Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading
きょう kyou
kanji
教Meaning
Teach
Reading
oso
おしoshi
onyomiきょうkyou
Parts
孝Filial piety 攵Strike
Example Word
キリスト教: Christianity. The Japanese noun 'キリスト教 (きりすときょう)' refers to 'Christianity', the monotheistic religion based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. This term is used to describe the religion as a whole, including its beliefs, practices, and followers. For example: Christianity spread to Japan in the 16th century「キリスト教は16世紀に日本に広がりました」(きりすときょうはじゅうろくせいきににほんにひろがりました). Many people in Europe practice Christianity「ヨーロッパでは多くの人がキリスト教を信仰しています」(よーろっぱではおおくのひとがきりすときょうをしんこうしています). The term is neutral and can be used in both historical and contemporary contexts.
Radical
攴
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
172
Handwriting
kanji
供Meaning
Accompany, Offer
Reading
tomo
そなsona
onyomiくku
きょうkyou
Parts
亻Person (人)共Together
Example Word
供える: offer. The Japanese verb '供える (そなえる)' means 'to offer' or 'to present'. It is commonly used in the context of offering something, often in a religious or ceremonial setting, such as offering food, flowers, or other items to deities, spirits, or ancestors. For example: They offered flowers to the altar「彼らは祭壇に花を供えた」(かれらはさいだんにはなをそなえた). We offered rice to the gods「私たちは神々に米を供えた」(わたしたちはかみがみにこめをそなえた). The verb carries a respectful and formal tone, often implying a sense of reverence or ritual.
Radical
人
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N3Grade
6Frequency
239
Handwriting
kanji
強Meaning
Strong
Reading
shi
つよtsuyo
onyomiきょうkyou
ごうgou
Parts
虫Insect 厶Private 弓Bow
Example Word
強制: compulsion or enforcement. The Japanese verbal noun '強制 (きょうせい)' refers to the act of compelling or enforcing something, often against someone's will. It is commonly used in contexts where authority or rules are imposed on individuals or groups. For example: The government enforced new regulations「政府は新しい規制を強制した」(せいふはあたらしいきせいをきょうせいした). Compulsory education is enforced by law「義務教育は法律で強制されている」(ぎむきょういくはほうりつできょうせいされている). Note that '強制' carries a nuance of obligation or lack of choice, and it is often used in formal or legal contexts.
Radical
弓
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
258
Handwriting
kanji
京Meaning
Capital
Reading
miyako
onyomiけいkei
きょうkyou
Parts
亠Lid 口Mouth 小Small
Example Word
京: Kyoto. The Japanese proper noun '京 (きょう)' primarily refers to Kyoto, a city in Japan known for its historical and cultural significance. Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over a thousand years before the capital moved to Tokyo. The term can also be used in historical contexts or literary works to evoke the image of Kyoto. Example sentences: I visited Kyoto last year「去年、京を訪れました」(きょねん、きょうをおとずれました). Kyoto is famous for its temples「京はお寺で有名です」(きょうはおてらでゆうめいです).
Radical
亠
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
275
Handwriting
kanji
恐Meaning
Fear
Reading
oso
こわkowa
onyomiきょうkyou
Parts
工Construction 心Heart 凡Common
Example Word
恐怖: fear. The Japanese noun '恐怖 (きょうふ)' means 'fear'. It refers to the intense feeling of being afraid or anxious about something, often due to a perceived threat or danger. This word is commonly used in contexts involving psychological or emotional states, such as fear of the dark, fear of heights, or fear of the unknown. For example: I feel fear when I watch horror movies「私はホラー映画を見ると恐怖を感じる」(わたしはほらーえいがをみるときょうふをかんじる). The fear of failure can be paralyzing「失敗への恐怖は麻痺させるほど強い」(しっぱいへのきょうふはまひさせるほどつよい). Note that '恐怖' is often used in formal or serious contexts, and it can also appear in compound words like '恐怖症 (きょうふしょう)' (phobia).
