Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Reason

Reading

Parts

十Ten 口Mouth

Example Word

自由: freedom or liberty. The Japanese adjectival noun '自由 (じゆう)' primarily means 'freedom' or 'liberty'. It refers to the state of being free from constraints, whether physical, social, or psychological. This word is often used in contexts discussing personal freedom, free will, or the absence of restrictions. For example: I want freedom「自由が欲しい」(じゆうがほしい). Children have the freedom to play「子供たちは自由に遊べる」(こどもたちはじゆうにあそべる). It can also describe something being optional or unrestricted, as in 'free seating'「自由席」(じゆうせき). Note that while 'freedom' and 'liberty' are closely related, 'freedom' emphasizes the absence of constraints, while 'liberty' often implies the right or permission to act freely.

Radical

田

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

278

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Play

Reading

Parts

辶Walk 斿Move freely

Example Word

遊園地: amusement park. The Japanese noun '遊園地 (ゆうえんち)' refers to an 'amusement park', a place with various attractions, rides, and entertainment facilities. It is commonly used to describe places like Disneyland or Universal Studios, where people go for leisure and fun. Example sentences: Let's go to the amusement park「遊園地に行きましょう」(ゆうえんちにいきましょう). The amusement park was crowded「遊園地は混んでいた」(ゆうえんちはこんでいた). This word is often associated with family outings or childhood memories.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

432

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Oil

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)由Reason

Example Word

灯油: kerosene. The Japanese noun '灯油 (とうゆ)' refers to 'kerosene', a type of fuel oil commonly used for heating, lighting, and cooking in Japan. It is widely used in portable stoves, heaters, and lamps, especially in rural areas or during power outages. Example sentences: Please buy some kerosene「灯油を買ってきてください」(とうゆをかってきてください). The kerosene heater is very warm「灯油ストーブはとても暖かいです」(とうゆストーブはとてもあたたかいです). Note that '灯油' is specifically used for kerosene and not for other types of fuel like gasoline or diesel.

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

944

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Pleased, Pleasure

Reading

Parts

忄 俞

Example Word

不愉快: unpleasant. The Japanese adjectival noun '不愉快 (ふゆかい)' means 'unpleasant'. It is used to describe situations, feelings, or experiences that cause discomfort, displeasure, or annoyance. This word often conveys a sense of emotional or psychological discomfort rather than physical discomfort. For example: I felt very unpleasant「とても不愉快に感じた」(とてもふゆかいにかんじた). His attitude was unpleasant「彼の態度は不愉快だった」(かれのたいどはふゆかいだった). It can also be used to describe something that is disagreeable or offensive, such as an unpleasant smell「不愉快な匂い」(ふゆかいなにおい).

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1169

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Well, Boil

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)勇Brave

Example Word

湧く: arise or gush. The Japanese verb '湧く (わく)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'to gush' or 'to well up', often used to describe liquids like water or oil emerging from the ground. For example: hot water gushes from the spring「温泉からお湯が湧く」(おんせんからおゆがわく). The second meaning is 'to arise' or 'to emerge', used to describe emotions, thoughts, or situations coming into existence. For example: doubts arose in my mind「疑問が心に湧く」(ぎもんがこころにわく). This verb is versatile and can be used in both literal and figurative contexts.

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1405

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Waver, Delay

Reading

Parts

犭 酋

Example Word

猶: still or furthermore. The Japanese adverb '猶 (なお)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'still', which is used to indicate that a situation or condition continues unchanged. For example: He is still working「彼は猶働いている」(かれはなおはたらいている). The second meaning is 'furthermore', which is used to add information or emphasize a point. For example: Furthermore, we need to consider the budget「猶、予算を考慮する必要がある」(なお、よさんをこうりょするひつようがある). This word is often used in formal or written contexts and can carry a nuanced tone depending on the situation.

Radical

犬

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1452

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Heal, Healing

Reading

Parts

疒Sick 愈

Radical

疒

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1706

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Transport

Reading

Parts

車Car 俞

Example Word

輸送: transport. The Japanese verbal noun '輸送 (ゆそう)' means 'transport'. It refers to the act of moving goods, people, or materials from one place to another, often over a distance. This term is commonly used in contexts related to logistics, shipping, and transportation industries. For example: The transport of goods was delayed「輸送が遅れた」(ゆそうがおくれた). Efficient transport is essential for the economy「効率的な輸送は経済に不可欠だ」(こうりつてきなゆそうはけいざいにふかけつだ). Note that '輸送' is often used in formal or technical contexts, and it can be combined with other words to specify the type of transport, such as '海上輸送 (かいじょうゆそう)' (maritime transport) or '航空輸送 (こうくうゆそう)' (air transport).

Radical

車

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1724

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Instruct, Admonish

Reading

Parts

言Say 俞

Radical

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1925

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Compare, Metaphor

Reading

Parts

口Mouth 兪

Radical

口

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1992

Handwriting