Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Life

Reading

Parts

土Soil 𠂉Person (人)

Example Word

再生: playback or recycling. The Japanese verbal noun '再生 (さいせい)' has two primary meanings. The first meaning is 'playback', referring to the act of playing back audio or video recordings. For example: I listened to the playback of the song「その曲の再生を聞いた」(そのきょくのさいせいをきいた). The second meaning is 'recycling', referring to the process of converting waste materials into reusable materials. For example: Recycling is important for the environment「再生は環境にとって重要だ」(さいせいはかんきょうにとってじゅうようだ). These two meanings are distinct and unrelated, hence both are included as separate meanings.

Radical

生

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

24

Radical Form

龶

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

World, Generation

Reading

Parts

廿Twenty 𠃊Second (乙)

Example Word

世代: generation. The Japanese noun '世代 (せだい)' refers to a 'generation', typically used to describe a group of people born and living around the same time. It can also refer to a stage in a sequence of technological or cultural developments. For example: the younger generation is very tech-savvy「若い世代はとてもテクノロジーに詳しい」(わかいせだいはとてもテクノロジーにくわしい). This product is popular among the older generation「この商品は年配の世代に人気です」(このしょうひんはねんぱいのせだいににんきです). The word is often used in discussions about societal trends, family lineage, or technological advancements.

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

81

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Feeling, Emotion

Reading

Parts

忄 青Blue

Example Word

感情: emotion. The Japanese noun '感情 (かんじょう)' refers to 'emotion' or 'feeling'. It is used to describe the complex psychological states that arise from one's circumstances, mood, or relationships with others. This word is commonly used in both everyday conversation and formal contexts. For example: She couldn't hide her emotions「彼女は感情を隠せなかった」(かのじょはかんじょうをかくせなかった). His emotions were written all over his face「彼の感情は顔に表れていた」(かれのかんじょうはかおにあらわれていた). The word can also be used in compound phrases like '感情表現 (かんじょうひょうげん)' (emotional expression) or '感情移入 (かんじょういにゅう)' (empathy).

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

156

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Correct

Reading

Parts

一One 止Stop

Example Word

正体: true form or identity. The Japanese noun '正体 (しょうたい)' refers to someone's true form or identity, often used in contexts where something or someone is not what they appear to be. It can be used in both literal and metaphorical senses, such as revealing the true nature of a person, creature, or situation. For example: The monster revealed its true form「その怪物は正体を現した」(そのかいぶつはしょうたいをあらわした). I finally discovered his identity「彼の正体をついに突き止めた」(かれのしょうたいをついにつきとめた). This word is commonly used in mystery, fantasy, or dramatic contexts to emphasize the unveiling of hidden truths.

Radical

止

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

158

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Gender, Sex

Reading

Parts

忄 生Life

Example Word

男性: male. The Japanese noun '男性 (だんせい)' means 'male'. It refers to the male gender and is commonly used to describe adult men. This term is neutral and can be used in formal and informal contexts. For example: He is a male teacher「彼は男性の先生です」(かれはだんせいのせんせいです). The male population is increasing「男性の人口が増えています」(だんせいのじんこうがふえています). It is often used in contrast to '女性 (じょせい)', which means 'female'. The word can also appear in compound nouns, such as '男性用 (だんせいよう)', meaning 'for men'.

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

162

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Become

Reading

Parts

戊

Example Word

成績: grades or results. The Japanese noun '成績 (せいせき)' primarily refers to academic grades or performance, but it can also mean results or achievements in a broader context, such as in work or sports. For example: His grades are excellent「彼の成績は優秀です」(かれのせいせきはゆうしゅうです). The results of the project were impressive「そのプロジェクトの成績は素晴らしかった」(そのプロジェクトのせいせきはすばらしかった). The word is commonly used in educational settings to discuss academic performance, but it can also be applied to evaluate outcomes in various fields.

Radical

戈

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

204

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Blue

Reading

Parts

月Moon, Month 龶Life (生)

Example Word

青い: blue. The Japanese adjective '青い (あおい)' primarily means 'blue'. It is used to describe objects, colors, or even emotions that are associated with the color blue. For example: the sky is blue「空は青い」(そらはあおい). This adjective can also metaphorically describe something as being inexperienced or unripe, such as in the phrase '青い考え (あおいかんがえ)' meaning 'immature thoughts'. However, this secondary usage is less common and context-dependent. Another example: the sea looks blue today「今日の海は青い」(きょうのうみはあおい).

