kanji

Meaning

Protect, Defense

Reading

Parts

行Go 韋

Example Word

自衛隊: Self Defense Forces. The Japanese noun '自衛隊 (じえいたい)' refers to the 'Self-Defense Forces' of Japan, which is the country's military organization. Established after World War II, the Self-Defense Forces are primarily responsible for national defense and disaster relief operations. The term is often used in discussions about Japan's defense policies, international military cooperation, and domestic emergency responses. Example sentences: The Self-Defense Forces conducted a rescue operation「自衛隊が救助活動を行った」(じえいたいがきゅうじょかつどうをおこなった). He joined the Self-Defense Forces「彼は自衛隊に入隊した」(かれはじえいたいににゅうたいした).

Radical

行

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

312

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Shadow

Reading

Parts

景Scene 彡Fur

Example Word

影響: effect or influence. The Japanese verbal noun '影響 (えいきょう)' primarily means 'influence' or 'effect'. It refers to the power or capacity to produce an effect on someone or something, or the result of such an effect. This word is often used in contexts involving social, environmental, or personal impacts. For example: His speech had a big influence on the audience「彼のスピーチは聴衆に大きな影響を与えた」(かれのスピーチはちょうしゅうにおおきなえいきょうをあたえた). The new policy will have a significant effect on the economy「新しい政策は経済に大きな影響を与えるだろう」(あたらしいせいさくはけいざいにおおきなえいきょうをあたえるだろう). It's important to note that '影響' can be used both positively and negatively, depending on the context.

Radical

彡

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

386

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Eternity

Reading

Parts

水Water 丶Dot

Example Word

永久: eternal. The Japanese adjectival noun '永久 (えいきゅう)' means 'eternal' or 'permanent'. It is used to describe something that lasts forever or has no end. This word is often used in contexts related to time, nature, or abstract concepts. For example: eternal love「永久の愛」(えいきゅうのあい). The beauty of this place is eternal「この場所の美しさは永久だ」(このばしょのうつくしさはえいきゅうだ). Note that '永久' is often used in formal or poetic contexts to emphasize the timeless nature of something.

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

664

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

England, Distinguished

Reading

Parts

央Center 艹Grass

Example Word

英雄: hero. The Japanese noun '英雄 (えいゆう)' means 'hero'. This word is used to describe a person who is admired for their courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. It often refers to historical or legendary figures who have performed great deeds. For example: He is a hero「彼は英雄だ」(かれはえいゆうだ). The hero saved the village「英雄が村を救った」(えいゆうがむらをすくった). This term is commonly used in stories, history, and discussions about people who have made significant impacts.

Radical

艸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

756

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Reflect

Reading

Parts

日Day, Sun 央Center

Example Word

映る: reflect. The Japanese verb '映る (うつる)' primarily means 'to reflect' or 'to be reflected'. It is often used to describe how images, light, or scenes are reflected on surfaces like mirrors, water, or screens. For example: The moon is reflected in the lake「月が湖に映る」(つきがみずうみにうつる). Additionally, it can also mean 'to appear' or 'to be projected', such as in the context of images appearing on a screen: The movie is showing on the screen「映画がスクリーンに映る」(えいががスクリーンにうつる). This verb is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts, making it versatile in everyday conversation.

Radical

日

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

793

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Prosper, Flourish

Reading

Parts

木Tree, Wood ⺍Small 冖Crown

Example Word

栄養: nutrition. The Japanese noun '栄養 (えいよう)' means 'nutrition'. It refers to the process of providing or obtaining the food necessary for health and growth. This word is commonly used in contexts related to health, diet, and biology. For example: good nutrition is important for health「良い栄養は健康に重要です」(よいえいようはけんこうにじゅうようです). This food is rich in nutrition「この食べ物は栄養が豊富です」(このたべものはえいようがほうふです). The word can also be used in compound words like '栄養素 (えいようそ)' which means 'nutrient'.

Radical

木

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

841

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Sharp

Reading

Parts

釒Gold (金)兑

Example Word

鋭い: sharp. The Japanese adjective '鋭い (するどい)' primarily means 'sharp'. This can refer to physical sharpness, such as a knife or blade, but it is also commonly used to describe mental sharpness, keen senses, or intense emotions. For example: a sharp knife「鋭いナイフ」(するどいナイフ). He has a sharp mind「彼は鋭い頭脳を持っている」(かれはするどいずのうをもっている). The word can also describe something piercing or intense, like a sharp pain or a sharp gaze. For instance: a sharp pain「鋭い痛み」(するどいいたみ). It is important to note that '鋭い' is often used metaphorically to describe abstract qualities, such as sharp wit or keen observation.

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1190

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Manage

Reading

Parts

呂Bath ⺍Small 冖Crown

Example Word

経営: management. The Japanese verbal noun '経営 (けいえい)' refers to the act of managing or running a business, organization, or enterprise. It encompasses the overall administration, planning, and control of resources to achieve organizational goals. This term is often used in contexts related to business operations, corporate strategy, and leadership. For example: He is in charge of the management of the company「彼は会社の経営を担当している」(かれはかいしゃのけいえいをたんとうしている). Good management is essential for success「良い経営は成功に不可欠だ」(よいけいえいはせいこうにふかけつだ). The word can also imply the broader concept of stewardship or governance over resources.

Radical

口

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1243

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Swim

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)永Eternity

Example Word

水泳: swimming. The Japanese verbal noun '水泳 (すいえい)' means 'swimming'. It refers to the activity or sport of moving through water by using one's arms and legs. This word is commonly used in contexts related to sports, exercise, or recreational activities. For example: I like swimming「水泳が好きです」(すいえいがすきです). Swimming is good for health「水泳は健康に良い」(すいえいけんこうにいい). It can also be used in compound words, such as '水泳大会 (すいえいたいかい)' (swimming competition).

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1544

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Recitation, Recite poetry

Reading

Parts

訁Say (言)永Eternity

Radical

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1715

Handwriting