kanji

Meaning

Life

Reading

Parts

土Soil 𠂉Person (人)

Example Word

生き生きと: vividly. The Japanese adverb '生き生きと (いきいきと)' means 'vividly' or 'lively'. It is used to describe actions or states that are full of life, energy, or vitality. This adverb often conveys a sense of freshness, dynamism, or enthusiasm. For example: She spoke vividly about her trip「彼女は旅行について生き生きと話した」(かのじょはりょこうについていきいきとはなした). The flowers bloomed vividly in the garden「庭の花が生き生きと咲いていた」(にわのはないきいきとさいていた). This word is commonly used in contexts where something or someone appears to be full of life or energy, making it a versatile and expressive term in Japanese.

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: world or society. The Japanese noun '世 (よ)' primarily means 'world' or 'society'. It refers to the physical world, human society, or the realm of existence. It is often used in a broad sense to describe the environment or era in which people live. For example: the world is vast「世は広い」(よはひろい). He is well-known in society「彼は世に知られている」(かれはよにしられている). The word can also imply the passage of time or an era, as in 'この世 (このよ) (this world)' or '来世 (らいせ) (the next world)'. It is a versatile term used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

81

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Feeling, Emotion

Reading

Parts

忄 青Blue

Example Word

情: emotion. The Japanese noun '情 (じょう)' primarily means 'emotion' or 'feeling'. It refers to human emotions, sentiments, or passions, often in a deep or profound sense. This word is commonly used in contexts involving empathy, compassion, or emotional states. For example: He has deep emotions「彼は深い情を持っている」(かれはふかいじょうをもっている). The story is full of emotion「その話は情に満ちている」(そのはなしはじょうにみちている). Additionally, '情' can sometimes imply a sense of human kindness or sympathy, as in '情け (なさけ)', which means 'pity' or 'mercy'. However, in its standalone form, '情' is most often associated with general emotional states.

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

156

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Correct

Reading

Parts

一One 止Stop

Example Word

正座: kneel. The Japanese verbal noun '正座 (せいざ)' refers to the traditional Japanese way of sitting on the floor with one's legs folded underneath, knees bent, and feet tucked under the buttocks. This posture is commonly used in formal settings, such as during tea ceremonies, martial arts, or when sitting on tatami mats. It is considered a sign of respect and proper etiquette. For example: Please kneel properly「正座をしてください」(せいざをしてください). She sat in the formal kneeling position「彼女は正座をした」(かのじょはせいざをした). Note that '正座' is often used as a noun but can also function as a verbal noun (suru-verb) when combined with 'する' to indicate the action of kneeling in this manner.

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

平成: Heisei. The Japanese noun '平成 (へいせい)' refers to the 'Heisei' era, which was the period of Japanese history corresponding to the reign of Emperor Akihito, from January 8, 1989, to April 30, 2019. This term is often used in historical or cultural contexts to denote events, policies, or cultural phenomena that occurred during this era. For example: The Heisei era ended in 2019「平成は2019年に終わりました」(へいせいは2019ねんにおわりました). Many technological advancements were made during the Heisei era「平成の時代に多くの技術的進歩がありました」(へいせいのじだいにおおくのぎじゅつてきしんぽがありました).

Radical

戈

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

204

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Blue

Reading

Parts

月Moon, Month 龶Life (生)

Example Word

青白い: pale. The Japanese adjective '青白い (あおじろい)' means 'pale'. It is often used to describe a pale or whitish color, particularly one that has a bluish tint. This adjective can be used to describe physical appearances, such as a pale face, or objects, such as pale light. For example: Her face was pale「彼女の顔は青白かった」(かのじょのかおはあおじろかった). The pale moonlight illuminated the room「青白い月明かりが部屋を照らした」(あおじろいつきあかりがへやをてらした). The word can also carry a connotation of something being eerie or ghostly due to its pale appearance.

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

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

政治家: politician. The Japanese noun '政治家 (せいじか)' refers to a 'politician', someone who is professionally involved in politics, especially as a holder of an elected office. This term is used to describe individuals who are engaged in the activities associated with the governance of a country or area, especially the debate between parties having power. For example: That politician is very popular「あの政治家はとても人気がある」(あのせいじかはとてもにんきがある). He became a politician after retiring from the military「彼は軍隊を引退した後、政治家になった」(かれはぐんたいをいんたいしたあと、せいじかになった). The term can be used in both formal and informal contexts, and it carries a neutral connotation unless specified otherwise by the context in which it is used.

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

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

二十歳: twenty years old. The Japanese noun '二十歳 (はたち)' specifically refers to the age of 20 years old. In Japan, turning 20 is a significant milestone as it marks the age of adulthood, celebrated during the Coming of Age Day (成人の日, せいじんのひ). This term is often used in contexts related to legal adulthood, responsibilities, and celebrations. For example: She turned 20 this year「彼女は今年二十歳になった」(かのじょはことしはたちになった). In Japan, you become an adult at 20「日本では二十歳で成人になる」(にほんでははたちでせいじんになる).

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

晴れる: clear. The Japanese verb '晴れる (はれる)' primarily means 'to clear up' or 'to become clear', most commonly used in reference to weather. It describes the transition from cloudy or rainy weather to clear skies. For example: The weather cleared up「天気が晴れた」(てんきがはれた). It can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation or mood improving, such as when worries or doubts are resolved. For example: My worries cleared up「心配が晴れた」(しんぱいがはれた). This verb is often used in its past tense form '晴れた (はれた)' to describe a change that has already occurred.

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: made. The Japanese suffix '製 (せい)' is used to indicate that something is 'made' or 'manufactured' in a specific place or by a specific method. It is commonly attached to the name of a country, region, or company to denote the origin or manufacturer of a product. For example: made in Japan「日本製」(にほんせい). This machine is German-made「この機械はドイツ製です」(このきかいはドイツせいです). The suffix is often used in product descriptions or labels to highlight quality or origin. Note that '製' is a noun suffix and is typically written in kanji.

Radical

衣

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1020

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ministry, Conserve

Reading

Parts

少Few 目Eye

Example Word

大蔵省: finance ministry. The Japanese noun '大蔵省 (おおくらしょう)' refers to the 'Ministry of Finance', which was a key government body in Japan responsible for financial and monetary policy, as well as managing the national budget. It was replaced by the Ministry of Finance and the Financial Services Agency in 2001. This term is often used in historical or formal contexts. Example sentences: The Ministry of Finance announced a new policy「大蔵省は新しい政策を発表した」(おおくら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 Finance「彼は大蔵省で働いている」(かれはおおくらしょうではたらいている).

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

要請: request. The Japanese verbal noun '要請 (ようせい)' means 'request' or 'appeal'. It is used to describe a formal or earnest request, often made in a serious or urgent context. This word is commonly used in situations where someone is asking for help, support, or action from another party, such as in business, politics, or emergencies. For example: The government made a request for cooperation「政府は協力を要請した」(せいふはきょうりょくをようせいした). The company requested additional funding「会社は追加資金を要請した」(かいしゃはついかしきんをようせいした). Note that '要請' carries a tone of formality and urgency, distinguishing it from more casual requests like '頼む (たのむ)'.

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