Radical

青

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

238

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

West

Reading

Parts

一One 儿Legs 口Mouth

Example Word

北西: northwest. The Japanese noun '北西 (ほくせい)' means 'northwest'. It is a compound word formed by combining '北 (きた)', meaning 'north', and '西 (にし)', meaning 'west'. This term is commonly used to indicate a direction or location, such as in weather forecasts or when giving directions. For example: The wind is blowing from the northwest「北西から風が吹いている」(ほくせいからかぜがふいている). The town is located to the northwest of the city「その町は市の北西に位置している」(そのまちはしのほくせいにいちしている).

Radical

西

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

315

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Well

Reading

Parts

二Two

Example Word

天井: ceiling. The Japanese noun '天井 (てんじょう)' refers to the ceiling of a room or structure. It is commonly used to describe the upper interior surface of a space. For example: the ceiling is high「天井が高い」(てんじょうがたかい). The light is attached to the ceiling「照明が天井に取り付けられている」(しょうめいがてんじょうにとりつけられている). In some contexts, it can also metaphorically represent a limit or boundary, such as in financial or performance terms, though this usage is less common.

Radical

二

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

329

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Government, Politics

Reading

Parts

正Correct 攵Strike

Example Word

政権: government. The Japanese noun '政権 (せいけん)' refers to a 'government' or 'political administration'. It specifically denotes the ruling authority or the group in power that governs a country or region. This term is often used in political discussions or news to describe the current administration or regime. For example: The government announced new policies「政権が新しい政策を発表した」(せいけんがあたらしいせいさくをはっぴょうした). The opposition criticized the government「野党が政権を批判した」(やとうがせいけんをひはんした). The term can also imply the authority or control held by a political party or leader.

Radical

攴

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

348

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Power, Force

Reading

Parts

力Power 埶

Example Word

姿勢: posture. The Japanese noun '姿勢 (しせい)' primarily means 'posture'. It refers to the way in which someone holds their body, especially when standing or sitting. This word can also be used metaphorically to describe someone's attitude or stance towards a particular issue. For example: good posture is important「良い姿勢は大切です」(よいしせいはたいせつです). His posture towards work is very serious「彼の仕事に対する姿勢はとても真剣です」(かれのしごとにたいするしせいはとてもしんけんです). In both literal and metaphorical contexts, '姿勢' emphasizes the physical or mental alignment of a person.

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

357

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Spirit, Refine

Reading

Parts

米Rice 青Blue

Example Word

精神: spirit or mind. The Japanese noun '精神 (せいしん)' primarily refers to 'spirit' or 'mind'. It encompasses mental and emotional states, as well as the essence of one's being. It is often used in contexts related to psychology, philosophy, or personal resilience. For example: He has a strong spirit「彼は強い精神を持っている」(かれはつよいせいしんをもっている). Mental health is important「精神の健康は大切です」(せいしんのけんこうはたいせつです). The word can also refer to the collective mindset or ethos of a group, such as in 'team spirit' or 'national spirit'.

Radical

米

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

421

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Quiet

Reading

Parts

青Blue 争Dispute

Example Word

冷静: calm. The Japanese adjectival noun '冷静 (れいせい)' means 'calm' or 'composed'. It is used to describe a state of being emotionally stable, rational, and unflustered, especially in stressful or difficult situations. This word is often used to describe a person's demeanor or attitude. For example: He remained calm during the crisis「彼は危機の中で冷静だった」(かれはききのなかでれいせいだった). It's important to stay calm in emergencies「緊急時には冷静でいることが大切だ」(きんきゅうじにはれいせいでいることがたいせつだ). The word can also be used to describe actions or decisions made with a clear and rational mind, such as '冷静な判断 (れいせいなはんだん)' (calm judgment).