Radical
心
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N3Grade
7Frequency
281
Handwriting
kanji
経Meaning
Manage, Elapse
Reading
ta
へhe
onyomiけいkei
きょうkyou
Parts
糸Thread 圣Holy
Example Word
経由: via. The Japanese verbal noun '経由 (けいゆ)' means 'via' or 'by way of'. It is used to indicate the route or means through which something is done or achieved. This term is commonly used in contexts involving travel, communication, or processes. For example: I will go to Osaka via Kyoto「京都経由で大阪に行きます」(きょうとけいゆでおおさかにいきます). The package was sent via airmail「 その小包は航空便経由で送られました」(そのこづつみはこうくうびんけいゆでおくられました). It can also be used metaphorically to describe indirect methods or channels.
Radical
糸
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N3Grade
5Frequency
305
Handwriting
kanji
共Meaning
Together
Reading
tomo
onyomiきょうkyou
Parts
龷Twenty (廿)八Eight
Example Word
共有: sharing or joint ownership. The Japanese noun '共有 (きょうゆう)' refers to the act of sharing something or the state of joint ownership. It is commonly used in contexts where resources, information, or responsibilities are shared among multiple people or entities. For example: We share the same goals「私たちは同じ目標を共有しています」(わたしたちはおなじもく ひょうをきょうゆうしています). This house is under joint ownership「この家は共有されています」(このいえはきょうゆうされています). The term can also be used in technology, such as 'file sharing' (ファイル共有, ファイルきょうゆう).
Radical
八
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
340
Handwriting
kanji
兄Meaning
Older brother
Reading
ani
にいnii
onyomiけいkei
きょうkyou
Parts
儿Legs 口Mouth
Example Word
兄: older brother. The Japanese noun '兄 (あに)' means 'older brother'. It is used to refer to one's own elder brother in a family context. This term is typically used when speaking about or to one's own brother, and it carries a sense of respect and familiarity. For example: My older brother is kind「私の兄は優しい」(わたしのあにはやさしい). I asked my older brother for help「兄に助けを求めた 」(あににたすけをもとめた). It's important to note that '兄' is used specifically for one's own older brother, and when referring to someone else's older brother, the term 'お兄さん (おにいさん)' is more appropriate.
Radical
儿
Stroke Count
5JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
360
Handwriting
kanji
胸Meaning
Chest, Breast
Reading
mune
むなmuna
onyomiきょうkyou
Parts
月Moon, Month 匈
Example Word
胸: chest. The Japanese noun '胸 (むね)' primarily refers to the 'chest' area of the body. It can be used both literally, to describe the physical chest, and metaphorically, to refer to emotions or feelings that one holds deeply, often related to the heart or mind. For example: His chest was injured in the accident「彼の胸は事故でけがをした」(かれのむねはじこでけがをした). She held her feelings close to her chest「彼女は胸に思いを秘めていた」(かのじょはむねにおもいをひめていた). The word can also appear in expressions like '胸が痛い (むねがいたい)', which means 'my heart aches' or 'I feel emotional pain'.
Radical
肉
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N2Grade
6Frequency
398
Handwriting
kanji
驚Meaning
Surprise, Surprised
Reading
odoro
おどろかodoroka
onyomiきょうkyou
Parts
馬Horse 敬Respect
Example Word
驚き: surprise. The Japanese noun '驚き (おどろき)' means 'surprise'. It refers to the feeling or state of being surprised, often due to something unexpected or astonishing. This word is commonly used to describe reactions to events, news, or discoveries. For example: His reaction was a surprise「彼の反 応は驚きだった」(かれのはんのうはおどろきだった). The magician's trick caused great surprise「マジシャンの手品は大きな驚きを引き起こした」(マジシャンのてじなはおおきなおどろきをひきおこした). The word can also be used in expressions like '驚きの事実 (おどろきのじじつ)' (surprising fact) or '驚きを与える (おどろきをあたえる)' (to give someone a surprise).
