Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Minute, Part

Reading

Parts

八Eight 刀Sword

Example Word

春分: spring equinox. The Japanese noun '春分 (しゅんぶん)' refers to the 'spring equinox', which is the day in spring when the day and night are of equal length. This term is often used in the context of seasons, astronomy, and traditional Japanese holidays. For example: The spring equinox is a national holiday in Japan「春分は日本の祝日です」(しゅんぶんはにほんのしゅくじつです). On the spring equinox, people visit their family graves「春分の日には、人々は先祖の墓参りをします」(しゅんぶんのひには、ひとびとはせんぞのはかまいりをします). The spring equinox marks the beginning of longer days「春分は日が長くなる始まりです」(しゅんぶんはひがながくなるはじまりです).

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

10

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Flour, Powder

Reading

Parts

米Rice 分Minute, Part

Example Word

小麦粉: flour. The Japanese noun '小麦粉 (こむぎこ)' specifically refers to 'wheat flour'. It is commonly used in cooking and baking contexts. For example: I bought wheat flour to make bread「パンを作るために小麦粉を買いました」(パンをつくるためにこむぎこをかいました). This cake is made with wheat flour「このケーキは小麦粉で作られています」(このケーキはこむぎこでつくられています). It is important to note that '小麦粉' is distinct from other types of flour, such as rice flour (米粉, こめこ) or potato starch (片栗粉, かたくりこ).

Radical

米

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1163

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Invigorated

Reading

Parts

奞 田Rice field

Example Word

興奮: excitement. The Japanese verbal noun '興奮 (こうふん)' refers to a state of excitement, agitation, or arousal. It is often used to describe emotional or physical excitement, such as the thrill of an event or the agitation caused by a situation. For example: I felt excitement at the concert「コンサートで興奮を感じた」(コンサートでこうふんをかんじた). The crowd was in a state of excitement「群衆は興奮状態だった」(ぐんしゅうはこうふんじょうたいだった). This word can also be used in contexts like sports, debates, or even scientific discussions to describe heightened energy or tension.

Radical

大

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1215

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Aroused, Indignation

Reading

Parts

忄 賁

Radical

心

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1317

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

In a tangle, Distract

Reading

Parts

糸Thread 分Minute, Part

Example Word

紛争: conflict. The Japanese noun '紛争 (ふんそう)' refers to 'conflict' or 'dispute'. It is commonly used to describe situations of disagreement, strife, or contention, whether on a personal, social, or international level. This word often appears in contexts involving political, legal, or military conflicts. For example: The two countries are in conflict「二つの国が紛争中です」(ふたつのくにがふんそうちゅうです). The labor dispute has been resolved「労働紛争は解決しました」(ろうどうふんそうはかいけつしました). Note that '紛争' carries a formal tone and is typically used in serious or large-scale situations, distinguishing it from more casual terms like '喧嘩 (けんか)' which refers to smaller-scale arguments or fights.

Radical

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1459

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Spout, Erupt

Reading

Parts

口Mouth 賁

Example Word

噴水: fountain. The Japanese noun '噴水 (ふんすい)' refers to a 'fountain', specifically a man-made structure that sprays water into the air, often found in parks, gardens, or public spaces. It is commonly used to describe decorative water features. Example sentences: The fountain in the park is beautiful「公園の噴水はきれいです」(こうえんのふんすいはきれいです). Let's meet by the fountain「噴水のところで会いましょう」(ふんすいのところであいましょう). The word is straightforward and does not carry additional nuanced meanings.

Radical

口

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1640

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Atmosphere

Reading

Parts

雨Rain 分Minute, Part

Example Word

雰囲気: atmosphere. The Japanese noun '雰囲気 (ふんいき)' refers to the 'atmosphere' or 'mood' of a place, situation, or event. It describes the overall feeling or vibe that is perceived in a particular environment. This word is often used to convey the intangible qualities that make a setting unique or memorable. For example: The atmosphere of the cafe was cozy「カフェの雰囲気は居心地が良かった」(かふぇのふんいきはいごこちがよかった). The party had a lively atmosphere「パーティーの雰囲気は活気があった」(ぱーてぃーのふんいきはかっきがあった). It can also be used to describe the mood of a person or group, such as '彼の雰囲気は優しかった (かれのふんいきはやさしかった)' (His demeanor was gentle).

Radical

雨

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1866

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Mound, Tomb

Reading

Parts

土Soil 賁

Example Word

古墳: tumulus. The Japanese noun '古墳 (こふん)' refers to an ancient burial mound or tumulus, typically built during the Kofun period (250–538 AD) in Japan. These mounds were constructed as tombs for powerful leaders and are often keyhole-shaped, surrounded by moats. The term is used in historical and archaeological contexts. For example: The tumulus is a historical site「その古墳は歴史的な場所です」(そのこふんはれきしてきなばしょです). We visited a large tumulus「大きな古墳を訪れました」(おおきなこふんをおとずれました).

Radical

土

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2039

Handwriting