Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Extensive, Doctor

Reading

Parts

十Ten 尃

Example Word

博物: natural history. The Japanese noun '博物 (はくぶつ)' refers to 'natural history', which is the study of organisms and natural objects. This term is often used in contexts related to museums, education, and scientific research. For example: The museum has a natural history exhibit「博物館には博物の展示がある」(はくぶつかんにははくぶつのてんじがある). He studies natural history「彼は博物を研究している」(かれははくぶつをけんきゅうしている). The term can also be associated with collections of natural specimens, such as plants, animals, and minerals.

Radical

十

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

521

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Violent, Outburst

Reading

Parts

日Day, Sun 共Together 氺Water (水)

Example Word

暴力: violence. The Japanese noun '暴力 (ぼうりょく)' means 'violence'. It refers to the use of physical force to harm or damage someone or something. This word is often used in contexts related to crime, conflict, or abuse. For example: Violence is not the answer「暴力は答えではない」(ぼうりょくはこたえではない). He was arrested for domestic violence「彼は家庭内暴力で逮捕された」(かれはかていないぼうりょくでたいほされた). The term can also be used metaphorically to describe forceful or aggressive actions in non-physical contexts, such as 'verbal violence' or 'structural violence'.

Radical

日

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

897

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Curtain

Reading

Parts

莫 巾Towel

Example Word

幕末: end of shogunate. The Japanese noun '幕末 (ばくまつ)' refers to the final years of the Edo period (1603–1868), specifically the period leading up to the Meiji Restoration in 1868. This era was marked by significant political and social upheaval, as Japan transitioned from a feudal society under the Tokugawa shogunate to a modern nation-state. The term is often used in historical contexts to describe the events, figures, and cultural shifts of this transformative time. For example: The end of the shogunate was a turbulent time「幕末は激動の時代だった」(ばくまつはげきどうのじだいだった). Many samurai fought during the end of the shogunate「幕末には多くの侍が戦った」(ばくまつにはおおくのさむらいがたたかった).

Radical

巾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

903

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Bind, Restrain

Reading

Parts

糸Thread 尃

Example Word

縛る: tie. The Japanese verb '縛る (しばる)' means 'to tie' or 'to bind'. It is used to describe the action of securing something by tying it with a rope, string, or similar material. This verb can also be used metaphorically to describe being bound by rules, obligations, or emotions. For example: He tied the package with a rope「彼は荷物を縛った」(かれはにもつをしばった). She felt bound by her responsibilities「彼女は責任に縛られていると感じた」(かのじょはせきにんにしばられているとかんじた). Note that this verb often implies a strong or restrictive binding.

Radical

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1293

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Wheat

Reading

Parts

夂Late 生Life

Example Word

大麦: barley. The Japanese noun '大麦 (おおむぎ)' refers to 'barley', a type of cereal grain. It is commonly used in food products, beverages, and animal feed. Barley is a staple ingredient in Japanese cuisine, particularly in dishes like barley tea (麦茶, むぎちゃ) and barley rice (麦ご飯, むぎごはん). Example sentences: I drink barley tea every day「毎日大麦茶を飲みます」(まいにちおおむぎちゃをのみます). Barley is used to make beer「大麦はビールを作るのに使われます」(おおむぎはびーるをつくるのにつかわれます).

Radical

麥

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1329

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Burst, Explode

Reading

Parts

火Fire 暴Violent, Outburst

Example Word

爆発: explosion. The Japanese verbal noun '爆発 (ばくはつ)' means 'explosion'. It refers to a sudden and violent release of energy, often accompanied by a loud noise and destruction. This word can be used literally, such as in the context of a bomb exploding, or figuratively, to describe a sudden outburst of emotions or events. For example: The explosion was heard far away「爆発が遠くまで聞こえた」(ばくはつがとおくまできこえた). His anger exploded「彼の怒りが爆発した」(かれのいかりがばくはつした). The word can also be used in compound forms, such as '爆発物 (ばくはつぶつ)' (explosive material) or '爆発力 (ばくはつりょく)' (explosive power).

Radical

火

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1399

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Countenance

Reading

Parts

豸 皃

Radical

豸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1418

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Vague, Desert

Reading

Parts

氵Water (水)艹Grass 日Day, Sun 大Big

Example Word

砂漠: desert. The Japanese noun '砂漠 (さばく)' means 'desert'. It refers to a barren area of land where little precipitation occurs, making it difficult for plants and animals to survive. This word is used to describe both natural deserts and metaphorical situations that feel barren or lifeless. For example: The Sahara is a vast desert「サハラは広大な砂漠です」(サハラはこうだいなさばくです). His heart felt like a desert「彼の心は砂漠のようだった」(かれのこころはさばくのようだった). The word can also be used in compound nouns, such as '砂漠地帯 (さばくちたい)' meaning 'desert region'.

Radical

水

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1608

Handwriting