字Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Onyomi reading

kanji

Meaning

Duty

Reading

Parts

彳Stop 殳Pike

Example Word

役: role. The Japanese noun '役 (やく)' primarily means 'role'. It is used to describe a part or function that someone or something has in a particular situation, such as in a play, job, or society. For example: He played the role of a villain「彼は悪役を演じた」(かれはあくやくをえんじた). This word can also refer to a duty or responsibility, as in: It's my role to take care of the children「子供の世話をするのは私の役です」(こどものせわをするのはわたしのやくです). Additionally, '役' can be used in compound words like '役割 (やくわり)' which also means 'role' or 'function'.

Radical

彳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

354

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Reason, Translation

Reading

Parts

尺Foot (measure) 言Say

Example Word

訳: reason or meaning. The Japanese noun '訳 (わけ)' can mean 'reason' or 'meaning'. It is often used to explain the cause or rationale behind something, or to clarify the meaning of a situation or statement. For example: There's a reason why I can't go「私が行けない訳がある」(わたしがいけないわけがある). What does this mean?「これはどういう訳ですか？」(これはどういうわけですか？). It can also be used in expressions like 'わけがない' (わけがない) to mean 'there's no way' or 'it's impossible', as in 'There's no way he could know that'「彼がそれを知っているわけがない」(かれがそれをしっているわけがない).

Radical

言

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

597

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Promise, Approximately

Reading

Parts

糸Thread

Example Word

約: about. The Japanese prefix '約 (やく)' means 'about' or 'approximately'. It is commonly used to indicate an approximate quantity, time, or degree. This prefix is often attached to numbers or time expressions to convey that the value is not exact but close to it. For example: about 100 people「約100人」(やくひゃくにん). It will take about 2 hours「約2時間かかります」(やくにじかんかかります). Note that '約' is typically used in formal or written contexts, and in casual speech, alternatives like 'だいたい' or 'くらい' might be more common.

Radical

糸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

635

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Medicine

Reading

Parts

艹Grass 楽Music, Pleasure

Example Word

薬: medicine. The Japanese noun '薬 (くすり)' refers to 'medicine' or 'drugs'. It is used to describe substances taken to treat or prevent illness or disease. This word can refer to both Western and traditional Japanese medicine. For example: I took medicine「薬を飲みました」(くすりをのみました). This medicine is effective「この薬は効きます」(このくすりはききます). It can also be used in a broader sense to refer to something that provides relief or a solution, such as 'a remedy' or 'a cure'. For instance: Laughter is the best medicine「笑いは最高の薬です」(わらいはさいこうのくすりです).

Radical

艸

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

816

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Profit, Benefit

Reading

Parts

皿Plate ハ

Example Word

利益: profit or benefit. The Japanese noun '利益 (りえき)' can mean either 'profit' or 'benefit', depending on the context. When referring to 'profit', it is often used in business or financial contexts to describe monetary gain. For example: The company made a large profit「その会社は大きな利益を得た」(そのかいしゃはおおきなりえきをえた). When referring to 'benefit', it is used to describe an advantage or positive outcome, often in a more general or non-monetary sense. For example: This policy will bring benefits to society「この政策は社会に利益をもたらす」(このせいさくはしゃかいにりえきをもたらす). The word can be used in both formal and informal settings, but it is more commonly encountered in formal or written contexts.

Radical

皿

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

972

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Leap

Reading

Example Word

活躍: activity or success. The Japanese verbal noun '活躍 (かつやく)' refers to being active, energetic, or successful in a particular field or endeavor. It is often used to describe someone who is making significant contributions or achieving notable success in their work, sports, or other activities. For example: He is very active in the business world「彼はビジネス界で大いに活躍している」(かれはビジネスかいでおおいにかつやくしている). She succeeded in her new role「彼女は新しい役割で活躍した」(かのじょはあたらしいやくわりでかつやくした). The word can also imply a sense of dynamism and prominence in one's actions.

Radical

足

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1272

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Misfortune, Unlucky

Reading

Parts

㔾 厂Cliff

Example Word

厄介: trouble. The Japanese noun '厄介 (やっかい)' primarily means 'trouble' or 'bother'. It refers to something that is troublesome, inconvenient, or difficult to deal with. This word can be used to describe situations, tasks, or even people who are causing difficulty. For example: He is a troublesome person「彼は厄介な人だ」(かれはやっかいなひとだ). This problem is a real hassle「この問題は本当に厄介だ」(このもんだいはほんとうにやっかいだ). The word can also imply a sense of burden or responsibility, as in taking care of someone who is dependent on you.

Radical

厂

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1613

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Epidemic

Reading

Parts

殳Pike 疒Sick

Example Word

免疫: immunity. The Japanese noun '免疫 (めんえき)' means 'immunity'. It refers to the biological defense mechanism of an organism against diseases or infections. This term is commonly used in medical and health-related contexts. For example: he has strong immunity「彼は免疫が強い」(かれはめんえきがつよい). Vaccines help build immunity「ワクチンは免疫を作るのに役立つ」(ワクチンはめんえきをつくるのにやくだつ). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe resistance to non-biological influences, such as stress or criticism, though this usage is less common.

Radical

疒

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2001

Handwriting