Radical

青

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

439

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Clear, Pure

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)青Blue

Example Word

清潔: clean or hygienic. The Japanese adjectival noun '清潔 (せいけつ)' primarily means 'clean' or 'hygienic'. It is used to describe something that is free from dirt, germs, or impurities, and can refer to both physical cleanliness and moral purity. For example: This hospital is very clean「この病院はとても清潔です」(このびょういんはとてもせいけつです). She always keeps her room clean「彼女はいつも部屋を清潔にしている」(かのじょはいつもへやをせいけつにしている). The word can also imply a sense of neatness or orderliness, and is often used in contexts related to health, hygiene, and personal care.

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

481

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Year, Years old

Reading

Parts

止Stop 戈 小Small

Example Word

歳: years old. The Japanese suffix '歳 (さい)' is used to indicate age, specifically meaning 'years old'. It is attached to numbers to express someone's age. For example: I am 20 years old「私は20歳です」(わたしはにじゅっさいです). He is 5 years old「彼は5歳です」(かれはごさいです). This suffix is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts when discussing age. It is important to note that the pronunciation of '歳' can change depending on the number it follows, such as 'いっさい' for 1 year old, 'はたち' for 20 years old, and 'さい' for most other numbers.

Radical

止

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

585

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Prosper

Reading

Parts

成Become 皿Plate

Example Word

盛り上げる: boost. The Japanese verb '盛り上げる (もりあげる)' means 'to boost' or 'to liven up'. It is often used to describe the act of making something more exciting, lively, or energetic, such as a party, event, or atmosphere. For example: let's boost the party「パーティーを盛り上げよう」(パーティーをもりあげよう). He livened up the meeting「彼は会議を盛り上げた」(かれはかいぎをもりあげた). This verb can also be used in a more literal sense, such as piling up or heaping something, but this usage is less common. The focus is usually on creating a lively or enthusiastic atmosphere.

Radical

皿

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

684

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Star

Reading

Parts

日Day, Sun 生Life

Example Word

星: star. The Japanese noun '星 (ほし)' means 'star'. It refers to celestial bodies visible in the night sky, such as stars in space. It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who is a 'star' in the sense of being famous or outstanding. For example: The stars are beautiful tonight「今夜の星はきれいだ」(こんやのほしはきれいだ). She is a star in the music industry「彼女は音楽界の星だ」(かのじょはおんがくかいのほしだ). The word is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts.

Radical

日

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

721

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

System, Control

Reading

Parts

刂Sword (刀)牛Cow 巾Towel

Example Word

制約: constraint. The Japanese noun '制約 (せいやく)' refers to a 'constraint' or 'limitation'. It is used to describe restrictions or conditions that limit freedom or possibilities. This word is often used in contexts such as rules, regulations, or technical limitations. For example: There are many constraints in this project「このプロジェクトには多くの制約がある」(このプロジェクトにはおおくのせいやくがある). The law imposes constraints on businesses「その法律はビジネスに制約を課す」(そのほうりつはビジネスにせいやくをかす). The word can also be used in abstract contexts, such as time constraints or social constraints.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

730

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Clear

Reading

Parts

日Day, Sun 青Blue

Example Word

見晴らし: view. The Japanese noun '見晴らし (みはらし)' refers to a view or vista, particularly one that is scenic or panoramic. It is often used to describe a wide, unobstructed view of a landscape, such as from a hilltop or observation deck. This word conveys a sense of openness and expansiveness. For example: The view from the mountain was breathtaking「山からの見晴らしは素晴らしかった」(やまからのみはらしはすばらしかった). Let's go to the observation deck for a better view「見晴らしの良い展望台に行きましょう」(みはらしのよいてんぼうだいにいきましょう). The word is commonly used in contexts related to nature, travel, and sightseeing.

Radical

日

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

771

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Saint, Holy

Reading

Parts

王King 耳Ear 口Mouth

Example Word

聖: holy. The Japanese prefix '聖 (せい)' means 'holy' or 'sacred'. It is often used in religious or spiritual contexts to denote something revered or divine. This prefix is commonly attached to nouns to form compound words, such as '聖地 (せいち)' (holy place) or '聖書 (せいしょ)' (holy book/Bible). For example: This is a holy place「ここは聖地です」(ここはせいちです). The Bible is a holy book「聖書は聖なる本です」(せいしょはせいなるほんです). The prefix can also be used in secular contexts to emphasize something exceptional or revered, such as '聖域 (せいいき)' (sacred ground or sanctuary).

