Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical
Radical 水
kanji
水Meaning
Water
Reading
mizu
onyomiすいsui
Parts
亅Barb くHiragana ku フKatakana fu
Example Word
水素: hydrogen. The Japanese noun '水素 (すいそ)' means 'hydrogen'. It refers to the chemical element with the symbol H and atomic number 1, which is the lightest and most abundant element in the universe. This term is commonly used in scientific contexts, such as chemistry and physics. For example: Hydrogen is the lightest element「水素は最も軽い元素です」(すいそはもっともかるいげんそです). Water is made of hydrogen and oxygen「水は水素と酸素でできている」(みずはすいそとさんそでできている).
Radical
水
Stroke Count
4JLPT
N5Grade
1Frequency
109
Radical Forms
氵, 氺, 冫
Handwriting
kanji
法Meaning
Law, Method
Reading
hou
ほho
はha
Parts
氵Water (水)去Past
Example Word
法的: legal. The Japanese adjectival noun '法的 (ほうてき)' means 'legal' or 'related to law'. It is used to describe something that pertains to the law or has a legal basis. This term is often used in formal or technical contexts, such as legal documents, discussions about regulations, or when referring to legal procedures. For example: legal measures「法的措置」(ほうてきそち). This is a legal requirement「これは法的な要件です」(これはほうてきなようけんです). The term can also be used to describe actions or decisions that are made in accordance with the law, such as '法的に正しい (ほうてきにただしい) (legally correct)'.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
169
Handwriting
kanji
流Meaning
Flow
Reading
naga
onyomiりゅうryuu
Parts
氵Water (水)㐬Newborn
Example Word
二流: second rate. The Japanese noun '二流 (にりゅう)' refers to something or someone that is considered 'second-rate' or of lower quality compared to the best or top-tier. It is often used to describe things, people, or groups that are not at the highest level of excellence or prestige. For example: he is a second-rate artist「彼は二流の芸術家だ」(かれはにりゅうのげいじゅつかだ). This restaurant is second-rate「このレストランは二流だ」(このレストランはにりゅうだ). The term can carry a slightly negative connotation, implying mediocrity or lack of distinction.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
192
Handwriting
kanji
活Meaning
Lively
Reading
i
onyomiかつkatsu
Parts
氵Water (水)舌Tongue
Example Word
活字: type. The Japanese noun '活字 (かつじ)' refers to 'type' in the context of printing or typography. It specifically denotes the individual pieces of metal or wood with raised characters used in traditional printing presses. This term is also used more broadly to refer to printed characters or fonts in modern contexts. For example: This book uses old type「この本は古い活字を使っている」(このほんはふるいかつじをつかっている). I prefer books with clear type「私は読みやすい活字の本が好きだ」(わ たしはよみやすいかつじのほんがすきだ). The term can also metaphorically refer to the written word or printed material in general.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N3Grade
2Frequency
193
Handwriting
kanji
海Meaning
Sea
Reading
umi
onyomiかいkai
Parts
氵Water (水)毎Every
Example Word
航海: voyage. The Japanese noun '航海 (こうかい)' refers to a voyage or a journey by sea. It is commonly used to describe long trips across oceans or seas, often involving ships or boats. This term can be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts. For example: The ship set sail on a long voyage「船は長い航海に出た」(ふねはながいこうかいにでた). He embarked on a voyage of self-discovery「彼は自己発見の航海に出た」(かれはじこ はっけんのこうかいにでた). The word emphasizes the idea of traveling over water, often with a sense of adventure or exploration.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
219
Handwriting
kanji
深Meaning
Deep
Reading
fuka
onyomiしんshin
Parts
氵Water (水)罙Deep
Example Word
深める: deepen. The Japanese verb '深める (ふかめる)' means 'to deepen'. It is used to describe the act of making something deeper, whether it be a physical depth, a relationship, knowledge, or understanding. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as deepening a friendship, deepening one's knowledge on a subject, or even deepening a hole. For example: I want to deepen my understanding of Japanese culture「日本の文化への理解を深めたい」(にほんのぶんかへのりかいをふかめたい). They are working to deepen their relationship「彼らは関係を深めようとしている」(かれらはかんけいをふかめようとしている). The verb is often used in both literal and metaphorical senses, making it versatile in conversation.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
248
Handwriting
kanji
決Meaning
Decide
Reading
