kanji

Meaning

Life

Reading

Parts

土Soil 𠂉Person (人)

Example Word

生命: life. The Japanese noun '生命 (せいめい)' refers to 'life' in the sense of living existence, vitality, or the essence of being alive. It is often used in contexts related to biology, philosophy, or spirituality. For example: Life is precious「生命は大切です」(せいめいはたいせつです). The origin of life is a mystery「生命の起源は謎です」(せいめいのきげんはなぞです). This word carries a profound and somewhat formal tone, distinguishing it from more casual terms like '命 (いのち)', which also means 'life' but is used in everyday contexts.

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

世間: world or society. The Japanese noun '世間 (せけん)' refers to 'society' or 'the world' in a broad sense, often implying the social environment, public opinion, or the general community. It carries a nuance of the collective perspective or norms of people in society. For example: society is harsh「世間は厳しい」(せけんはきびしい). I don't care about what the world thinks「世間の目は気にしない」(せけんのめはきにしない). The word can also imply the boundaries of one's social circle or the realm of everyday life, as in: he is well-known in society「彼は世間に知られている」(かれはせけんにしられている).

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

81

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Feeling, Emotion

Reading

Parts

忄 青Blue

Example Word

同情: sympathy. The Japanese verbal noun '同情 (どうじょう)' means 'sympathy'. It refers to the feeling of understanding and sharing the emotions or suffering of another person. This word is often used in contexts where one expresses compassion or empathy towards someone else's difficult situation. For example: I feel sympathy for her「彼女に同情する」(かのじょにどうじょうする). He showed sympathy for the victims「彼は被害者たちに同情を示した」(かれはひがいしゃたちにどうじょうをしめした). Note that '同情' can also be used in phrases like '同情を引く (どうじょうをひく)', which means 'to evoke sympathy'.

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

156

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Correct

Reading

Parts

一One 止Stop

Example Word

正直: honest. The Japanese adjectival noun '正直 (しょうじき)' means 'honest'. It is used to describe someone who is truthful, sincere, and straightforward in their actions or words. It can also describe situations or statements that are candid or frank. For example: he is an honest person「彼は正直な人です」(かれはしょうじきなひとです). To be honest, I don't like it「正直に言うと、好きじゃない」(しょうじきにいうと、すきじゃない). The word can also function as an adverb, as in '正直に言う (しょうじきにいう) (to speak honestly)'. It carries a positive connotation and is often used to praise someone's character or to emphasize sincerity in communication.

Radical

止

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

158

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Gender, Sex

Reading

Parts

忄 生Life

Example Word

同性: same sex. The Japanese noun '同性 (どうせい)' means 'same-sex'. It is used to refer to people of the same gender or sex. This term is often used in contexts related to relationships, communities, or discussions about gender. For example: They are in a same-sex relationship「彼らは同性の関係です」(かれらはどうせいのかんけいです). The event is for same-sex couples only「そのイベントは同性のカップルのみです」(そのイベントはどうせいのかっぷるのみです). The word can also be used in broader contexts, such as '同性愛 (どうせいあい)' meaning 'homosexuality'.

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

162

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Become

Reading

Parts

戊

Example Word

成果: achievement or result. The Japanese noun '成果 (せいか)' refers to the outcome or result of efforts, often implying a positive or successful achievement. It is commonly used in professional, academic, or personal contexts to describe tangible or measurable results. For example: The results of the project were impressive「プロジェクトの成果は素晴らしかった」(ぷろじぇくとのせいかはすばらしかった). His hard work led to great achievements「彼の努力は大きな成果をもたらした」(かれのどりょくはおおきなせいかをもたらした). Note that '成果' emphasizes the tangible or visible outcome of effort, distinguishing it from abstract concepts like 'effort' or 'process'.

Radical

戈

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

204

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Blue

Reading

Parts

月Moon, Month 龶Life (生)

Example Word

青: blue. The Japanese noun '青 (あお)' primarily means 'blue', referring to the color. It is used to describe objects, nature, and abstract concepts that are blue in color. For example: the sky is blue「空は青い」(そらはあおい). This word can also be used metaphorically to describe something as 'young' or 'immature', though this usage is less common. For example: he is still young and inexperienced「彼はまだ青い」(かれはまだあおい). Note that '青' can sometimes refer to green in certain contexts, such as traffic lights, where '青信号 (あおしんごう)' means 'green light'.

Radical

青

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

238

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

West

Reading

Parts

一One 儿Legs 口Mouth

Example Word

西: west. The Japanese noun '西 (にし)' means 'west'. It is used to indicate the cardinal direction west, and can be used in various contexts such as geography, navigation, or describing locations. For example: The sun sets in the west「太陽は西に沈む」(たいようはにしにしずむ). Kyoto is west of Tokyo「京都は東京の西にある」(きょうとはとうきょうのにしにある). The word can also be part of compound words, such as '西側 (にしがわ)' meaning 'west side' or 'western side'.

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

政党: political party. The Japanese noun '政党 (せいとう)' refers to a 'political party'. This term is used to describe an organized group of people who share similar political goals and work together to influence government policies and gain political power. For example: The new political party was established「新しい政党が設立された」(あたらしいせいとうがせつりつされた). He joined a major political party「彼は主要な政党に加入した」(かれはしゅようなせいとうかにゅうした). The term is commonly used in discussions about politics, elections, and governance.

