Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Country

Reading

Parts

玉Ball, Jewel 口Mouth

Example Word

諸国: countries. The Japanese noun '諸国 (しょこく)' refers to 'countries' or 'nations', often used in a plural sense to denote multiple countries collectively. It is commonly used in formal or historical contexts to refer to various nations or regions. For example: trade relations with various countries「諸国との貿易関係」(しょこくとのぼうえきかんけい). The cultures of many countries「諸国の文化」(しょこくのぶんか). This term is often seen in historical texts or discussions about international relations, emphasizing a collective or comparative perspective on nations.

Radical

囗

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

97

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Black

Reading

Parts

灬Fire (火)里Hometown

Example Word

真っ黒: pitch black. The Japanese adjectival noun '真っ黒 (まっくろ)' means 'pitch black' or 'completely black'. It is used to describe something that is entirely black in color, often emphasizing the depth or intensity of the blackness. This word can be used to describe objects, surfaces, or even situations metaphorically. For example: The sky is pitch black「空が真っ黒だ」(そらがまっくろだ). His hands were completely black from the soot「彼の手はすすで真っ黒だった」(かれのてはすすでまっくろだった). Note that '真っ黒' often carries a stronger emphasis than just '黒い (くろい)' (black).

Radical

黑

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

276

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Valley

Reading

Parts

口Mouth 人Person ハKatakana ha

Example Word

谷: valley. The Japanese noun '谷 (たに)' means 'valley'. It refers to a low area of land between hills or mountains, often with a river or stream running through it. This word is commonly used in geographical contexts or to describe natural landscapes. For example: The valley is beautiful「谷は美しい」(たにはうつくしい). We hiked through the valley「私たちは谷をハイキングした」(わたしたちはたにをハイキングした). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe a low point or dip in something, such as in '声の谷 (こえのたに)' (a dip in one's voice).

Radical

谷

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

427

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Engrave

Reading

Parts

亥 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

時刻: time. The Japanese noun '時刻 (じこく)' refers to a specific point in time or the exact time of an event. It is often used in formal contexts or when precision regarding time is necessary. For example: What time is it now?「今の時刻は何時ですか？」(いまのじこくはなんじですか？). The train departs at 8:00 sharp「電車は8時ちょうどに発車します」(でんしゃは8じちょうどにはっしゃします). This word is commonly seen in schedules, announcements, and formal settings where exact timing is important.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

503

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Announce

Reading

Parts

⺧Cow 口Mouth

Example Word

告げる: announce or tell. The Japanese verb '告げる (つげる)' primarily means 'to tell' or 'to announce'. It is used to convey information, often in a formal or serious manner. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as announcing news, declaring something, or informing someone about an important matter. For example: He announced the results「彼は結果を告げた」(かれはけっかをつげた). The bell signaled the end of class「ベルが授業の終わりを告げた」(ベルがじゅぎょうのおわりをつげた). It is important to note that '告げる' often carries a sense of formality or gravity, making it suitable for serious or official announcements.

Radical

口

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

564

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Cruel, Severe

Reading

Parts

酉Bird of the zodiac 告Announce

Example Word

酷い: terrible. The Japanese adjective '酷い (ひどい)' primarily means 'terrible' or 'awful'. It is used to describe something that is extremely bad, severe, or harsh. This word can be applied to situations, actions, or even weather conditions. For example: The weather is terrible today「今日の天気は酷い」(きょうのてんきはひどい). He said something terrible「彼は酷いことを言った」(かれはひどいことをいった). Additionally, '酷い' can also imply a sense of cruelty or unfairness, as in 'That was a cruel joke'「それは酷い冗談だった」(それはひどいじょうだんだった). The nuance of this word often conveys a strong negative emotion, so it is typically used in contexts where something is notably bad or distressing.

Radical

酉

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1380

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Grain, Cereal

Reading

Parts

士Samurai 冖Crown 禾Cereal 殳Pike

Radical

禾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1768

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Overcome

Reading

Parts

儿Legs 古Old

Example Word

克服: overcoming. The Japanese noun '克服 (こくふく)' means 'overcoming'. It refers to the act of conquering or successfully dealing with a difficulty, challenge, or obstacle. This word is often used in contexts related to personal struggles, such as overcoming fear, illness, or adversity. For example: overcoming fear「恐怖を克服する」(きょうふをこくふくする). She overcame her illness「彼女は病気を克服した」(かのじょはびょうきをこくふくした). The word carries a sense of triumph and achievement, emphasizing the effort and perseverance required to surmount a challenge.

Radical

儿

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1795

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Shell, Husk

Reading

Parts

壳 殳Pike

Radical

殳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1804

Handwriting