ki
onyomiけつketsu
Parts
氵Water (水)夬Decide
Example Word
決勝: final. The Japanese noun '決勝 (けっしょう)' refers to the final round or match in a competition, such as a sports tournament or a game. It is used to describe the ultimate stage where the winner is determined. For example: The final is tomorrow「決勝は明日です」(けっしょうはあ すです). They won the final「彼らは決勝に勝った」(かれらはけっしょうにかった). This term is commonly used in contexts like sports, contests, or any competitive event that culminates in a decisive match or round.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
253
Handwriting
kanji
治Meaning
Cure, Reign
Reading
osa
なおnao
onyomiじji
ちchi
Parts
氵Water (水)台Pedestal, Machine
Example Word
自治: autonomy. The Japanese noun '自治 (じち)' refers to 'autonomy' or 'self-governance'. It is commonly used in contexts related to local governance, organizations, or groups managing their own affairs independently. For example: The town has autonomy「その町は自治を持っている」(そのまちはじちをもっている). The university promotes student autonomy「その大学は学生の自治を促進している」(そのだいがくはがくせいのじちをそくしんしている). This term is often used in political, administrative, or organizational contexts to emphasize independence and self-rule.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
317
Handwriting
kanji
江Meaning
Creek, Inlet
Reading
e
onyomiこうkou
Parts
氵Water (水)工Construction
Example Word
江: bay. The Japanese suffix '江 (こう)' means 'bay' and is often used in geographical names to denote a bay or inlet. It is commonly found in place names, such as 'Tokyo Bay (東京湾, とうきょうわん)' or 'Osaka Bay (大阪湾, おおさかわん)'. This suffix is typically used in formal or historical contexts and is not commonly used in everyday conversation. For example: Tokyo Bay is beautiful「東京湾は美し い」(とうきょうわんはうつくしい). The ships are anchored in Osaka Bay「船は大阪湾に停泊している」(ふねはおおさかわんにていはくしている).
Radical
水
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
376
Handwriting
kanji
渡Meaning
Cross, Transit
Reading
wata
onyomiとto
Parts
氵Water (水)度Degrees, Times
Example Word
譲渡: transfer. The Japanese noun '譲渡 (じょうと)' refers to the act of transferring ownership, rights, or property from one party to another. It is commonly used in legal, financial, or business contexts. For example: The transfer of shares was completed「株の譲渡が完了した」(かぶのじょうとがかんりょうした). The land was transferred to the new owner「土地が新しい所有者に 譲渡された」(とちがあたらしいしょゆうしゃにじょうとされた). This term is often associated with formal agreements or contracts.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
7Frequency
381
Handwriting
kanji
消Meaning
Extinguish
Reading
ki
けke
onyomiしょうshou
Parts
氵Water (水)肖Resemble, Resemblance
Example Word
消火器: fire extinguisher. The Japanese noun '消火器 (しょうかき)' refers to a 'fire extinguisher', a device used to put out fires. It is commonly found in buildings, vehicles, and public spaces for safety purposes. Example sentences: Please use the fire extinguisher in case of emergency「緊急時には消火器を使ってください」(きんきゅうじにはしょうかきをつかってください). The fire extinguisher is located near the exit「消火器は出口の近くにあります」(しょうかきはでぐちのちかくにあります).
Radical
水
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
395
Handwriting
kanji
泣Meaning
Weep, Cry
Reading
na
onyomiきゅうkyuu
Parts
氵Water (水)立Stand
Example Word
泣き声: crying. The Japanese noun '泣き声 (なきごえ)' refers to the sound of crying, typically made by a person or an animal. It is used to describe the vocal expression of sadness, pain, or distress. For example: I heard a baby's crying「赤ちゃんの泣き声が聞こえた」(あかちゃんのなきごえがきこえた). The cat's crying was loud「猫の泣き声が大きかった」(ねこのなきごえがおおきかった). This word is often used in contexts involving emotional distress or discomfort.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N1Grade
4Frequency
454
Handwriting
kanji
浮Meaning
Float
Reading
uwa
うu
onyomiふfu
Parts
氵Water (水)孚
Example Word
浮く: float. The Japanese verb '浮く (うく)' means 'to float'. It is used to describe something that is buoyant and remains on the surface of a liquid or in the air. This verb can also be used metaphorically to describe feelings of detachment or being out of place. For example: the boat floats on the water「ボートが水に浮く」(ボートがみずにうく). I feel like I'm floating in the air「空に浮いているような気がする」(そらにういているようなきがする). In a social context, it can describe someone who feels out of place: he feels like he doesn't belong here「彼はここで浮いている感じがする」(かれはここでういているか んじがする).