Radical

攴

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

348

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Power, Force

Reading

Parts

力Power 埶

Example Word

勢い: force or momentum. The Japanese noun '勢い (いきおい)' primarily refers to 'momentum' or 'force'. It describes the energy or power behind a movement, action, or trend. This word is often used to describe physical force, such as the force of water or wind, as well as abstract concepts like the momentum of a situation or the vigor of a person's actions. For example: The river flows with great force「川の勢いがすごい」(かわのいきおいがすごい). The team is gaining momentum「チームの勢いが増している」(チームのいきおいがふえている). It can also describe someone's enthusiasm or drive, as in: She works with great energy「彼女は勢いよく働く」(かのじょはいきおいよくはたらく).

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

357

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Spirit, Refine

Reading

Parts

米Rice 青Blue

Example Word

精々: at most. The Japanese adverb '精々 (せいぜい)' means 'at most' or 'at best'. It is used to indicate the maximum limit or extent of something, often implying that the result or outcome is not particularly impressive or satisfactory. For example: I can only do this much at most「精々これくらいしかできない」(せいぜいこれくらいしかできない). At best, we can expect ten people to attend「精々10人くらいは来るだろう」(せいぜいじゅうにんくらいはくるだろう). This adverb is commonly used in situations where there is a limitation or constraint, and it often carries a tone of resignation or modest expectation.

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

お歳暮: year end gift. The Japanese noun 'お歳暮 (おせいぼ)' refers to a traditional year-end gift given to express gratitude to people such as teachers, bosses, or relatives. This custom is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and is typically given in December. The gifts often include items like food, alcohol, or household goods. For example: I received a year-end gift from my boss「上司からお歳暮をもらいました」(じょうしからおせいぼをもらいました). We sent a year-end gift to our relatives「親戚にお歳暮を送りました」(しんせきにおせいぼをおくりました). The practice of giving お歳暮 is a way to show appreciation and maintain social relationships.

Radical

止

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

585

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Prosper

Reading

Parts

成Become 皿Plate

Example Word

盛ん: active or prosperous. The Japanese adjective '盛ん (さかん)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'prosperous', which refers to something thriving or flourishing, such as a business or a region. For example: the town is prosperous「その町は盛んだ」(そのまちはさかんだ). The second meaning is 'active', which describes something lively or vigorous, often used for activities or events. For example: the discussion was active「議論が盛んだった」(ぎろんがさかんだった). The word can also describe enthusiasm or intensity in actions or phenomena, such as '盛んな拍手 (さかんなはくしゅ)' (vigorous applause).

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

制御: control. The Japanese verbal noun '制御 (せいぎょ)' means 'control'. It refers to the act of managing, regulating, or directing something, often used in technical, mechanical, or abstract contexts. For example: controlling the temperature「温度を制御する」(おんどをせいぎょする). The system controls the flow of water「システムが水の流れを制御する」(システムがみずのながれをせいぎょする). This word is commonly used in engineering, computing, and everyday situations where regulation or management is required.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

730

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Clear

Reading

Parts

日Day, Sun 青Blue

Example Word

素晴らしい: wonderful. The Japanese adjective '素晴らしい (すばらしい)' means 'wonderful' or 'splendid'. It is used to describe something that is exceptionally good, impressive, or excellent. This word can be applied to a wide range of situations, such as describing a beautiful view, a great performance, or an outstanding achievement. For example: The view from the mountain is wonderful「山からの眺めは素晴らしい」(やまからのながめはすばらしい). Her performance was splendid「彼女のパフォーマンスは素晴らしかった」(かのじょのパフォーマンスはすばらしかった). The word carries a positive and enthusiastic tone, often used to express admiration or high praise.

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

姓: surname. The Japanese noun '姓 (せい)' refers to a person's surname or family name. It is used in formal contexts, such as legal documents, official records, or when addressing someone respectfully. For example: What is your surname?「あなたの姓は何ですか？」(あなたのせいなんですか). His surname is Tanaka「彼の姓は田中です」(かれのせいはたなかです). The word '姓' is often paired with '名 (めい)', which means 'given name', to refer to a person's full name, as in '姓名 (せいめい)'. This term is more formal than the casual word for surname, '名字 (みょうじ)'.

Radical

女

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

949

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Manufacture

Reading

Parts

制System, Control 衣Clothes

Example Word

製品: product. The Japanese noun '製品 (せいひん)' means 'product'. It refers to goods or items that are manufactured or produced, often in an industrial or commercial context. This word is commonly used in business, manufacturing, and everyday conversations to describe tangible items created for sale or use. For example: This company produces high-quality products「この会社は高品質な製品を生産する」(このかいしゃはこうひんしつなせいひんをせいさんする). I bought a new electronic product「新しい電子製品を買いました」(あたらしいでんしせいひんをかいました). The word can also be used in broader contexts, such as agricultural products (農作物製品, のうさくもつせいひん) or cultural products (文化製品, ぶんかせいひん).

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

物凄い: tremendous or terrifying. The Japanese adjective '物凄い (ものすごい)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'tremendous' or 'incredible', often used to describe something that is extremely impressive or intense in a positive or overwhelming way. For example: The view from the mountain was tremendous「山からの眺めは物凄かった」(やまからのながめはものすごかった). The second meaning is 'terrifying' or 'frightening', used to describe something that is extremely scary or awe-inspiring in a negative sense. For example: The storm was terrifying「嵐は物凄かった」(あらしはものすごかった). The word can also be used colloquially to emphasize intensity, such as '物凄く暑い (ものすごくあつい)' meaning 'incredibly hot'.

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: simultaneous. The Japanese noun '一斉 (いっせい)' means 'simultaneous' or 'all at once'. It is used to describe actions or events that occur at the same time. This word is often used in contexts where multiple people or things 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 lights went out all at once「明かりが一斉に消えた」(あかりがいっせいときえた). The word can also be used in phrases like '一斉に (いっせいに)' to mean 'all together' or 'in unison'.

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