kanji

Meaning

Man

Reading

Parts

田Rice field 力Power

Example Word

次男: second son. The Japanese noun '次男 (じなん)' refers to the 'second son' in a family. It is used to specify the birth order of sons, with '次男' being the second male child. This term is often used in formal or familial contexts to describe family structure or inheritance. For example: His second son is a doctor「彼の次男は医者です」(かれのじなんはいしゃです). The second son inherited the family business「次男が家業を継ぎました」(じなんがかぎょうをつぎました). Note that '次男' is distinct from '長男 (ちょうなん)', which refers to the eldest son.

Radical

田

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

86

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Step, Stairs

Reading

Parts

殳Pike

Example Word

階段: stairs. The Japanese noun '階段 (かいだん)' means 'stairs'. It refers to a series of steps that allow people to move from one level of a building to another. This word is commonly used in everyday conversation when referring to staircases in homes, offices, or public places. For example: Please use the stairs「階段を使ってください」(かいだんをつかってください). The stairs are over there「階段はあそこです」(かいだんはあそこです). It can also be used metaphorically to describe progress or steps in a process, though this usage is less common.

Radical

殳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

387

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Decide, Cut off

Reading

Parts

斤Axe, Catty 米Rice

Example Word

決断: decision. The Japanese noun '決断 (けつだん)' means 'decision'. It refers to the act of making a firm and resolute choice, often after careful consideration. This word is commonly used in contexts where a significant or impactful choice is made. For example: He made a quick decision「彼は早い決断をした」(かれははやいけつだんをした). Making a decision is important「決断を下すことは重要だ」(けつだんをくだすことはじゅうようだ). The word carries a nuance of determination and finality, often implying that the decision is not easily reversible.

Radical

斤

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

418

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Discuss

Reading

Parts

訁Say (言)炎Flame, Blaze

Example Word

冗談: joke. The Japanese noun '冗談 (じょうだん)' means 'joke'. It refers to something said or done to provoke laughter or amusement, often in a playful or lighthearted manner. This word is commonly used in casual conversations and can be part of phrases like '冗談を言う (じょうだんをいう)', which means 'to tell a joke'. For example: That was just a joke「それはただの冗談だった」(それはただのじょうだんだった). Don't take it seriously, it's a joke「真剣に受け取らないで、冗談だよ」(しんけんにうけとらないで、じょうだんだよ). The word can also imply teasing or sarcasm depending on the context.

Radical

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

475

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Group, Association

Reading

Parts

囗Box 寸Measurement

Example Word

座布団: cushion. The Japanese noun '座布団 (ざぶとん)' refers to a traditional Japanese cushion used for sitting on the floor. It is typically square-shaped, filled with cotton or other soft material, and often placed on tatami mats. '座布団' is commonly used in Japanese homes, especially during tea ceremonies or when sitting at a low table. Example sentences: Please sit on the cushion「座布団に座ってください」(ざぶとんにすわってください). This cushion is very comfortable「この座布団はとても快適です」(このざぶとんはとてもかいてきです).

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

爆弾: bomb. The Japanese noun '爆弾 (ばくだん)' means 'bomb'. It refers to an explosive weapon designed to cause destruction. This word is often used in both literal and figurative contexts. For example: The bomb exploded「爆弾が爆発した」(ばくだんがばくはつした). He dropped a bombshell during the meeting「彼は会議中に爆弾を落とした」(かれはかいぎちゅうにばくだんをおとした). In figurative usage, it can describe shocking news or revelations. The word is neutral in tone but carries a strong connotation of danger or surprise.

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

温暖: warm. The Japanese adjectival noun '温暖 (おんだん)' means 'warm' in the context of climate or weather. It is used to describe a mild or temperate climate, often in contrast to cold or harsh weather conditions. For example: The climate of this region is warm「この地域の気候は温暖です」(このちいきのきこうはおんだんです). Global warming is a serious issue「地球温暖化は深刻な問題です」(ちきゅうおんだんかはしんこくなもんだいです). The term can also be used metaphorically to describe a warm or friendly atmosphere, though this usage is less common.

Radical

日

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1278

Handwriting