Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Stone

Reading

Parts

口Mouth 丆Cliff (厂)

Example Word

宝石: gem. The Japanese noun '宝石 (ほうせき)' means 'gem' or 'jewel'. It refers to precious or semi-precious stones that are often used in jewelry or as decorative items. This word is commonly used in contexts related to luxury, beauty, and value. For example: She loves wearing gems「彼女は宝石を身につけるのが好きです」(かのじょはほうせきをみにつけるのがすきです). This necklace has a beautiful gem「このネックレスには美しい宝石がついています」(このネックレスにはうつくしいほうせきがついています). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something or someone as precious or valuable.

Radical

石

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

197

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Red

Reading

Parts

土Soil 丿Katakana no 亅Barb 八Eight

Example Word

赤ん坊: baby. The Japanese noun '赤ん坊 (あかんぼう)' refers to a baby, typically a newborn or very young infant. The term is often used in a casual or affectionate context. It literally translates to 'red child,' which is a reference to the reddish complexion of newborns. Example sentences: The baby is sleeping「赤ん坊が寝ている」(あかんぼうがねている). She is holding a baby「彼女は赤ん坊を抱いている」(かのじょはあかんぼうをだいている).

Radical

赤

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

308

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Borrow, Rent

Reading

Parts

亻Person (人)昔Old times

Example Word

借り入れ: borrowing. The Japanese noun '借り入れ (かりいれ)' refers to the act of borrowing, particularly in the context of money or loans. It is commonly used in financial or business settings to describe the process of obtaining funds from a lender. For example: The company secured a loan「会社は借り入れをした」(かいしゃはかりいれをした). He is considering borrowing money「彼は借り入れを考えている」(かれはかりいれをかんがえている). This term emphasizes the formal or contractual nature of borrowing, often involving repayment terms and interest.

Radical

人

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

847

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Foot

Reading

Parts

尸Corpse

Example Word

尺: length. The Japanese suffix '尺 (しゃく)' refers to a traditional unit of length, approximately equivalent to 30.3 centimeters. It is derived from the Chinese 'chi' and was historically used in Japan for measuring cloth, paper, and other materials. While it is less commonly used in modern times, it may still appear in traditional contexts or specific industries. For example: this cloth is two shaku long「この布は二尺です」(このぬのはにしゃくです). The room is ten shaku wide「この部屋は十尺の広さです」(このへやはじゅっしゃくのひろさです). Note that '尺' can also appear in compound words, such as '巻尺 (まきじゃく)' (measuring tape).

Radical

尸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1027

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Release, Explanation

Reading

Parts

釆 尺Foot

Example Word

解釈: interpretation. The Japanese verbal noun '解釈 (かいしゃく)' means 'interpretation'. It refers to the act of explaining or understanding the meaning of something, such as a text, situation, or event. This word is often used in academic, legal, or philosophical contexts. For example: His interpretation of the law was unique「彼の法律の解釈は独特だった」(かれのほうりつのかいしゃくはどくとくだった). The teacher's interpretation of the poem was insightful「先生の詩の解釈は洞察に富んでいた」(せんせいのしのかいしゃくはどうさつにとんでいた). It can also imply a subjective understanding, as interpretations may vary depending on the individual.

Radical

釆

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1062

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Baron, Rank of nobility

Reading

Parts

⺤ 罒Net 艮Stopping 寸Measurement

Radical

爪

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1249

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Pour wine, Bartending

Reading

Parts

酉Bird of the zodiac

Radical

酉

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1638

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Confused, Mixed up

Reading

Parts

釒Gold (金)昔Old times

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1687

Handwriting