字Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Before, Front

Reading

Parts

月Moon, Month 刂Sword (刀)䒑Herbs

Example Word

前: before or front. The Japanese noun '前 (まえ)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'front', referring to the forward-facing part or side of something. For example: the front of the house「家の前」(いえのまえ). The second meaning is 'before', indicating a time or event that precedes another. For example: before the meeting「会議の前」(かいぎのまえ). It's important to note that '前' can also be used in compound words to indicate precedence or priority, such as '前売り (まえうり)' meaning 'advance sale'. Additionally, '前' can be used in expressions like '前に (まえに)' to mean 'in front of' or 'before' in a temporal sense, as in 'before eating'「食べる前に」(たべるまえに).

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

32

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Sort of thing, In that case

Reading

Parts

肰 火Fire

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

全部: all. The Japanese adverb '全部 (ぜんぶ)' means 'all' or 'entirely'. It is used to refer to the whole quantity or extent of something, leaving nothing out. This word is commonly used in everyday conversation and can be applied to objects, actions, or abstract concepts. For example: I ate all the cake「ケーキを全部食べた」(ケーキをぜんぶたべた). All the students came「学生は全部来た」(がくせいはぜんぶきた). It can also be used in negative sentences, such as: I didn't understand all of it「全部は分からなかった」(ぜんぶはわからなかった). Note that '全部' is often used with verbs to emphasize completeness.

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

漸く: finally. The Japanese adverb '漸く (ようやく)' means 'finally' or 'at last'. It is used to express relief or satisfaction after a long wait or effort. It often conveys a sense of something being achieved after difficulty or delay. For example: I finally finished my homework「漸く宿題が終わった」(ようやくしゅくだいがおわった). The train finally arrived「漸く電車が来た」(ようやくでんしゃがきた). This word can also imply a sense of gradual progress, as in '漸く春が来た (ようやくはるがきた) (Spring has finally come).'

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1260

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Zen

Reading

Parts

単Simple, Single 礻Cult (示)

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