Page 1
kanji
教Meaning
Teach
Reading
kunyomiおそoso
おしoshi
onyomiきょうkyou
Parts
孝Filial piety 攵Strike
Example Word
教科書: textbook. The Japanese noun '教科書 (きょうかしょ)' means 'textbook'. It refers to a book used as a standard source of information for formal study of a subject, typically in schools or educational institutions. This word is commonly used in academic settings. For example: I forgot my textbook「教科書を忘れました」(きょうかしょをわすれました). This textbook is very useful「この教科書はとても役に立ちます」(このきょうかしょはとてもやくにたちます). The word is often associated with subjects like math, science, or history, and is essential for students in Japan.
Radical
攴
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
172
Handwriting
kanji
供Meaning
Accompany, Offer
Reading
kunyomiともtomo
そなsona
onyomiくku
きょうkyou
Parts
亻Person (人)共Together
Example Word
子供: child. The Japanese noun '子供 (こども)' means 'child'. It refers to a young person, typically below the age of puberty. This word is commonly used in everyday conversation and can refer to one's own children or children in general. For example: The child is playing「子供が遊んでいる」(こどもがあそんでいる). I have two children「私は子供が二人います」(わたしはこどもがふたりいます). It can also be used in a broader sense to refer to young people collectively, as in 'children's park'『子供の公園』(こどものこうえん). Note that '子供' is a neutral term and does not carry any specific connotations unless contextually implied.
Radical
人
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N3Grade
6Frequency
239
Handwriting
kanji
強Meaning
Strong
Reading
kunyomiしshi
つよtsuyo
onyomiきょうkyou
ごうgou
Parts
虫Insect 厶Private 弓Bow
Example Word
強調: emphasis. The Japanese verbal noun '強調 (きょうちょう)' means 'emphasis'. It refers to the act of stressing or highlighting the importance of something. This word is often used in contexts where someone wants to draw attention to a particular point or feature. For example: The teacher emphasized the importance of studying「先生は勉強の重要性を強調し た」(せんせいはべんきょうのじゅうようせいをきょうちょうした). The advertisement emphasizes the product's quality「その広告は製品の品質を強調している」(そのこうこくはせいひんのひんしつをきょうちょうしている). It can also be used in formal or informal settings, making it versatile in both spoken and written Japanese.
Radical
弓
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
258
Handwriting
kanji
京Meaning
Capital
Reading
kunyomiみやこ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
kunyomiおそoso
こわkowa
onyomiきょうkyou
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
10JLPT
N3Grade
7Frequency
281
Handwriting
kanji
経Meaning
Manage, Elapse
Reading
kunyomiたta
へhe
onyomiけいkei
きょうkyou
Parts
糸Thread 圣Holy
Example Word
経歴: history or background. The Japanese noun '経歴 (けいれき)' refers to a person's history or background, particularly in terms of their career, education, or personal experiences. It is often used when discussing someone's professional or academic journey. For example: His career history is impressive「彼の経歴は素晴らしい」(かれのけいれきはすばらしい). She has a diverse background「彼女は多様な経歴を持っている」(かのじょはたようなけいれきをもっている). This word is commonly used in formal contexts, such as job applications or introductions.
Radical
糸
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N3Grade
5Frequency
305
Handwriting
kanji
共Meaning
Together
Reading
kunyomiともtomo
onyomiきょうkyou
Parts
龷Twenty (廿)八Eight
Example Word
共に: together. The Japanese adverb '共に (ともに)' means 'together'. It is used to indicate that two or more people or things are doing something jointly or simultaneously. It can also imply a sense of shared experience or mutual involvement. For example: we will grow old together「私たちは共に年老いていく」(わたしたちはともにとしをとっていく). They fought together against the enemy「彼らは共に敵と戦った」(かれらはともにてきとたたかった). The word can also carry a nuance of unity or solidarity, as in '共に生きる (ともにいきる) (to live together in harmony)'.
Radical
八
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
340
Handwriting
kanji
兄Meaning
Older brother
Reading
kunyomiあにani
にいnii
onyomiけいkei
きょうkyou
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
5JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
360
Handwriting
kanji
胸Meaning
Chest, Breast
Reading
kunyomiむね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
kunyomiおどろodoro
おどろかodoroka
onyomiきょうkyou
Parts
馬Horse 敬Respect
Example Word
驚く: surprised. The Japanese verb '驚く (おどろく)' means 'to be surprised' or 'to be astonished'. It is used to express a sudden feeling of surprise or amazement, often due to something unexpected. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as reacting to surprising news, events, or actions. For example: I was surprised by the news「そのニュースに驚いた」(そのニュースにおどろいた). He was astonished by the beautiful scenery「彼はその美しい景色に驚いた」(かれはそのうつくしいけしきにおどろいた). The verb can also be used in its negative form to indicate that someone was not surprised, as in '驚かなかった (おどろかなかった)' meaning 'was not surprised'.