Radical
馬
Stroke Count
22JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
410
Handwriting
kanji
橋Meaning
Bridge
Reading
hashi
onyomiきょうkyou
Parts
木Tree, Wood 喬High
Example Word
橋: bridge. The Japanese noun '橋 (はし)' means 'bridge'. It refers to a structure built to span physical obstacles such as rivers, valleys, or roads, providing passage over the obstacle. This word is commonly used in both literal and metaphorical contexts. For example: The bridge is long「その橋は長い」(そのはしはながい). Let's cross the bridge「橋を渡りましょう」(はしをわたりましょう). In Japanese culture, bridges often hold symbolic significance, representing transitions or connections between different states or places.
Radical
木
Stroke Count
16JLPT
N2Grade
3Frequency
505
Handwriting
kanji
興Meaning
Interest, Entertain
Reading
oko
onyomiこうkou
きょうkyou
Parts
臼Mortar 同Same ハ
Example Word
復興: recovery or revival. The Japanese noun '復興 (ふっこう)' refers to the act of recovering or reviving something, often after a period of decline or destruction. It is commonly used in contexts such as economic recovery, reconstruction after disasters, or cultural revival. For example: The town is in recovery after the earthquake「その町は地震の後、復興中です」(そのまちはじしんのあと、ふっこうちゅうです). The revival of traditional arts is important「伝統芸術の復興は重要です」(でんとうげいじゅつのふっこうはじゅうようです). Note that while 'recovery' and 'revival' are closely related, they can apply to different contexts, such as physical reconstruction versus cultural or economic resurgence.
Radical
臼
Stroke Count
16JLPT
N1Grade
5Frequency
532
Handwriting
kanji
叫Meaning
Shout
Reading
sake
onyomiきょうkyou
Parts
口Mouth 丩
Example Word
叫ぶ: shout. The Japanese verb '叫ぶ (さけぶ)' means 'to shout' or 'to yell'. It is used to describe the act of raising one's voice loudly, often to express strong emotions such as anger, excitement, or pain. This verb can also be used metaphorically to describe a strong or urgent appeal. For example: He shouted in anger「彼は怒って叫んだ」(かれはおこってさけんだ). The crowd shouted for help「群衆は助けを求めて叫んだ」(ぐんしゅうはたすけをもとめてさけんだ). The word can also be used in literary or dramatic contexts to convey intense emotion or urgency.
Radical
口
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N2Grade
7Frequency
623
Handwriting
kanji
響Meaning
Echo, Reverberate
Reading
hibi
onyomiきょうkyou
Parts
郷Hometown 音Sound
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
音
Stroke Count
20JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
697
Handwriting
kanji
狂Meaning
Crazy, Lunatic
Reading
kuru
onyomiきょうkyou
Parts
犬Dog 王King
Example Word
狂う: crazy or broken. The Japanese verb '狂う (くるう)' can have two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'crazy', referring to a state of mental instability or irrational behavior. For example: he went crazy「彼は狂った」(かれはくるった). The second meaning is 'broken', referring to something that is out of order or not functioning correctly. For example: the clock is broken「時計が狂っている」(とけいがくるっている). The context in which this verb is used will determine which meaning is intended. It's important to note that '狂 う' can also be used metaphorically to describe situations or plans that have gone awry.
Radical
犬
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
715
Handwriting
kanji
境Meaning
Boundary, Border
Reading
sakai
onyomiけいkei
きょうkyou
Parts
土Soil 竟
Example Word
環境: environment. The Japanese noun '環境 (かんきょう)' primarily means 'environment'. It refers to the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates. This term is widely used in discussions about nature, ecology, and living conditions. For example: We need to protect the environment「環境を守る必要がある」(かんきょうをまもるひつようがある). The work environment is very important「仕事の環境はとても重要だ」(しごとのかんきょうはとてもじゅうようだ). It can also refer to the setting or context in which something exists or operates, such as a social or technological environment.
