kanji

Meaning

Minute, Part

Reading

Parts

八Eight 刀Sword

Example Word

分解: disassembly or analysis. The Japanese verbal noun '分解 (ぶんかい)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'disassembly', referring to the act of taking something apart into its constituent pieces. For example: I disassembled the machine「機械を分解した」(きかいをぶんかいした). The second meaning is 'analysis', referring to the detailed examination of the elements or structure of something. For example: The scientist analyzed the data「科学者がデータを分解した」(かがくしゃがデータをぶんかいした). It's important to note that the context in which '分解' is used will determine whether it refers to physical disassembly or abstract analysis.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

10

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Flour, Powder

Reading

Parts

米Rice 分Minute, Part

Example Word

粉: powder. The Japanese noun '粉 (こな)' means 'powder'. It refers to fine, dry particles produced by the grinding, crushing, or disintegration of a solid substance. This word is commonly used in contexts related to cooking, cosmetics, or any situation involving fine particles. For example: flour is a type of powder「小麦粉は粉の一種です」(こむぎこはこなのいっしゅです). She sprinkled powder on her face「彼女は顔に粉をふりかけました」(かのじょはかおにこなをふりかけました). Note that '粉' can also refer to substances like sugar, dust, or even snow in certain contexts, but the core meaning remains 'powder'.

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

噴火: eruption. The Japanese verbal noun '噴火 (ふんか)' refers to the eruption of a volcano. It is commonly used in contexts related to natural disasters, geology, or news reports about volcanic activity. For example: The volcano erupted「火山が噴火した」(かざんがふんかした). The eruption caused widespread damage「噴火によって広範囲の被害が出た」(ふんかによってこうはんいのがいがいがでた). This word is often paired with verbs like 'する' to indicate the action of erupting, as in '噴火する (ふんかする) (to erupt)'.

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