Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Man

Reading

Parts

田Rice field 力Power

Example Word

長男: eldest son. The Japanese noun '長男 (ちょうなん)' refers to the 'eldest son' in a family. This term is used to denote the firstborn male child, often carrying cultural significance in terms of inheritance, family responsibilities, and traditional roles. For example: His eldest son is a doctor「彼の長男は医者です」(かれのちょうなんはいしゃです). The eldest son inherited the family business「長男は家業を継ぎました」(ちょうなんはかぎょうをつぎました). In Japanese society, the eldest son may traditionally be expected to take care of aging parents or manage family affairs.

Radical

田

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

86

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Step, Stairs

Reading

Parts

殳Pike

Example Word

段々: gradually. The Japanese adverb '段々 (だんだん)' means 'gradually' or 'little by little'. It is used to describe a process or change that happens slowly over time. This word is commonly used in both casual and formal contexts to indicate a progressive change. For example: The weather is gradually getting colder「天気が段々寒くなってきた」(てんきがだんだんさむくなってきた). I am gradually understanding Japanese「日本語が段々わかってきた」(にほんごがだんだんわかってきた). Note that '段々' often pairs with verbs to describe the progression of an action or state.

Radical

殳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

387

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Decide, Cut off

Reading

Parts

斤Axe, Catty 米Rice

Example Word

断る: refuse. The Japanese verb '断る (ことわる)' means 'to refuse' or 'to decline'. It is used when someone rejects an offer, request, or invitation. This verb often carries a polite connotation, as it is commonly used in formal or respectful situations. For example: I refused the invitation「招待を断りました」(しょうたいをことわりました). He declined the offer「彼はその申し出を断った」(かれはそのもうしでをことわった). It can also imply a firm or decisive refusal, depending on the context. Note that '断る' is often used in situations where the refusal is communicated clearly and respectfully.

Radical

斤

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

418

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Discuss

Reading

Parts

訁Say (言)炎Flame, Blaze

Example Word

対談: dialogue. The Japanese verbal noun '対談 (たいだん)' refers to a formal or structured conversation, typically between two people, often experts or notable figures, discussing a specific topic. It is commonly used in contexts such as interviews, discussions, or public talks. For example: The dialogue between the two authors was insightful「二人の作家の対談は興味深かった」(ふたりのさっかのたいだんはきょうみぶかかった). They held a dialogue about environmental issues「彼らは環境問題について対談した」(かれらはかんきょうもんだいについてたいだんした). The term emphasizes a two-way exchange of ideas rather than a one-sided conversation.

Radical

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

475

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Group, Association

Reading

Parts

囗Box 寸Measurement

Example Word

団: group. The Japanese suffix '団 (だん)' means 'group' or 'organization'. It is commonly used to form nouns that refer to organized groups of people, such as clubs, teams, or associations. For example: a sports team「スポーツ団」(すぽーつだん). a volunteer group「ボランティア団」(ぼらんてぃあだん). This suffix is often attached to nouns to indicate a collective or organized body. It can also carry a formal or official tone, depending on the context. Note that '団' is rarely used alone and typically appears as part of a compound word.

Radical

囗

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

598

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Dawn

Reading

Parts

日Day, Sun 一One

Example Word

一旦: once. The Japanese adverb '一旦 (いったん)' means 'once' or 'for the time being'. It is used to indicate a temporary pause, interruption, or a point in time when something is done or considered before proceeding further. It often implies that after this action or state, there will be a change or continuation. For example: Let's stop here once「一旦ここで止めましょう」(いったんここでとめましょう). Once I finish this, I'll take a break「一旦これを終えたら休憩します」(いったんこれをおえたらきゅうけいします). This word is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to suggest a temporary halt or reconsideration.

Radical

日

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

763

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Bullet, Projectile

Reading

Parts

弓Bow 単Simple, Single

Example Word

弾く: pluck or repel. The Japanese verb '弾く (はじく)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'to pluck', as in plucking the strings of a musical instrument. For example: he plucks the guitar「彼はギターを弾く」(かれはギターをはじく). The second meaning is 'to repel' or 'to flick away', often used to describe repelling water or flicking something off a surface. For example: the umbrella repels water「傘が水を弾く」(かさがみずをはじく). These two meanings are unrelated and depend on the context in which the verb is used.

Radical

弓

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

981

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Platform, Podium

Reading

Parts

土Soil 亶

Radical

土

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1186

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Warm

Reading

Parts

日Day, Sun 爰

Example Word

暖房: heating. The Japanese verbal noun '暖房 (だんぼう)' refers to 'heating' or a 'heating system'. It is commonly used to describe the act of heating a space or the equipment used to provide warmth, such as heaters or central heating systems. This term is often used in contexts related to home appliances, buildings, or climate control. For example: The heating is on「暖房がついている」(だんぼうがついている). Please turn on the heating「暖房をつけてください」(だんぼうをつけてください). It is important to note that '暖房' specifically refers to heating and is distinct from '冷房 (れいぼう)', which means 'cooling' or 'air conditioning'.

Radical

日

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1278

Handwriting