Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Teach

Reading

Parts

孝Filial piety 攵Strike

Example Word

教育: education. The Japanese verbal noun '教育 (きょういく)' refers to the process of teaching or educating someone. It encompasses the systematic instruction, training, and development of knowledge, skills, and character. This term is often used in contexts related to schools, teaching methods, and educational policies. For example: Education is important「教育は大切です」(きょういくはたいせつです). The government is investing in education「政府は教育に投資しています」(せいふはきょういくにとうししています). It can also refer to the upbringing or moral instruction provided by parents or guardians, as in '家庭教育 (かていきょういく) (home education)'.

Radical

攴

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

172

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Accompany, Offer

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)共Together

Example Word

提供: provide. The Japanese verbal noun '提供 (ていきょう)' means 'provide' or 'supply'. It is commonly used in contexts where something is being offered or made available, such as services, information, or goods. For example: The company provides free Wi-Fi「その会社は無料のWi-Fiを提供しています」(そのかいしゃはむりょうのWi-Fiをていきょうしています). This restaurant provides vegetarian options「このレストランはベジタリアン向けのメニューを提供しています」(このレストランはベジタリアンむけのメニューをていきょうしています). The word is often used in formal or business settings, and it emphasizes the act of giving or making something accessible to others.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

239

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Strong

Reading

Parts

虫Insect 厶Private 弓Bow

Example Word

強烈: intense. The Japanese adjective '強烈 (きょうれつ)' means 'intense'. It is used to describe something that is extremely strong, powerful, or impactful, often in a way that leaves a deep impression. This word can be applied to physical sensations, emotions, or even abstract concepts. For example: The flavor was intense「その味は強烈だった」(そのあじはきょうれつだった). He has an intense personality「彼は強烈な性格だ」(かれはきょうれつなせいかくだ). The word can also imply a sense of overwhelming or striking nature, such as in '強烈な印象 (きょうれつないんしょう) (intense impression)'.

Radical

弓

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

258

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Capital

Reading

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

275

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fear

Reading

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

281

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Manage, Elapse

Reading

Parts

糸Thread 圣Holy

Example Word

神経: nerve. The Japanese noun '神経 (しんけい)' primarily means 'nerve' in the biological sense, referring to the fibers that transmit impulses of sensation and motion between the brain or spinal cord and other parts of the body. It can also be used metaphorically to describe sensitivity or attention to detail in various contexts. For example: He has a lot of nerve「彼は神経が太い」(かれはしんけいがふとい). She is very sensitive to noise「彼女は音に神経が細い」(かのじょはおとにしんけいがほそい). In medical contexts, it is often used to discuss conditions or treatments related to the nervous system, such as '神経痛 (しんけいつう)' which means 'neuralgia'.

Radical

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

305

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Together

Reading

Parts

龷Twenty (廿)八Eight

Example Word

共: companion. The Japanese noun '共 (とも)' primarily means 'companion' or 'someone who accompanies another'. It is often used to refer to a person who shares an experience or journey with someone else. For example: He is my companion「彼は私の共だ」(かれはわたしのともだ). We are companions in this journey「私たちはこの旅の共だ」(わたしたちはこのたびのともだ). Additionally, '共' can sometimes imply a sense of equality or shared status, as in '共に戦う (ともにたたかう) (to fight together)'. It is important to note that '共' is often used in a more formal or literary context, and in everyday conversation, words like '友達 (ともだち)' might be more commonly used to refer to friends or companions.

Radical

八

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

340

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Older brother

Reading

Parts

儿Legs 口Mouth

Example Word

父兄: parents. The Japanese noun '父兄 (ふけい)' refers to 'parents' or 'guardians', particularly in the context of school or educational settings. It is often used to collectively refer to the parents or guardians of students, especially during school events or meetings. For example: The parents attended the meeting「父兄が会議に出席した」(ふけいがかいぎにしゅっせきした). The school sent a notice to the parents「学校が父兄に通知を送った」(がっこうがふけいにつうちをおくった). While '父兄' literally translates to 'fathers and older brothers', it is used more broadly to mean 'parents' in modern Japanese.

Radical

儿

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

360

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Chest, Breast

Reading

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

398

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Surprise, Surprised

Reading

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

410

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Bridge

Reading

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

505

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Interest, Entertain

Reading

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

532

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Shout

Reading

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

623

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Echo, Reverberate

Reading

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

697

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Crazy, Lunatic

Reading

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

715

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Boundary, Border

Reading

Parts

土Soil 竟

Example Word

境界: boundary. The Japanese noun '境界 (きょうかい)' refers to a boundary or border, often used to describe a physical or conceptual line separating two areas, ideas, or states. It can be used in various contexts, such as geographical boundaries, personal limits, or abstract distinctions. For example: the boundary between the two countries「二つの国の境界」(ふたつのくにのきょうかい). The boundary between dreams and reality「夢と現実の境界」(ゆめとげんじつのきょうかい). This word is commonly used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, emphasizing the idea of separation or division.

