Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Life

Reading

Parts

土Soil 𠂉Person (人)

Example Word

生成: generation. The Japanese noun '生成 (せいせい)' primarily means 'generation' or 'creation'. It refers to the process of producing or bringing something into existence. This term is often used in contexts related to technology, biology, or abstract concepts. For example: the generation of electricity「電気の生成」(でんきのせいせい). The creation of new ideas「新しいアイデアの生成」(あたらしいアイデアのせいせい). In some contexts, it can also imply the natural formation or development of something, such as the formation of clouds「雲の生成」(くものせいせい).

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

世論: public opinion. The Japanese noun '世論 (よろん)' refers to 'public opinion'. It is used to describe the collective views or attitudes of the general public on a particular issue or topic. This term is often used in discussions about politics, social issues, and media. For example: Public opinion is divided on this issue「この問題について世論は分かれている」(このもんだいについてよろんはわかれている). The government is paying attention to public opinion「政府は世論に注目している」(せいふはよろんにちゅうもくしている). Note that '世論' can also be read as 'せろん' in some contexts, but 'よろん' is the more common reading.

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

81

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Feeling, Emotion

Reading

Parts

忄 青Blue

Example Word

表情: expression. The Japanese noun '表情 (ひょうじょう)' refers to the 'expression' on someone's face, conveying emotions or feelings. It is commonly used to describe how someone's face looks when they are happy, sad, angry, or surprised. For example: Her expression was very sad「彼女の表情はとても悲しそうだった」(かのじょのひょうじょうはとてもかなしそうだった). I couldn't read his expression「彼の表情が読めなかった」(かれのひょうじょうがよめなかった). This word is often used in contexts involving emotions, communication, or interpersonal interactions.

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

156

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Correct

Reading

Parts

一One 止Stop

Example Word

正に: exactly. The Japanese adverb '正に (まさに)' means 'exactly' or 'precisely'. It is used to emphasize that something is exactly as stated or expected, often in situations where timing, accuracy, or truthfulness is highlighted. For example: This is exactly what I wanted「これは正に私が欲しかったものだ」(これはまさにわたしがほしかったものだ). He is precisely the person we need「彼は正に私たちが必要としている人だ」(かれはまさにわたしたちがひつようとしているひとだ). The word can also convey a sense of inevitability or appropriateness, as in 'It was exactly as predicted'「それは正に予測通りだった」(それはまさによそくどおりだった).

Radical

止

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

158

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Gender, Sex

Reading

Parts

忄 生Life

Example Word

活性: activation. The Japanese noun '活性 (かっせい)' means 'activation'. It is commonly used in scientific, technical, or biological contexts to describe the process of making something active or functional. For example: the activation of enzymes「酵素の活性」(こうそのかっせい). This term can also be used metaphorically to describe the revitalization or energizing of something, such as a business or community. For example: the activation of the local economy「地域経済の活性」(ちいきけいざいのかっせい). Note that this word is often paired with other terms to form compound nouns, such as '活性化 (かっせいか)' (activation/revitalization).

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

162

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Become

Reading

Parts

戊

Example Word

賛成: agreement. The Japanese verbal noun '賛成 (さんせい)' means 'agreement' or 'approval'. It is used to express consent or support for an idea, proposal, or opinion. This word is commonly used in formal and informal contexts, such as meetings, discussions, or everyday conversations. For example: I agree with your opinion「あなたの意見に賛成です」(あなたのいけんにさんせいです). The committee approved the proposal「委員会はその提案に賛成した」(いいんかいはそのていあんにさんせいした). Note that '賛成' is often paired with the particle 'に' to indicate what is being agreed upon, as in '提案に賛成する (ていあんにさんせいする) (to agree with the proposal)'.

Radical

戈

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

204

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Blue

Reading

Parts

月Moon, Month 龶Life (生)

Example Word

青春: youth. The Japanese noun '青春 (せいしゅん)' refers to the period of one's life associated with youth, typically the teenage years or early adulthood. It carries a nostalgic and emotional connotation, often evoking memories of vitality, dreams, and the challenges of growing up. This term is frequently used in literature, music, and everyday conversation to describe the fleeting and precious nature of youth. Example sentences: I miss my youth「青春が懐かしい」(せいしゅんがなつかしい). He spent his youth studying「彼は青春を勉強に費やした」(かれはせいしゅんをべんきょうについやした).

Radical

青

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

238

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

West

Reading

Parts

一One 儿Legs 口Mouth

Example Word

西洋: west or western. The Japanese noun '西洋 (せいよう)' primarily refers to 'the West' or 'Western countries', particularly Europe and the Americas. It is often used in contrast to '東洋 (とうよう)', which refers to 'the East' or 'Eastern countries'. The term can also be used to describe things that are Western in origin or style. For example: Western culture is fascinating「西洋の文化は魅力的です」(せいようのぶんかはみりょくてきです). This painting is in a Western style「この絵は西洋風です」(このえはせいようふうです). The word is commonly used in contexts discussing cultural, historical, or geographical differences between the East and the West.

