Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Teach

Reading

Parts

孝Filial piety 攵Strike

Example Word

仏教: Buddhism. The Japanese noun '仏教 (ぶっきょう)' refers to 'Buddhism', the religion and philosophy based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha. This term is used to describe the religion itself, its practices, and its teachings. For example: Buddhism originated in India「仏教はインドで始まった」(ぶっきょうはインドではじまった). Many Japanese people practice Buddhism「多くの日本人が仏教を信仰している」(おおくのにほんじんがぶっきょうをしんこうしている). The word is often used in contexts related to religion, culture, and history.

Radical

攴

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

172

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Accompany, Offer

Reading

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

239

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Strong

Reading

Parts

虫Insect 厶Private 弓Bow

Example Word

強いる: force. The Japanese verb '強いる (しいる)' means 'to force' or 'to compel'. It is used when someone is made to do something against their will or when a situation imposes a burden or obligation. This verb often carries a nuance of coercion or pressure. For example: He forced me to work overtime「彼は私に残業を強いた」(かれはわたしにざんぎょうをしいた). The circumstances forced her to make a difficult decision「状況が彼女に難しい決断を強いた」(じょうきょうがかのじょにむずかしいけつだんをしいた). Note that this verb is transitive and typically requires an object to indicate what is being forced.

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

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

305

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Together

Reading

Parts

龷Twenty (廿)八Eight

Example Word

共通語: common language. The Japanese noun '共通語 (きょうつうご)' refers to a 'common language' or 'lingua franca' that is widely understood and used by people across different regions or groups. It often implies a standard form of communication that bridges dialects or languages. For example: English is the common language of the world「英語は世界の共通語です」(えいごはせかいのきょうつうごです). In Japan, standard Japanese is the common language「日本では標準語が共通語です」(にほんではひょうじゅんごがきょうつうごです). This term can also refer to shared terminology within specific fields or communities.

Radical

八

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

340

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Older brother

Reading

Parts

儿Legs 口Mouth

Example Word

兄さん: older brother. The Japanese noun '兄さん (にいさん)' refers to an older brother. It is a respectful and affectionate term used to address or refer to one's own older brother or someone else's older brother. This term is commonly used in casual and familial settings. For example: My older brother is kind「私の兄さんは優しい」(わたしのにいさんはやさしい). Your older brother is tall「あなたの兄さんは背が高い」(あなたのにいさんはせがたかい). Note that '兄さん' is more casual and affectionate compared to the formal term '兄 (あに)', which is used in more formal contexts or when speaking about one's own older brother in a respectful manner.

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

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

623

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Echo, Reverberate

Reading

Parts

郷Hometown 音Sound

Example Word

響く: resonate. The Japanese verb '響く (ひびく)' means 'to resonate' or 'to reverberate'. It is used to describe sounds that echo or carry over a distance, or to describe something that has a profound impact or influence. For example: the sound of the bell resonates through the valley「鐘の音が谷に響く」(かねのおとがたににひびく). His words resonated deeply with me「彼の言葉が私に深く響いた」(かれのことばがわたしにふかくひびいた). This verb can also be used metaphorically to describe how actions or events have a lasting effect or influence on people or situations.

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

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

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

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1597

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Situation, Condition

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)兄Older brother

Example Word

状況: situation. The Japanese noun '状況 (じょうきょう)' means 'situation' or 'circumstances'. It refers to the state or condition of things at a particular time, often used to describe the context or environment in which something occurs. This word is commonly used in both formal and informal settings to discuss current events, conditions, or states of affairs. For example: The situation is serious「状況は深刻です」(じょうきょうはしんこくです). I need to understand the situation better「状況をもっと理解する必要があります」(じょうきょうをもっとりかいするひつようがあります). It can also be used in phrases like '状況を把握する (じょうきょうをはあくする)' which means 'to grasp the situation'.

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