Radical

土

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

722

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Hometown

Reading

Parts

幺Slight 艮Stopping ⻏Mound (阜)

Example Word

郷: hometown. The Japanese noun '郷 (ごう)' refers to one's hometown or the place where one was born and raised. It carries a nostalgic or sentimental connotation, often evoking feelings of longing or attachment to one's roots. For example: I miss my hometown「郷が懐かしい」(ごうがなつかしい). He returned to his hometown「彼は郷に帰った」(かれはごうにかえった). This word is commonly used in literary or poetic contexts to emphasize a deep connection to one's place of origin.

Radical

邑

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

752

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fragrance

Reading

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

773

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Mirror

Reading

Parts

釒Gold (金)竟

Example Word

鏡: mirror. The Japanese noun '鏡 (かがみ)' means 'mirror'. It refers to a reflective surface, typically made of glass with a metallic backing, used to see one's reflection. This word is commonly used in everyday contexts, such as looking at oneself or decorating a room. For example: I looked in the mirror「鏡を見た」(かがみをみた). The mirror is broken「鏡が壊れている」(かがみがこわれている). In Japanese culture, mirrors also hold symbolic significance, often representing truth or self-reflection.

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

828

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Jaw, Cheeks

Reading

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

957

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Narrow

Reading

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1150

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Compete

Reading

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1336

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Armpit

Reading

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1345

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Cooperate

Reading

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1354

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Hard up, Be in extremity

Reading

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1377

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Threaten

Reading

Parts

肉Meat 劦

Example Word

脅かす: threaten. The Japanese verb '脅かす (おびやかす)' means 'to threaten'. This verb is used to describe the act of posing a threat or danger to someone or something, often causing fear or anxiety. It can be used in various contexts, such as physical threats, emotional threats, or even abstract threats to stability or peace. For example: The storm threatened the village「嵐が村を脅かした」(あらしがむらをおびやかした). His actions threaten the company's future「彼の行動は会社の未来を脅かす」(かれのこうどうはかいしゃのみらいをおびやかす). It's important to note that this verb often implies a significant or serious threat, rather than a minor inconvenience.

Radical

肉

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1597

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Situation, Condition

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)兄Older brother

Example Word

況して: moreover. The Japanese adverb '況して (まして)' means 'moreover' or 'even more so'. It is used to emphasize a point, often in situations where something is already true or expected, and another related point is even more so. It is commonly used in comparisons or to strengthen an argument. For example: He can't even run, moreover, he can't jump「彼は走れない、況して跳べない」(かれははしれない、ましてとべない). If adults struggle, moreover, children will find it even harder「大人でも難しい、況して子供にはもっと難しい」(おとなでもむずかしい、ましてこどもにはもっとむずかしい). This word is often used in formal or written contexts to add emphasis.

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1676

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Receive

Reading

Parts

古Old 子Child

Radical

亠

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1710

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Dawn

Reading

Parts

日Day, Sun 尭

Radical

日

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1739

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Respect, Respectful

Reading

Parts

井Well 㣺

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1806

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Put between, Between

Reading

Parts

扌Hand (手)夹

Example Word

挟む: insert or sandwich. The Japanese verb '挟む (はさむ)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'to sandwich', which refers to placing something between two other things, often used in both literal and figurative contexts. For example: I sandwiched the letter between the pages of the book「手紙を本のページの間に挟んだ」(てがみをほんのページのあいだにはさんだ). The second meaning is 'to insert', which refers to placing something into a gap or space. For example: She inserted the key into the lock「彼女は鍵を鍵穴に挟んだ」(かのじょはかぎをかぎあなにはさんだ). This verb is versatile and can be used in various contexts, such as physical actions or metaphorical situations.

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1848

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Villain, Bad luck

Reading

Parts

凵Open box 㐅Katakana me

Radical

凵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1875

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Gorge, Ravine

Reading

Parts

山Mountain 夹

Example Word

海峡: strait. The Japanese noun '海峡 (かいきょう)' refers to a 'strait', which is a narrow passage of water connecting two larger bodies of water. This term is often used in geographical contexts to describe natural waterways. For example: The strait is very narrow「その海峡はとても狭い」(そのかいきょうはとてもせまい). Ships pass through the strait「船が海峡を通る」(ふねがかいきょうをとおる). The word is commonly used in discussions about geography, navigation, and marine environments.

Radical

山

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1916

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Stem

Reading

Parts

艹Grass 圣Holy

Example Word

茎: stem. The Japanese noun '茎 (くき)' refers to the 'stem' of a plant. It is the main structural part that supports leaves, flowers, and fruits, and transports nutrients and water. This word is commonly used in botanical contexts or when describing plants. For example: The stem of this flower is long「この花の茎は長い」(このはなのくきはながい). Please cut the stems of the vegetables「野菜の茎を切ってください」(やさいのくきをきってください). The term is straightforward and primarily used in contexts related to plants and gardening.

Radical

艸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1947

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Spiny

Reading

Parts

木Tree, Wood 更Renew, Grow late

Radical

木

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1974

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Effulgent

Reading

Parts

日Day, Sun 王King

Radical

日

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2041

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Correct, Straighten

Reading

Parts

矢Arrow 喬High

Radical

矢

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2066

Handwriting