Radical

西

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

315

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Well

Reading

Parts

二Two

Example Word

井戸: well. The Japanese noun '井戸 (いど)' refers to a 'well', specifically a water well dug into the ground to access groundwater. This term is commonly used in both rural and historical contexts, as wells were a primary source of water in traditional Japanese households. For example: There is a well in the garden「庭に井戸がある」(にわにいどがある). The water from the well is cold「井戸の水は冷たい」(いどのみずはつめたい). In modern times, wells are less common due to the prevalence of tap water, but the term remains relevant in discussions about traditional architecture or rural life.

Radical

二

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

329

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Government, Politics

Reading

Parts

正Correct 攵Strike

Example Word

政治: politics. The Japanese noun '政治 (せいじ)' means 'politics'. It refers to the activities, actions, and policies used to govern a country or area, especially the debate between parties or individuals having power. It can also refer to the academic study of government and political systems. For example: He is interested in politics「彼は政治に興味がある」(かれはせいじにきょうみがある). The politics of this country are complicated「この国の政治は複雑だ」(このくにのせいじはふくざつだ). The word is commonly used in discussions about government, elections, and policy-making.

Radical

攴

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

348

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Power, Force

Reading

Parts

力Power 埶

Example Word

大勢: crowd. The Japanese noun '大勢 (おおぜい)' means 'crowd' or 'a large number of people'. It is used to describe a situation where many people are gathered together. This word is often used in contexts involving events, gatherings, or places where many people are present. For example: There was a crowd at the station「駅には大勢の人がいた」(えきにはおおぜいのひとがいた). A crowd gathered to watch the parade「パレードを見るために大勢が集まった」(パレードをみるためにおおぜいがあつまった). Note that '大勢' specifically refers to a large number of people, not objects or animals.

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

357

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Spirit, Refine

Reading

Parts

米Rice 青Blue

Example Word

精: essence or vitality. The Japanese noun '精 (せい)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'essence', referring to the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something. For example: the essence of life「生命の精」(せいめいのせい). The second meaning is 'vitality', referring to the state of being strong and active. For example: he has a lot of vitality「彼は精が溢れている」(かれはせいがあふれている). This word is often used in contexts related to energy, spirit, or the core nature of something. It can also appear in compounds, such as '精神 (せいしん)' meaning 'mind' or 'spirit'.

Radical

米

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

421

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Quiet

Reading

Parts

青Blue 争Dispute

Example Word

静か: quiet. The Japanese adjectival noun '静か (しずか)' means 'quiet'. It is used to describe a state of calmness, silence, or lack of noise. This word can be applied to environments, situations, or even people. For example: the library is quiet「図書館は静かです」(としょかんはしずかです). Please be quiet「静かにしてください」(しずかにしてください). It can also describe a peaceful atmosphere, such as in: the park was quiet and peaceful「公園は静かで平和だった」(こうえんはしずかでへいわだった). Note that '静か' is often used in its adverbial form '静かに (しずかに)' to describe actions done quietly or calmly.

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

万歳: hurrah or long live. The Japanese verbal noun '万歳 (ばんざい)' is used to express joy, celebration, or triumph. It is often shouted to cheer or celebrate something, similar to 'hurrah' or 'hooray' in English. Additionally, it can be used to wish someone or something a long life, akin to 'long live'. For example: Hurrah! We won!「万歳！勝った！」(ばんざい！かった！). Long live the king!「王様万歳！」(おうさまばんざい！). The word is commonly used in celebratory contexts, such as festivals, victories, or significant achievements.

Radical

止

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

585

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Prosper

Reading

Parts

成Become 皿Plate

Example Word

盛る: serve or pile. The Japanese verb '盛る (もる)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'to serve' or 'to dish out', often used in the context of serving food. For example: The chef served rice「シェフがご飯を盛った」(シェフがごはんをもった). The second meaning is 'to pile up' or 'to heap', which can be used both literally and figuratively. For example: She piled up the books「彼女は本を盛った」(かのじょはほんをもった). The verb can also be used in compound verbs or idiomatic expressions, such as '盛り上がる (もりあがる)', which means 'to get excited' or 'to become lively'.

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

制定: enactment. The Japanese noun '制定 (せいてい)' refers to the act of establishing, enacting, or formulating laws, rules, or systems. It is commonly used in legal, governmental, or organizational contexts to describe the creation of formal regulations or frameworks. For example: the enactment of a new law「新しい法律の制定」(あたらしいほうりつのせいてい). The company established new rules「会社は新しい規則を制定した」(かいしゃはあたらしいきそくをせいていした). This term emphasizes the formal and official nature of the process.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

730

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Clear

Reading

Parts

日Day, Sun 青Blue

Example Word

晴れ: clear or sunny. The Japanese noun '晴れ (はれ)' primarily refers to clear or sunny weather. It is used to describe a state of the sky when there are no clouds, and the sun is shining brightly. This word can also be used metaphorically to describe a person's mood or a situation that is bright and cheerful. For example: Today is clear「今日は晴れです」(きょうははれです). The weather forecast says it will be sunny tomorrow「天気予報では明日は晴れだそうです」(てんきよほうではあしたははれだそうです). It's important to note that '晴れ' is often used in weather forecasts and everyday conversations about the weather.

