Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Face

Reading

Parts

𦣻Neck (首)八Eight 立Stand 厂Cliff 彡Fur

Example Word

顔付き: expression. The Japanese noun '顔付き (かおつき)' refers to a person's facial expression or the look on their face. It is often used to describe the emotions or mood someone is conveying through their face. For example: She had a worried expression「彼女は心配そうな顔付きをしていた」(かのじょはしんぱいそうなかおつきをしていた). His expression changed when he heard the news「彼はそのニュースを聞いて顔付きが変わった」(かれはそのニュースをきいてかおつきがかわった). This word can also imply the overall impression or demeanor someone gives off through their facial appearance.

Radical

頁

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

79

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Eyeball

Reading

Parts

目Eye 艮Stopping

Example Word

眼科: ophthalmology. The Japanese noun '眼科 (がんか)' refers to the medical field of ophthalmology, which deals with the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders. It is also commonly used to refer to an eye clinic or an ophthalmologist's office. For example: I went to the eye clinic「眼科に行きました」(がんかにいきました). She is an ophthalmologist「彼女は眼科医です」(かのじょはがんかいです). The term is often used in medical contexts and is essential for discussing eye health or seeking medical attention for eye-related issues.

Radical

目

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

112

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Round

Reading

Parts

丶Dot 九Nine

Example Word

日の丸: japan flag. The Japanese noun '日の丸 (ひのまる)' refers to the national flag of Japan, which features a red circle (representing the sun) on a white background. This term is often used to symbolize Japan itself or Japanese identity. For example: The Japanese flag is called '日の丸'「日本の国旗は日の丸と呼ばれます」(にほんのこっきはひのまとよばれます). The '日の丸' fluttered in the wind「日の丸が風にはためいていた」(ひのまるがかぜにはためいていた). The term is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and history, and it is commonly seen at official events, schools, and during national holidays.

Radical

丶

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

545

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Beach

Reading

Parts

厂Cliff 干Dry 山Mountain

Example Word

沿岸: coast. The Japanese noun '沿岸 (えんがん)' refers to the coastal area or shoreline, typically where the land meets the sea. It is often used in geographical, environmental, or maritime contexts. For example: The coast is beautiful「沿岸は美しい」(えんがんはうつくしい). Fishing is popular along the coast「沿岸では釣りが人気です」(えんがんではつりがにんきです). This word is commonly used in discussions about coastal regions, marine ecosystems, or activities like fishing and tourism.

Radical

山

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

586

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Request, Wish

Reading

Parts

原Meadow, Original 頁Page

Example Word

本願: vow. The Japanese noun '本願 (ほんがん)' refers to a 'vow' or 'original vow', particularly in a religious or spiritual context. It is often used in Buddhism to describe the vows made by a Buddha or Bodhisattva to save all sentient beings. For example: Amida Buddha's original vow「阿弥陀仏の本願」(あみだぶつのほんがん). The monk spoke about the importance of the vow「僧侶は本願の重要性について話した」(そうりょはほんがんのじゅうようせいについてはなした). This term carries a deep spiritual significance and is commonly encountered in religious texts and discussions.

Radical

頁

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

599

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Boulder

Reading

Parts

石Stone 山Mountain

Example Word

岩: rock. The Japanese noun '岩 (いわ)' means 'rock'. It refers to a large, solid mass of stone or mineral material. This word is commonly used to describe natural rock formations, such as cliffs, boulders, or large stones. For example: There is a big rock in the river「川に大きな岩がある」(かわにおおきないわがある). The climber stood on the rock「クライマーは岩の上に立った」(クライマーはいわのうえにたった). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something solid or unyielding, like a person's resolve.

Radical

山

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

669

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Contain, Include

Reading

Parts

今Now 口Mouth

Example Word

含む: contain or include. The Japanese verb '含む (ふくむ)' primarily means 'to include' or 'to contain'. It is used to indicate that something is part of a larger whole or that something holds something else within it. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as in discussions about ingredients, components, or abstract concepts. For example: This drink contains alcohol「この飲み物はアルコールを含む」(こののみものはアルコールをふくむ). The price includes tax「その価格は税を含む」(そのかかくはぜいをふくむ). It can also be used metaphorically, as in 'Her words contained a hidden meaning'「彼女の言葉には隠された意味が含まれていた」(かのじょのことばにはかくされたいみがふくまれていた).

Radical

口

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1078

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Stubborn

Reading

Parts

元Origin 頁Page

Example Word

頑固: stubborn. The Japanese adjectival noun '頑固 (がんこ)' means 'stubborn'. It is used to describe someone who is unyielding or inflexible in their opinions, attitudes, or behavior. This word often carries a slightly negative connotation, implying that the person is unreasonably resistant to change or compromise. For example: my grandfather is stubborn「私の祖父は頑固だ」(わたしのそふはがんこだ). He is too stubborn to admit his mistake「彼は間違いを認めるには頑固すぎる」(かれはまちがいをみとめるにはがんこすぎる). The term can also be used to describe objects or situations that are difficult to change or fix, such as a 'stubborn stain' (頑固な汚れ, がんこなよごれ).

Radical

頁

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1535

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Toy

Reading

Parts

⺩ 元Origin

Example Word

玩具: toy. The Japanese noun '玩具 (おもちゃ)' means 'toy'. This word refers to objects designed for children to play with, such as dolls, cars, or puzzles. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something treated as a trivial or unimportant matter. For example: The child is playing with a toy「子供が玩具で遊んでいる」(こどもがおもちゃであそんでいる). Don't treat me like a toy「私を玩具のように扱わないで」(わたしをおもちゃのようにあつかわないで). The word is commonly used in everyday conversation and is neutral in tone.

Radical

玉

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1838

Handwriting