Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Nothing

Reading

Example Word

無理矢理: forcibly. The Japanese adverb '無理矢理 (むりやり)' means 'forcibly' or 'against one's will'. It is used to describe actions that are done by force, compulsion, or without considering the other person's wishes. This word often carries a negative connotation, implying that the action is unreasonable or excessive. For example: He forcibly took my bag「彼は無理矢理私のバッグを取った」(かれはむりやりわたしのバッグをとった). She made me eat the food forcibly「彼女は無理矢理私にその食べ物を食べさせた」(かのじょはむりやりわたしにそのたべものをたべさせた). The word can also imply a sense of desperation or urgency in the action.

Radical

火

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

52

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Not

Reading

Example Word

不幸せ: unhappy. The Japanese adjectival noun '不幸せ (ふしあわせ)' means 'unhappy'. It describes a state of not being happy or content, often due to unfavorable circumstances or emotional distress. This word is commonly used to express a lack of happiness in a general sense, whether it pertains to life, relationships, or specific situations. For example: She looks unhappy「彼女は不幸せそうだ」(かのじょはふしあわせそうだ). His life seems unhappy「彼の人生は不幸せだ」(かれのじんせいはふしあわせだ). Note that '不幸せ' is often used in contexts where the lack of happiness is noticeable or significant, and it carries a slightly more emotional weight compared to its antonym '幸せ (しあわせ)' (happy).

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

61

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Section, Department

Reading

Parts

咅Spit ⻏Mound (阜)

Example Word

部分: part. The Japanese noun '部分 (ぶぶん)' means 'part'. It refers to a section or portion of a whole, and can be used in various contexts, such as physical objects, abstract concepts, or even time. For example: this is the most important part「これが最も重要な部分です」(これがもっともじゅうようなぶぶんです). I only understood part of the story「話の部分しか理解できなかった」(はなしのぶぶんしかりかいできなかった). The word is often used in combination with other nouns to specify a particular part, such as '車の部分 (くるまのぶぶん) (part of the car)' or '計画の部分 (けいかくのぶぶん) (part of the plan)'.

Radical

邑

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

94

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Walk

Reading

Parts

止Stop 少Few

Example Word

横断歩道: crosswalk. The Japanese noun '横断歩道 (おうだんほどう)' refers to a 'crosswalk', which is a designated area on a road where pedestrians can safely cross. It is typically marked with white stripes and often accompanied by traffic signals or signs. Example sentences: Please use the crosswalk「横断歩道を使ってください」(おうだんほどうをつかってください). The crosswalk is over there「横断歩道はあそこです」(おうだんほどうはあそこです). This word is commonly used in everyday conversations, especially when giving directions or discussing road safety.

Radical

止

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

150

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Military

Reading

Parts

一One 弋Ceremony 止Stop

Example Word

武装: arms. The Japanese noun '武装 (ぶそう)' refers to 'arms' or 'weapons'. It is commonly used to describe the act of equipping oneself or a group with weapons, or the state of being armed. This term can be used in both literal and figurative contexts, such as military or ideological 'arming'. For example: The soldiers were armed「兵士たちは武装していた」(へいしたちはぶそうしていた). The country is arming itself against threats「その国は脅威に対して武装している」(そのくにはきょういに対してぶそうしている). Note that '武装' can also imply preparation or readiness in a broader sense, such as '武装した思想' (ぶそうしたしそう) meaning 'armed ideology' or a well-prepared mindset.

Radical

止

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

327

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Dance

Reading

Example Word

舞台: stage. The Japanese noun '舞台 (ぶたい)' primarily means 'stage' as in a physical platform where performances take place. It is commonly used in contexts related to theater, concerts, and other performances. For example: The actor stood on the stage「俳優は舞台に立った」(はいゆうはぶたいにたった). The play will be performed on this stage「この舞台でその劇が上演される」(このぶたいでそのげきがじょうえんされる). Additionally, '舞台' can metaphorically refer to a setting or scene where significant events occur, such as in '人生の舞台 (じんせいのぶたい)' (the stage of life). This word is versatile and deeply embedded in both literal and figurative Japanese expressions.

Radical

舛

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

452

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Dedicate, Observance

Reading

Example Word

奉行: magistrate. The Japanese noun '奉行 (ぶぎょう)' refers to a magistrate or a high-ranking official in feudal Japan, typically responsible for administrative or judicial duties. This term is historically significant and often associated with the Edo period, where such officials played crucial roles in governance. For example: The magistrate issued a new decree「奉行が新しい法令を出した」(ぶぎょうがあたらしいほうれいをだした). The magistrate's decision was final「奉行の決定は最終的だった」(ぶぎょうのけっていはさいしゅうてきだった). It's important to note that this term is largely historical and may not be commonly used in modern contexts, except when referring to historical settings or figures.

Radical

大

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

813

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Despise

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)毎Every

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1712

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Levy, Installment

Reading

Parts

貝Shellfish 武Military

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1980

Handwriting