Radical
土
Stroke Count
14JLPT
N2Grade
5Frequency
722
Handwriting
kanji
郷Meaning
Hometown
Reading
kyou
ごうgou
Parts
幺Slight 艮Stopping ⻏Mound (阜)
Example Word
故郷: hometown. The Japanese noun '故郷 (こきょう)' refers to one's hometown or birthplace, the place where someone was born or raised. It carries a nostalgic and emotional connotation, often evoking feelings of longing or fond memories. For example: I miss my hometown「故郷が恋しい」(こきょうがこいしい). I returned to my hometown after many years「長い年月を経て故郷に戻った」(ながいとしつきをへてこきょうにもどった). This word is commonly used in literature, songs, and conversations to express a deep connection to one's roots.
Radical
邑
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N1Grade
6Frequency
752
Handwriting
kanji
香Meaning
Fragrance
Reading
ka
かおkao
onyomiこうkou
きょうkyou
Parts
日Day, Sun 禾Cereal
Example Word
香り: scent. The Japanese noun '香り (かおり)' refers to a pleasant smell or fragrance. It is commonly used to describe the aroma of flowers, food, or other pleasant odors. For example: the scent of roses is lovely「バラの香りは素敵です」(ばらのかおりはすてきです). I love the scent of coffee「コーヒーの香りが大好きです」(コーヒーのかおりがだいすきです). This word is often associated with positive and soothing smells, and it can be used in both casual and formal contexts.
Radical
香
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N2Grade
7Frequency
773
Handwriting
kanji
鏡Meaning
Mirror
Reading
kagami
onyomiきょうkyou
Parts
釒Gold (金)竟
Example Word
眼鏡: glasses. The Japanese noun '眼鏡 (めがね)' refers to 'glasses' or 'spectacles', which are worn to correct or protect vision. This term is commonly used in everyday conversation when referring to eyewear. For example: I need new glasses「新しい眼鏡が必要です」(あたらしいめがねがひつようです). He is wearing glasses「彼は眼鏡をかけています」(かれはめがねをかけています). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe someone's perspective or viewpoint, as in '彼は現実を眼鏡を通して見ている' (かれはげんじつをめがねをとおしてみている) - 'He sees reality through glasses', implying a filtered or biased view.
Radical
金
Stroke Count
19JLPT
N1Grade
4Frequency
828
Handwriting
kanji
頬Meaning
Jaw, Cheeks
Reading
hoo
ほほhoho
onyomiきょうkyou
Example Word
頬: cheek. The Japanese noun '頬 (ほお)' refers to the 'cheek', the part of the face below the eye and between the nose and ear. It is commonly used in everyday conversation and literature to describe this specific part of the face. For example: Her cheeks turned red「彼女の頬が赤くなった」(かのじょのほおがあかくなった). He gently touched her cheek「彼は優しく彼女の頬に触れた」(かれはやさしくかのじょのほおにふれた). The word can also be used metaphorically or in idiomatic expressions, such as '頬を染める (ほおをそめる)', which means 'to blush'.
Radical
頁
Stroke Count
15JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
957
Handwriting
kanji
狭Meaning
Narrow
Reading
sema
せばseba
onyomiきょうkyou
Parts
犬Dog 夹
Example Word
狭める: narrow. The Japanese verb '狭める (せばめる)' means 'to narrow' or 'to make something narrower'. It is used to describe the action of reducing the width, scope, or extent of something. This verb can be applied to physical spaces, such as narrowing a road, or abstract concepts, such as narrowing down options. For example: He narrowed the gap between the two cars「彼は車の間の距離を狭めた」(かれはくるまのあいだのきょりをせばめた). We need to narrow down the list of candidates「候補者のリストを狭める必要がある」(こうほしゃのリストをせばめるひつようがある). The verb is often used in contexts where precision or focus is required.
