Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Before, Front

Reading

Parts

䒑Herbs 月Moon, Month 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

当たり前: natural or obvious. The Japanese adjectival noun '当たり前 (あたりまえ)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'obvious', referring to something that is clear, self-evident, or expected. The second meaning is 'natural', indicating something that is normal, ordinary, or to be expected. This word is often used to express that something is a given or should be taken for granted. For example: It's obvious that the sun rises in the east「太陽が東から昇るのは当たり前だ」(たいようがひがしからのぼるのはあたりまえだ). It's natural to feel nervous before a big test「大きなテストの前に緊張するのは当たり前だ」(おおきなテストのまえにきんちょうするのはあたりまえだ). The word can also carry a nuance of something being taken for granted, as in 'It's only natural to help others'「他人を助けるのは当たり前だ」(たにんをたすけるのはあたりまえだ).

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

32

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Sort of thing, In that case

Reading

Parts

火Fire 肰

Example Word

自然: natural or nature. The Japanese adjectival noun '自然 (しぜん)' can mean both 'nature' and 'natural'. When used to mean 'nature', it refers to the physical world and its phenomena, such as plants, animals, landscapes, and natural processes. For example: I love nature「私は自然が大好きです」(わたしはしぜんがだいすきです). When used to mean 'natural', it describes something that occurs without human intervention or is inherent. For example: This food is natural「この食べ物は自然です」(このたべものはしぜんです). The word can also imply spontaneity or something being unforced, as in '自然な笑顔 (しぜんなえがお) (natural smile)'. It is important to note that the meaning depends on the context in which it is used.

Radical

火

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

73

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Whole, All

Reading

Parts

王King 𠆢Person (人)

Example Word

安全: safe. The Japanese adjectival noun '安全 (あんぜん)' means 'safe'. It is used to describe a state or condition where there is no danger or risk. This word is commonly used in contexts related to safety, security, and well-being. For example: This area is safe「この地域は安全です」(このちいきはあんぜんです). Safety is important「安全は大切です」(あんぜんはたいせつです). It can also be used to describe objects or systems designed to ensure safety, such as '安全装置 (あんぜんそうち)' (safety device).

Radical

入

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

135

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Good, Virtuous

Reading

Parts

口Mouth

Example Word

改善: improvement. The Japanese verbal noun '改善 (かいぜん)' means 'improvement'. It refers to the act of making something better or enhancing its quality, often used in contexts like business, processes, or personal development. For example: We need to make improvements to the system「システムの改善が必要です」(システムのかいぜんがひつようです). The company is working on improving its services「会社はサービスの改善に取り組んでいます」(かいしゃはサービスのかいぜんにとりくんでいます). This word is commonly used in professional or formal settings to describe efforts to refine or optimize something.

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

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