Radical
馬
Stroke Count
22JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
410
Handwriting
kanji
橋Meaning
Bridge
Reading
kunyomiはし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
kunyomiおこoko
onyomiこうkou
きょうkyou
Parts
臼Mortar 同Same ハ
Example Word
興味: interest. The Japanese noun '興味 (きょうみ)' means 'interest'. It refers to a feeling of curiosity or concern about something, leading to a desire to learn or know more about it. This word is often used in contexts involving hobbies, studies, or general curiosity. For example: I have an interest in Japanese culture「私は日本文化に興味があります」(わたしはにほんぶんかにおもしろみがあります). She showed interest in the new project「彼女は新しいプロジェクトに興味を示しました」(かのじょはあたらしいプロジェクトにきょうみをしめしました). The word can also be used in negative forms to express a lack of interest, as in 'I have no interest in sports'「私はスポーツに興味がありません」(わたしはスポーツにきょうみがありません).
Radical
臼
Stroke Count
16JLPT
N1Grade
5Frequency
532
Handwriting
kanji
叫Meaning
Shout
Reading
kunyomiさけsake
onyomiきょうkyou
Parts
口Mouth 丩
Example Word
叫び: scream. The Japanese noun '叫び (さけび)' means 'scream' or 'shout'. It refers to a loud, sharp cry, often expressing strong emotion such as fear, anger, or excitement. This word is commonly used in both literal and metaphorical contexts. For example: a scream of terror「恐怖の叫び」(きょうふのさけび). The artist's painting was a scream of despair「その画家の絵は絶望の叫びだった」(そのがかのえはぜつぼうのさけびだった). Note that '叫び' can also be used to describe a cry for help or a passionate outcry, as in '助けを求める叫び (たすけをもとめるさけび) (a cry for help)'.
Radical
口
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N2Grade
7Frequency
623
Handwriting
kanji
響Meaning
Echo, Reverberate
Reading
kunyomiひび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
kunyomiくる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
kunyomiさかいsakai
onyomiけいkei
きょうkyou
Parts
土Soil 竟
Example Word
境: boundary. The Japanese noun '境 (さかい)' refers to a boundary or border, either physical or metaphorical. It can describe the dividing line between two areas, such as countries or properties, or the boundary between different states, conditions, or phases. For example: the boundary between dreams and reality「夢と現実の境」(ゆめとげんじつのさかい). The border between two countries「二つの国の境」(ふたつのくにのさかい). This word is also used in abstract contexts, such as the boundary between life and death「生と死の境」(せいとしのさかい). Note that '境' can also imply a transitional state or a turning point, depending on the context.
Radical
土
Stroke Count
14JLPT
N2Grade
5Frequency
722
Handwriting
kanji
郷Meaning
Hometown
Reading
onyomiきょうkyou
ごうgou
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
11JLPT
N1Grade
6Frequency
752
Handwriting
kanji
香Meaning
Fragrance
Reading
kunyomiか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
kunyomiかがみ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
kunyomiほお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
kunyomiせま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
kunyomiせse
きそkiso
onyomiけいkei
きょうkyou
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
20JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
1336
Handwriting
kanji
脇Meaning
Armpit
Reading
kunyomiわき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
onyomiきょうkyou
Parts
十Ten 劦
Example Word
協定: agreement. The Japanese noun '協定 (きょうてい)' refers to a formal agreement or pact between parties, often used in legal, political, or business contexts. It implies a mutual understanding or arrangement that has been officially established. For example: The two countries signed a trade agreement「両国は貿易協定に調印した」(りょうこくはぼうえききょうていにちょういんした). The company reached an agreement with the union「会社は労働組合と協定を結んだ」(かいしゃはろうどうくみあいときょうていをむすんだ). This term is commonly used in formal settings and emphasizes the binding nature of the agreement.
Radical
十
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
1354
Handwriting
kanji
窮Meaning
Hard up, Be in extremity
Reading
kunyomiきわ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
kunyomiおどodo
おびやobiya
onyomiきょうkyou
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
10JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
1597
Handwriting
kanji
況Meaning
Situation, Condition
Reading
onyomiきょうkyou
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
8JLPT
N2Grade
7Frequency
1676
Handwriting
kanji
挟Meaning
Put between, Between
Reading
kunyomiはさhasa
onyomiしょうshou
きょうkyou
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
9JLPT
N2Grade
9Frequency
1848
Handwriting
kanji
峡Meaning
Gorge, Ravine
Reading
kunyomiはざまhazama
onyomiこうkou
きょうkyou
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
9JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
1916
Handwriting
kanji
茎Meaning
Stem
Reading
kunyomiくきkuki
onyomiけいkei
きょうkyou
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
8JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
1947
Handwriting