせい)' refers to 'reason' or 'rationality'. It is used to describe the human capacity for logical thinking, judgment, and decision-making, often in contrast to emotions or instincts. This word is commonly used in philosophical, psychological, or everyday contexts to discuss rational thought. For example: He acted based on reason「彼は理性に基づいて行動した」(かれはりせいにもとづいてこうどうした). Losing reason in anger is dangerous「怒りで理性を失うのは危険だ」(いかりでりせいをうしなうのはきけんだ). The word can also imply self-control or the ability to think calmly and logically.

Radical

玉

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

88

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Profit, Advantage

Reading

Parts

禾Cereal 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

左利き: left handed. The Japanese noun '左利き (ひだりきき)' refers to someone who is left-handed. It is used to describe a person's dominant hand preference. For example: my brother is left-handed「私の兄は左利きです」(わたしのあにはひだりききです). She writes with her left hand because she is left-handed「彼女は左利きなので左手で書きます」(かのじょはひだりききなのでひだりてでかきます). This term can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is designed or suited for left-handed people, such as '左利き用のはさみ (ひだりききようのはさみ) (scissors for left-handed people).'

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

262

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Detach, Separate

Reading

Parts

离 隹Bird

Example Word

離陸: takeoff. The Japanese verbal noun '離陸 (りりく)' means 'takeoff' and is primarily used in the context of aviation to describe the moment when an aircraft leaves the ground and begins to fly. It can also be used metaphorically to describe the start of a project or endeavor. For example: The plane is about to take off「飛行機が離陸しようとしている」(ひこうきがりりくしようとしている). The new business is ready for takeoff「新しいビジネスが離陸の準備ができている」(あたらしいビジネスがりりくのじゅんびができている). Note that '離陸' is often used in formal or technical contexts.

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

里: village. The Japanese noun '里 (さと)' refers to a 'village' or a rural area, often contrasting with urban areas. It carries a sense of nostalgia and simplicity, evoking images of traditional Japanese countryside life. This word is commonly used in literature and poetry to depict idyllic rural settings. For example: I returned to my hometown village「私は里に帰りました」(わたしはさとかえりました). The village is surrounded by mountains「里は山に囲まれている」(さとはやまにかこまれている). Additionally, '里' can sometimes refer to a foster home or a place where someone is raised, as in '里親 (さとおや)' (foster parent).

Radical

里

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

556

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fulfill, Footgear

Reading

Parts

尸Corpse 復Restore

Example Word

履物: footwear. The Japanese noun '履物 (はきもの)' refers to 'footwear' or 'items worn on the feet'. This term is a general category that includes shoes, sandals, slippers, and other types of foot coverings. It is commonly used in contexts where discussing types of footwear or customs related to footwear, such as removing shoes before entering a home. For example: Please remove your footwear「履物を脱いでください」(はきものをぬいでください). Traditional Japanese footwear「伝統的な履物」(でんとうてきなはきもの). The word is often used in formal or descriptive contexts rather than casual conversation.

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