Radical

日

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

771

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Saint, Holy

Reading

Parts

王King 耳Ear 口Mouth

Example Word

聖書: Bible. The Japanese noun '聖書 (せいしょ)' refers to the 'Bible', the sacred text of Christianity. It is used to denote the collection of religious writings considered authoritative in Christianity, including the Old and New Testaments. For example: I read the Bible every day「私は毎日聖書を読みます」(わたしはまいにちせいしょをよみます). The Bible is an important book「聖書は重要な本です」(せいしょはじゅうようなほんです). This word is specifically tied to the Christian context and is not used to refer to religious texts of other religions.

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

製作: production. The Japanese verbal noun '製作 (せいさく)' refers to the act of producing or manufacturing something, often used in contexts involving creative or industrial processes. It can apply to the production of goods, films, art, or other tangible or intangible items. For example: the production of a movie「映画の製作」(えいがのせいさく). This company specializes in the production of furniture「この会社は家具の製作を専門としています」(このかいしゃはかぐのせいさくをせんもんとしています). The word emphasizes the process of creating or making something, often with a focus on craftsmanship or detailed work.

Radical

衣

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1020

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ministry, Conserve

Reading

Parts

少Few 目Eye

Example Word

外務省: foreign affairs. The Japanese noun '外務省 (がいむしょう)' refers to the 'Ministry of Foreign Affairs'. This is the government department responsible for handling Japan's international relations, diplomacy, and foreign policy. It is often used in formal or official contexts. For example: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the new policy「外務省は新しい政策を発表した」(がいむしょうはあたらしいせいさくをはっぴょうした). He works at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs「彼は外務省で働いている」(かれはがいむしょうではたらいている). The term is specific to Japan's governmental structure and is not used to describe foreign affairs ministries in other countries.

Radical

目

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1058

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Sincerity

Reading

Parts

訁Say (言)成Become

Example Word

誠に: truly. The Japanese adverb '誠に (まことに)' means 'truly' or 'sincerely'. It is often used to express deep sincerity, earnestness, or emphasis in formal or polite contexts. This word is commonly found in expressions of gratitude, apologies, or formal statements. For example: I am truly grateful「誠にありがとうございます」(まことにありがとうございます). I sincerely apologize「誠に申し訳ございません」(まことにもうしわけございません). It is important to note that '誠に' carries a formal tone and is typically used in written or formal spoken language rather than casual conversation.

Radical

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1178

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Organize

Reading

Parts

正Correct 束Bundle, Bind 攵Strike

Example Word

整える: arrange or prepare. The Japanese verb '整える (ととのえる)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'to arrange' or 'to put in order,' referring to organizing or tidying up something. For example: She arranged the flowers beautifully「彼女は花をきれいに整えた」(かのじょははなをきれいにととのえた). The second meaning is 'to prepare,' often used in contexts where something is being made ready for a specific purpose. For example: He prepared the documents for the meeting「彼は会議の書類を整えた」(かれはかいぎのしょるいをととのえた). This verb is versatile and can be used in both physical and abstract contexts, such as arranging objects or preparing plans.

Radical

攴

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1280

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Nifty

Reading

Parts

冫Ice (水)妻Wife

Example Word

凄まじい: intense. The Japanese adjective '凄まじい (すさまじい)' means 'intense' or 'terrific'. It is used to describe something that is extremely powerful, severe, or impressive, often in a way that is overwhelming or awe-inspiring. This word can be used to describe natural phenomena, emotions, or actions. For example: the storm was intense「嵐が凄まじかった」(あらしがすさまじかった). His determination is intense「彼の決意は凄まじい」(かれのけついはすさまじい). It can also carry a nuance of something being fearsome or terrifying, depending on the context. For instance: the battle was fierce「戦いは凄まじかった」(たたかいはすさまじかった).

Radical

冫

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1303

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Request

Reading

Parts

訁Say (言)青Blue

Example Word

申請: application. The Japanese verbal noun '申請 (しんせい)' means 'application' and refers to the act of formally requesting or applying for something, such as a permit, license, or approval. It is commonly used in administrative, legal, or bureaucratic contexts. For example: I submitted an application for a visa「ビザの申請を提出しました」(びざのしんせいをていしゅつしました). The company filed an application for a patent「会社は特許の申請を出しました」(かいしゃはとっきょのしんせいをだしました). Note that '申請' is often paired with verbs like する (to do) or 提出する (to submit) to indicate the action of applying.

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