Radical

耳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

923

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Surname, Family name

Reading

Parts

生Life 女Woman

Example Word

同姓: same surname. The Japanese noun '同姓 (どうせい)' refers to having the same surname or family name. It is often used in contexts where people share the same last name, whether by coincidence or through marriage. For example: They have the same surname「彼らは同姓です」(かれらはどうせいです). In Japan, it is common for married couples to share the same surname, so this term is relevant in discussions about family or legal matters. Another example: Many people in this village have the same surname「この村の多くの人が同姓です」(このむらのおおくのひとがどうせいです).

Radical

女

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

949

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Manufacture

Reading

Parts

制System, Control 衣Clothes

Example Word

製造: manufacture. The Japanese verbal noun '製造 (せいぞう)' means 'manufacture' or 'production'. It refers to the process of making goods or products, typically on a large scale in factories or industrial settings. This term is commonly used in contexts related to industry, business, and technology. For example: The company manufactures cars「その会社は車を製造している」(そのかいしゃはくるまをせいぞうしている). This factory produces electronic devices「この工場は電子機器を製造している」(このこうじょうはでんしききをせいぞうしている). Note that '製造' is often used in compound words, such as '製造業 (せいぞうぎょう)' (manufacturing industry) or '製造工程 (せいぞうこうてい)' (manufacturing process).

Radical

衣

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1020

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ministry, Conserve

Reading

Parts

少Few 目Eye

Example Word

反省: reflection. The Japanese verbal noun '反省 (はんせい)' means 'reflection' or 'self-examination'. It refers to the act of looking back on one's actions, thoughts, or behavior to evaluate and learn from them. This term is often used in contexts where someone is considering their mistakes or shortcomings in order to improve. For example: I need to reflect on my actions「私は自分の行動を反省する必要がある」(わたしはじぶんのこうどうをはんせいするひつようがある). After the meeting, he reflected deeply「会議の後、彼は深く反省した」(かいぎのあと、かれはふかくはんせいした). It is commonly used in educational, professional, and personal growth settings.

Radical

目

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1058

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Sincerity

Reading

Parts

訁Say (言)成Become

Example Word

誠実: honest or sincere. The Japanese adjectival noun '誠実 (せいじつ)' conveys the qualities of sincerity and honesty. It is used to describe someone who is genuine, trustworthy, and acts with integrity. This word is often used to praise someone's character or behavior. For example: He is a sincere person「彼は誠実な人です」(かれはせいじつなひとです). She answered honestly「彼女は誠実に答えた」(かのじょはせいじつにこたえた). The term can also be applied to actions or attitudes, emphasizing a lack of deceit or ulterior motives. Note that while 'sincere' and 'honest' are closely related, they are distinct enough to warrant separate meanings in this context.

Radical

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1178

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Organize

Reading

Parts

正Correct 束Bundle, Bind 攵Strike

Example Word

調整: adjustment. The Japanese verbal noun '調整 (ちょうせい)' means 'adjustment'. It refers to the act of making small changes to something in order to achieve the desired result or to make it function correctly. This term is commonly used in various contexts, such as adjusting settings on a device, fine-tuning plans, or balancing different elements. For example: I need to adjust the schedule「スケジュールを調整する必要がある」(スケジュールをちょうせいするひつようがある). Please adjust the volume「音量を調整してください」(おんりょうをちょうせいしてください). The term can also be used in more abstract contexts, such as adjusting one's attitude or approach to a situation.

Radical

攴

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1280

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Nifty

Reading

Parts

冫Ice (水)妻Wife

Example Word

凄い: amazing. The Japanese adjective '凄い (すごい)' primarily means 'amazing' or 'incredible'. It is used to express awe, admiration, or surprise at something extraordinary, whether positive or negative. For example: That movie was amazing「あの映画は凄かった」(あのえいがはすごかった). He is incredibly fast「彼は凄く速い」(かれはすごくはやい). The word can also be used colloquially to mean 'very' or 'really', as in '凄く暑い (すごくあつい) (really hot)'. It is a versatile word often used in casual conversation to emphasize intensity or impressiveness.

