kanji

Meaning

Bright

Reading

Parts

日Day, Sun 月Moon, Month

Example Word

明ける: end or dawn. The Japanese verb '明ける (あける)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'dawn', referring to the beginning of a new day. For example: The day dawned「夜が明けた」(よるがあけた). The second meaning is 'end', often used to indicate the conclusion of a period of time, such as a season or an event. For example: The rainy season has ended「梅雨が明けた」(つゆがあけた). It's important to note that this verb is often used in contexts related to time and seasons, and its meaning can vary depending on the context in which it is used.

Radical

日

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

63

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Name

Reading

Parts

夕Evening 口Mouth

Example Word

代名詞: pronoun. The Japanese noun '代名詞 (だいめいし)' means 'pronoun'. In grammar, it refers to a word that substitutes for a noun or noun phrase, such as 'he', 'she', 'it', or 'they' in English. This term is used in linguistic contexts to describe parts of speech. For example: Pronouns are important in Japanese「代名詞は日本語で重要です」(だいめいしはにほんごでじゅうようです). She is a pronoun「彼女は代名詞です」(かのじょはだいめいしです). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is representative or symbolic of a larger concept, though this usage is less common.

Radical

口

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

90

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Command, Life

Reading

Parts

令Orders 口Mouth

Example Word

革命: revolution. The Japanese noun '革命 (かくめい)' means 'revolution'. It refers to a fundamental and often sudden change in political power or organizational structures, typically brought about by the governed population. It can also refer to a dramatic and wide-reaching change in conditions, attitudes, or operations. For example: The industrial revolution changed society「産業革命は社会を変えた」(さんぎょうかくめいわしゃかいをかえた). The revolution brought freedom to the people「革命は人々に自由をもたらした」(かくめいわひとびとにじゆうをもたらした). This term is often used in historical, political, and technological contexts to denote significant transformations.

Radical

口

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

203

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Chirp

Reading

Parts

口Mouth 鳥Bird

Example Word

鳴る: ring. The Japanese verb '鳴る (なる)' primarily means 'to ring' or 'to sound'. It is used to describe the action of producing a sound, often in the context of bells, alarms, or other devices that emit sound. For example: the bell rang「ベルが鳴った」(べるがなった). The alarm clock is ringing「目覚まし時計が鳴っている」(めざましどけいがなっている). Additionally, '鳴る' can be used metaphorically to describe sounds in nature, such as thunder rumbling「雷が鳴る」(かみなりがなる). This verb is commonly used in everyday situations to indicate the occurrence of a sound.

Radical

鳥

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

442

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Perplexed, Astray

Reading

Parts

辶Walk 米Rice

Example Word

迷信: superstition. The Japanese noun '迷信 (めいしん)' refers to 'superstition', which is a belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, or trust in magic or chance. It is often used to describe irrational beliefs that are not based on scientific evidence. For example: Many people still believe in superstitions「多くの人がまだ迷信を信じている」(おおくのひとがまだめいしんをしんじている). Breaking a mirror brings bad luck, according to superstition「迷信によると、鏡を割ると不運が訪れる」(めいしんによると、かがみをわるとふうんがおとずれる). This word is commonly used in discussions about cultural practices, folklore, or irrational beliefs.

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

811

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Inscription

Reading

Parts

金Gold 名Name

Example Word

銘柄: brand. The Japanese noun '銘柄 (めいがら)' refers to a brand, particularly in the context of products, goods, or stocks. It is often used to specify a particular brand name or type of product. For example: This brand of coffee is popular「この銘柄のコーヒーは人気です」(このめいがらのコーヒーはにんきです). I bought a new brand of wine「新しい銘柄のワインを買いました」(あたらしいめいがらのワインをかいました). In financial contexts, it can also refer to a specific stock or security, as in: This stock is performing well「この銘柄は好調です」(このめいがらはこうちょうです).

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1652

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Alliance

Reading

Parts

明Bright 皿Plate

Example Word

加盟: membership. The Japanese noun '加盟 (かめい)' refers to the act of joining or becoming a member of an organization, group, or alliance. It is commonly used in formal contexts, such as when a country joins an international organization or a company becomes part of a larger association. For example: Japan's membership in the United Nations「日本の国連への加盟」(にほんのこくれんへのかめい). The company decided to join the trade association「その会社はその業界団体への加盟を決めた」(そのかいしゃはそのぎょうかいだんたいへのかめいをきめた). The term emphasizes the formal and official nature of the membership.

Radical

皿

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1660

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Dark

Reading

Parts

冖Crown 日Day, Sun 六Six

Radical

冖

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1899

Handwriting