kanji

Meaning

Teach

Reading

Parts

孝Filial piety 攵Strike

Example Word

教室: classroom. The Japanese noun '教室 (きょうしつ)' means 'classroom'. It refers to a room in a school or educational institution where lessons are conducted. This word is commonly used in educational contexts and can also refer to a place where specific classes or courses are held. For example: The classroom is quiet「教室は静かです」(きょうしつはしずかです). I study in the classroom「私は教室で勉強します」(わたしはきょうしつでべんきょうします). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe a place of learning or instruction, such as in '人生の教室 (じんせいのきょうしつ) (classroom of life)'.

Radical

攴

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

172

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Accompany, Offer

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)共Together

Example Word

供給: supply. The Japanese verbal noun '供給 (きょうきゅう)' means 'supply'. It refers to the act of providing or furnishing something, often in the context of goods, services, or resources. This term is commonly used in economic, business, and everyday contexts. For example: The company supplies electricity「その会社は電気を供給する」(そのかいしゃはでんきをきょうきゅうする). Water supply is essential for life「水の供給は生命に不可欠だ」(みずのきょうきゅうはせいめいにふかけつだ). Note that '供給' is often paired with verbs like 'する' to form phrases like '供給する' (to supply).

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

239

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Strong

Reading

Parts

虫Insect 厶Private 弓Bow

Example Word

最強: strongest. The Japanese noun '最強 (さいきょう)' means 'strongest'. It is used to describe something or someone that is the most powerful, dominant, or invincible in a particular context. This word is often used in competitive or comparative situations, such as sports, games, or rankings. For example: He is the strongest in the team「彼はチームで最強だ」(かれはチームでさいきょうだ). This is the strongest weapon「これは最強の武器だ」(これはさいきょうのぶきだ). The nuance of '最強' often implies an absolute or unmatched level of strength or capability.

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

恐れる: fear. The Japanese verb '恐れる (おそれる)' means 'to fear' or 'to be afraid of'. It is used to express a sense of fear, anxiety, or apprehension about something, whether it is a specific object, situation, or outcome. This verb can be used in both literal and figurative contexts. For example: I fear the dark「暗闇を恐れる」(くらやみをおそれる). He fears failure「彼は失敗を恐れている」(かれはしっぱいをおそれている). The verb can also imply a sense of reverence or awe, such as fearing a powerful force or authority. For example: They fear the gods「彼らは神々を恐れている」(かれらはかみがみをおそれている).

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

281

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Manage, Elapse

Reading

Parts

糸Thread 圣Holy

Example Word

経済的: economical. The Japanese adjective '経済的 (けいざいてき)' means 'economical'. It is used to describe something that is cost-effective, efficient, or financially prudent. This word is often used in contexts where saving money or resources is emphasized. For example: This car is economical「この車は経済的です」(このくるまはけいざいてきです). Using public transportation is economical「公共交通機関を使うのは経済的です」(こうきょうこうつうきかんをつかうのはけいざいてきです). The term can also imply a broader sense of efficiency, not just limited to financial savings.

Radical

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

305

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Together

Reading

Parts

龷Twenty (廿)八Eight

Example Word

共同: cooperation. The Japanese verbal noun '共同 (きょうどう)' means 'cooperation' or 'joint effort'. It refers to the act of working together with others towards a common goal. This term is often used in contexts such as business, research, or community projects where collaboration is essential. For example: We need cooperation to complete this project「このプロジェクトを完成させるには共同が必要です」(このプロジェクトをかんせいさせるにはきょうどうがひつようです). They are working on a joint research project「彼らは共同研究に取り組んでいます」(かれらはきょうどうけんきゅうにとりくんでいます). The term can also be used in compound words like '共同作業 (きょうどうさぎょう)' (collaborative work) or '共同責任 (きょうどうせきにん)' (joint responsibility).

Radical

八

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

340

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Older brother

Reading

Parts

儿Legs 口Mouth

Example Word

兄弟: siblings. The Japanese noun '兄弟 (きょうだい)' refers to siblings, including both brothers and sisters. It is a gender-neutral term that can be used to describe a group of siblings or to refer to one's own brothers and sisters collectively. For example: I have three siblings「私には兄弟が三人います」(わたしにはきょうだいがさんにんいます). My siblings are kind「私の兄弟は優しいです」(わたしのきょうだいはやさしいです). Note that '兄弟' can also be used in a broader sense to refer to close friends or comrades, implying a bond similar to that of siblings, though this usage is less common and context-dependent.

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

興奮: excitement. The Japanese verbal noun '興奮 (こうふん)' refers to a state of excitement, agitation, or arousal. It is often used to describe emotional or physical excitement, such as the thrill of an event or the agitation caused by a situation. For example: I felt excitement at the concert「コンサートで興奮を感じた」(コンサートでこうふんをかんじた). The crowd was in a state of excitement「群衆は興奮状態だった」(ぐんしゅうはこうふんじょうたいだった). This word can also be used in contexts like sports, debates, or even scientific discussions to describe heightened energy or tension.

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

響き: echo or resonance. The Japanese noun '響き (ひびき)' primarily refers to the concept of 'echo' or 'resonance'. It describes the sound that reverberates or lingers after the original sound has been made. This word can also metaphorically describe the impact or influence of something, such as an event or idea, that continues to affect people or situations. For example: The echo of the bell was beautiful「鐘の響きが美しかった」(かねのひびきがうつくしかった). Her words had a deep resonance「彼女の言葉は深い響きがあった」(かのじょのことばはふかいひびきがあった).

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

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

722

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Hometown

Reading

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

752

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fragrance

Reading

Parts

日Day, Sun 禾Cereal

Example Word

香水: perfume. The Japanese noun '香水 (こうすい)' means 'perfume'. It refers to a fragrant liquid typically made from essential oils and used to impart a pleasant scent to the body or surroundings. This word is commonly used in contexts related to personal grooming, fashion, or gifts. For example: She bought a new perfume「彼女は新しい香水を買った」(かのじょはあたらしいこうすいをかった). This perfume smells like roses「この香水はバラの香りがする」(このこうすいのはバラのかおりがする). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is pleasing or attractive in a non-literal sense.

Radical

香

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

773

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Mirror

Reading

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

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

競争: competition. The Japanese verbal noun '競争 (きょうそう)' means 'competition'. It refers to a situation in which individuals or groups strive to outperform each other, often in a specific activity or field. This word is commonly used in contexts such as sports, business, academics, or any scenario where rivalry or striving for superiority is involved. For example: The competition was fierce「競争は激しかった」(きょうそうははげしかった). They are in competition for the top position「彼らはトップの座を競争している」(かれらはトップのざをきょうそうしている). Note that '競争' can also imply a sense of striving or effort, not just direct rivalry.

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