Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Nothing

Reading

Example Word

無言: silence. The Japanese noun '無言 (むごん)' means 'silence' or 'wordlessness'. It refers to the state of not speaking or communicating verbally. This word is often used to describe situations where people choose not to speak, either due to discomfort, tension, or as a form of non-verbal communication. For example: the room was filled with silence「部屋は無言に包まれた」(へやはむごんにつつまれた). They exchanged a silent glance「彼らは無言で視線を交わした」(かれらはむごんでしせんをかわした). It can also imply a deliberate choice to remain silent, such as in a protest or to avoid conflict.

Radical

火

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

52

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Not

Reading

Example Word

不正: wrongdoing. The Japanese adjectival noun '不正 (ふせい)' refers to 'wrongdoing' or 'unjust' behavior. It is often used to describe actions that are dishonest, illegal, or unethical. This term is commonly used in contexts such as fraud, corruption, or any form of misconduct. For example: He was involved in wrongdoing「彼は不正に関わっていた」(かれはふせいにかかわっていた). The company was accused of unjust practices「その会社は不正行為で告発された」(そのかいしゃはふせいこういでこくはつされた). The word can also be used to describe something that is incorrect or improper, such as '不正な方法 (ふせいなほうほう)' (improper method).

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

61

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Section, Department

Reading

Parts

咅Spit ⻏Mound (阜)

Example Word

一部: part. The Japanese noun '一部 (いちぶ)' means 'part' or 'portion'. It is used to refer to a section or segment of a whole, such as a part of a book, a portion of a group, or a segment of something larger. For example: I read part of the book「本の一部を読みました」(ほんのいちぶをよみました). Only a part of the group attended「グループの一部だけが参加しました」(グループのいちぶだけがさんかしました). This word is often used in contexts where something is divided or incomplete, emphasizing that it is not the entirety.

Radical

邑

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

94

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Walk

Reading

Parts

止Stop 少Few

Example Word

歩む: walk or progress. The Japanese verb '歩む (あゆむ)' primarily means 'to walk', but it can also metaphorically mean 'to progress' or 'to follow a path' in life or a journey. This verb is often used in a more formal or literary context, and it carries a nuance of steady, deliberate movement, whether physical or metaphorical. For example: He walked along the path「彼は道を歩んだ」(かれはみちをあゆんだ). She is progressing in her career「彼女はキャリアを歩んでいる」(かのじょはキャリアをあゆんでいる). The verb can be used to describe both literal walking and the progression of events or life stages.

Radical

止

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

150

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Military

Reading

Parts

一One 弋Ceremony 止Stop

Example Word

武器: weapon. The Japanese noun '武器 (ぶき)' means 'weapon'. This term refers to any tool or instrument used to inflict harm or damage, typically in combat or self-defense. It can be used literally, such as swords or guns, or metaphorically, such as skills or strategies. For example: he carries a weapon「彼は武器を持っている」(かれはぶきをもっている). Knowledge is a powerful weapon「知識は強力な武器だ」(ちしきはきょうりょくなぶきだ). The word can also be used in broader contexts, such as in business or sports, to describe something that gives an advantage.

Radical

止

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

327

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Dance

Reading

Example Word

舞: dance. The Japanese noun '舞 (まい)' refers to a traditional dance, often one that is formal or ceremonial in nature. This term is commonly used in the context of traditional Japanese performing arts, such as Noh or Kabuki theater. For example: she performed a beautiful dance「彼女は美しい舞を舞った」(かのじょはうつくしいまいをまった). The dance at the festival was mesmerizing「祭りの舞は魅惑的だった」(まつりのまいはみわくてきだった). It's important to note that '舞' can also be part of compound words, such as '舞踊 (ぶよう)' which means 'dance' in a more general sense.

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