Radical

冫

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1303

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Request

Reading

Parts

訁Say (言)青Blue

Example Word

請求: demand or claim. The Japanese noun '請求 (せいきゅう)' can mean 'claim' or 'demand', often in a financial or legal context. It refers to the act of requesting payment, compensation, or fulfillment of an obligation. For example: The company sent a payment claim「会社が請求書を送った」(かいしゃがせいきゅうしょをおくった). He made a demand for compensation「彼は補償を請求した」(かれはほしょうをせいきゅうした). This word is commonly used in business settings, such as when issuing invoices or making formal requests.

Radical

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1311

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Clean

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)争Dispute

Example Word

浄土: paradise. The Japanese noun '浄土 (じょうど)' refers to 'paradise' or 'pure land', particularly in the context of Buddhism. It signifies a realm of purity and bliss, often associated with the afterlife or a spiritual destination free from suffering. This term is deeply rooted in Buddhist teachings and is frequently used in religious or philosophical discussions. For example: He wishes to be reborn in the Pure Land「彼は浄土に生まれ変わりたいと願っている」(かれはじょうどにうまれかわりたいとねがっている). The Pure Land is a place of eternal peace「浄土は永遠の平和の場所です」(じょうどはえいえんのへいわのばしょです).

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1502

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Subjugate

Reading

Parts

彳Stop 正Correct

Radical

彳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1522

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Swear, Vow

Reading

Parts

言Say 折Bend, Fold

Example Word

誓う: swear. The Japanese verb '誓う (ちかう)' means 'to swear' or 'to vow'. It is used when someone makes a solemn promise or pledge, often with a strong sense of commitment or determination. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as personal promises, oaths, or formal declarations. For example: I swear to protect you「あなたを守ると誓います」(あなたをまもるとちかいます). He vowed to never give up「彼は決して諦めないと誓った」(かれはけっしてあきらめないとちかった). The verb often carries a serious tone, emphasizing the sincerity of the promise being made.

Radical

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1568

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Awakening

Reading

Parts

酉Bird of the zodiac 星Star

Radical

酉

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1581

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Sacrifice, Offering

Reading

Parts

牛Cow 生Life

Example Word

犠牲: sacrifice. The Japanese noun '犠牲 (ぎせい)' means 'sacrifice'. It refers to the act of giving up something valuable or important for the sake of others or a greater cause. This word is often used in contexts involving personal loss, such as in war, accidents, or even in daily life when someone makes a significant compromise. For example: He made a great sacrifice for his family「彼は家族のために大きな犠牲を払った」(かれはかぞくのためにおおきなぎせいをはらった). The victims of the disaster were a tragic sacrifice「その災害の犠牲者は悲劇的な犠牲だった」(そのさいがいのぎせいしゃはひげきてきなぎせいだった).

Radical

牛

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1582

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Uniform, Adjusted

Reading

Example Word

一斉に: simultaneously. The Japanese adverb '一斉に (いっせいに)' means 'simultaneously' or 'all at once'. It is used to describe actions or events that occur at the same time, often involving multiple people or things. This word is commonly used in contexts where a group of people or objects act in unison. For example: The students stood up simultaneously「学生たちは一斉に立ち上がった」(がくせいたちはいっせいにたちあがった). The birds flew away all at once「鳥たちは一斉に飛び立った」(とりたちはいっせいにとびたった). The adverb emphasizes the collective nature of the action, highlighting that it is done by everyone or everything involved at the same time.

Radical

文

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1628

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Bridegroom, Groom

Reading

Parts

女Woman 胥

Example Word

花婿: groom. The Japanese noun '花婿 (はなむこ)' refers specifically to the groom in a wedding ceremony. It is a compound word combining '花 (はな)' meaning 'flower' and '婿 (むこ)' meaning 'son-in-law' or 'bridegroom'. This term is used to describe the man who is getting married, often in a formal or celebratory context. For example: The groom looked very handsome「花婿はとてもハンサムでした」(はなむこはとてもハンサムでした). The bride and groom exchanged vows「花嫁と花婿は誓いを交わしました」(はなよめとはなむこはちかいをかわしました). The term is typically used in wedding-related contexts and carries a formal tone.

Radical

女

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1813

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Die, Pass on

Reading

Parts

⻌Walk 折Bend, Fold

Radical

辵

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2008

Handwriting