Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Before, Front

Reading

Parts

䒑Herbs 月Moon, Month 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

以前: before or previously. The Japanese noun '以前 (いぜん)' refers to a time or period before a specific point in the past. It is often used to indicate something that happened prior to a certain event or time. For example: I lived in Tokyo before「以前、東京に住んでいました」(いぜん、とうきょうにすんでいました). This situation was different previously「以前はこの状況は違いました」(いぜんはこのじょうきょうはちがいました). The word can also be used to compare past and present states, emphasizing a change over time.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

32

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Sort of thing, In that case

Reading

Parts

火Fire 肰

Example Word

然し: but. The Japanese conjunction '然し (しかし)' means 'but' and is used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts what has been said previously. It is a formal and slightly literary way of expressing contrast, often used in written language or formal speech. For example: I wanted to go, but I couldn't「行きたかったが、しかし行けなかった」(いきたかったが、しかしいけなかった). He is young, but very talented「彼は若いが、しかしとても才能がある」(かれはわかいが、しかしとてもさいのうがある). Note that 'しかし' can sometimes be replaced with the more casual 'でも' in informal contexts.

Radical

火

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

73

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Whole, All

Reading

Parts

王King 𠆢Person (人)

Example Word

全体: whole. The Japanese noun '全体 (ぜんたい)' means 'whole' or 'entirety'. It refers to the complete or total extent of something, often used to describe the entirety of a group, object, or situation. For example: the whole picture「全体の絵」(ぜんたいのえ). The entire team is here「全体のチームがここにいる」(ぜんたいのチームがここにいる). This word is commonly used in contexts where the focus is on the entirety rather than individual parts. It can also imply a sense of unity or completeness, as in '全体の意見 (ぜんたいのいけん) (the whole opinion)'.

Radical

入

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

135

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Good, Virtuous

Reading

Parts

口Mouth

Example Word

善: good. The Japanese noun '善 (ぜん)' means 'good'. It refers to moral goodness, virtue, or that which is right and beneficial. This term is often used in philosophical, ethical, or religious contexts to describe actions, intentions, or states of being that are morally positive. For example: doing good is important「善を行うことは大切です」(ぜんをおこなうことはたいせつです). He is a person of good character「彼は善の人です」(かれはぜんのひとです). The concept of '善' is frequently contrasted with '悪 (あく)' (evil) in discussions about morality.

Radical

口

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

672

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Tray, Small low table

Reading

Parts

月Moon, Month 善Good, Virtuous

Radical

肉

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1238

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Gradually, Steadily

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)斬Slice

Example Word

漸と: finally. The Japanese adverb '漸と (やっと)' means 'finally' or 'at last'. It is used to express relief or satisfaction after a long wait, effort, or struggle. This word often conveys a sense of accomplishment or the overcoming of difficulty. For example: I finally finished my homework「やっと宿題が終わった」(やっとしゅくだいがおわった). The train finally arrived「やっと電車が来た」(やっとでんしゃがきた). It can also imply that something was achieved with great effort or just barely, as in 'I finally caught the last train'「やっと終電に間に合った」(やっとしゅうでんにまにあった).

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1260

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Zen

Reading

Parts

礻Cult (示)単Simple, Single

Example Word

禅: Zen. The Japanese noun '禅 (ぜん)' refers to 'Zen', a school of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes meditation and intuition. Zen is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and is often associated with simplicity, mindfulness, and the pursuit of enlightenment. It has influenced various aspects of Japanese life, including art, tea ceremonies, and martial arts. Example sentences: He practices Zen meditation「彼は禅の瞑想をします」(かれはぜんのめいそうをします). Zen teaches the importance of being present「禅は今を大切にすることを教えます」(ぜんはいまをたいせつにすることをおしえます).

Radical

示

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1634

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Mend, Darning

Reading

Parts

糸Thread 善Good, Virtuous

Radical

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1930

Handwriting