Radical
犬
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
1150
Handwriting
kanji
競Meaning
Compete
Reading
se
きそkiso
onyomiけいkei
きょうkyou
Parts
立Stand 兄Older brother
Example Word
競技: competition. The Japanese verbal noun '競技 (きょうぎ)' refers to a 'competition' or 'contest', typically in the context of sports, games, or other structured activities where participants compete against each other. It is often used to describe organized events such as athletic competitions, tournaments, or matches. For example: The swimming competition was exciting「水泳の競技は興奮した」(すいえいのきょうぎはこうふんした). They participated in a chess competition「彼らはチェスの競技に参加した」(かれらはチェスのきょうぎにさんかした). The word can also be used more broadly to describe any kind of competitive activity, not limited to physical sports.
Radical
立
Stroke Count
20JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
1336
Handwriting
kanji
脇Meaning
Armpit
Reading
waki
onyomiきょうkyou
Parts
月Moon, Month 劦
Example Word
脇: side. The Japanese noun '脇 (わき)' primarily means 'side', referring to the area beside or next to something. It is often used to describe the space adjacent to a person, object, or location. For example: He stood by my side「彼は私の脇に立った」(かれはわたしのわきにたった). The book is placed beside the lamp「本はランプの脇に置かれている」(ほんはランプのわきにおかれている). Additionally, '脇' can sometimes refer to the armpit in specific contexts, but this usage is less common and typically requires additional clarification. For example: She applied deodorant to her armpit「彼女は脇にデオドラントをつけた」(かのじょはわきにデオドラントをつけた).
Radical
肉
Stroke Count
10JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
1345
Handwriting
kanji
協Meaning
Cooperate
Reading
kyou
Parts
十Ten 劦
Example Word
協議: consultation. The Japanese verbal noun '協議 (きょうぎ)' refers to a formal discussion or consultation, often involving multiple parties to reach a decision or agreement. It is commonly used in professional, political, or organizational contexts. For example: The committee held a consultation「委員会は協議を行った」(いいんかい は きょうぎ を おこなった). We need to have a discussion about this issue「この問題について協議が必要です」(このもんだい について きょうぎ が ひつようです). The term emphasizes a collaborative and deliberate process, often implying a structured or official setting.
Radical
十
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
1354
Handwriting
kanji
窮Meaning
Hard up, Be in extremity
Reading
kiwa
onyomiきゅうkyuu
きょうkyou
Parts
穴Hole 躬
Example Word
窮屈: cramped or restrictive. The Japanese adjective '窮屈 (きゅうくつ)' primarily conveys a sense of physical or emotional tightness, restriction, or discomfort. It can describe something physically cramped, such as a small space, or something emotionally or socially restrictive, like rigid rules or expectations. For example: These shoes feel tight「この靴は窮屈だ」(このくつはきゅうくつだ). The rules here are too restrictive「ここのルールは窮屈すぎる」(ここのルールはきゅうくつすぎる). The nuance of '窮屈' often implies a feeling of being constrained or unable to move freely, whether physically or metaphorically.
Radical
穴
Stroke Count
15JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
1377
Handwriting
kanji
脅Meaning
Threaten
Reading
odo
おびやobiya
onyomiきょうkyou
Parts
肉Meat 劦
Example Word
脅す: threaten. The Japanese verb '脅す (おどす)' means 'to threaten'. It is used when someone intimidates or coerces another person, often to make them comply with a demand or to instill fear. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as physical threats, verbal intimidation, or even metaphorical threats. For example: He threatened me with a knife「彼はナイフで私を脅した」(かれはナイフでわたしをおどした). The boss threatened to fire him if he didn't work harder「上司はもっと働かないとクビにすると彼を脅した」(じょうしはもっとはたらかないとクビにするとかれをおどした). Note that this verb carries a strong negative connotation and is often associated with aggressive or harmful behavior.
Radical
肉
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
1597
Handwriting