Radical
水
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N3Grade
7Frequency
458
Handwriting
kanji
洋Meaning
Ocean, Western style
Reading
you
Parts
氵Water (水)羊Sheep
Example Word
西洋: west or western. The Japanese noun '西洋 (せいよう)' primarily refers to 'the West' or 'Western countries', particularly Europe and the Americas. It is often used in contrast to '東洋 (とうよう)', which refers to 'the East' or 'Eastern countries'. The term can also be used to describe things that are Western in origin or style. For example: Western culture is fascinating「西洋の文化は魅力的です」(せいようのぶんかはみりょくてきです). This painting is in a Western style「この絵は西洋風です」(このえはせいようふうです). The word is commonly used in contexts discussing cultural, historical, or geographical differences between the East and the West.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
476
Handwriting
kanji
清Meaning
Clear, Pure
Reading
kiyo
onyomiしょうshou
せいsei
Parts
氵Water (水)青Blue
Example Word
清潔: clean or hygienic. The Japanese adjectival noun '清潔 (せいけつ)' primarily means 'clean' or 'hygienic'. It is used to describe something that is free from dirt, germs, or impurities, and can refer to both physical cleanliness and moral purity. For example: This hospital is very clean「この病院はとても清潔です」(このびょういんはとてもせいけつです). She always keeps her room clean「彼女はいつも部屋を清潔にしている」(かのじょはいつもへ やをせいけつにしている). The word can also imply a sense of neatness or orderliness, and is often used in contexts related to health, hygiene, and personal care.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
481
Handwriting
kanji
注Meaning
Pour
Reading
soso
onyomiちゅうchuu
Parts
氵Water (水)主Master
Example Word
注文: order. The Japanese verbal noun '注文 (ちゅうもん)' primarily means 'order' and is used in contexts such as ordering food at a restaurant, placing an order for goods, or requesting a service. It conveys the act of making a request or placing a demand for something. For example: I will order sushi「寿司を注文します」(すしをちゅうもんします). He placed an order for a new book「彼は新しい本を注文しました」(かれはあたらしいほんをちゅうもんしました). The word can also imply a specific request or customization, as in 'custom order' or 'special order'. It is commonly used in both casual and formal settings.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
502
Handwriting
kanji
満Meaning
Full
Reading
mi
onyomiまんman
Parts
氵Water (水)卄 両Both
Example Word
満月: full moon. The Japanese noun '満月 (まんげつ)' refers to the 'full moon'. This term is used to describe the phase of the moon when it appears fully illuminated from Earth's perspective. It is often associated with beauty, romance, and traditional festivals in Japanese culture. For example: The full moon is beautiful tonight「今夜の満月は美しい」(こんやのまんげつはうつくしい). We watched the full moon together「一緒に満月を見た」(いっしょにまんげつをみた). The full moon is a common theme in poetry and art, symbolizing completeness and perfection.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
506
Handwriting
kanji
派Meaning
Sect, Faction
Reading
ha
Parts
氵Water (水)
Example Word
派: faction. The Japanese suffix '派 (は)' is used to denote a group, faction, or school of thought. It is often attached to nouns to indicate affiliation or alignment with a particular group or ideology. For example: He belongs to the conservative faction「彼は保守派です」(かれはほしゅはです). She is part of the reformist group「彼女は改革派です」(かのじょはかいかくはです). This suffix is commonly used in political, artistic, or ideological contexts to describe someone's affiliation or stance.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N1Grade
6Frequency
519
Handwriting
kanji
波Meaning
Wave
Reading
nami
onyomiはha
Parts
氵Water (水)皮Skin
Example Word
波: wave. The Japanese noun '波 (なみ)' means 'wave'. This word is primarily used to describe the physical waves of water, such as ocean waves. However, it can also be used metaphorically to describe waves in other contexts, such as sound waves or emotional waves. For example: The waves are high today「今日は波が高い」(きょうはなみがたかい). I can hear the sound of the waves「波の音が聞こえる」(なみのおとがきこえる). In a metaphorical sense, it can describe fluctuations, such as 'a wave of emotions'「感情の波」(かんじょうのなみ).
Radical
水
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N2Grade
3Frequency
531
Handwriting
kanji
沢Meaning
Marsh, Swamp
Reading
sawa
onyomiたくtaku
Parts
氵Water (水)尺Foot
Example Word
沢山: many. The Japanese adverb '沢山 (たくさん)' means 'many' or 'a lot'. It is used to indicate a large quantity of something, whether it be objects, people, or abstract concepts. It can be used in both positive and neutral contexts. For example: There are many books「本が沢山ある」(ほんがたくさんある). I ate a lot「沢山食べた」(たくさんたべた). Note that '沢山' is often used in casual conversation and can also imply 'enough' or 'plenty' in certain contexts, such as 'That's enough, thank you'「もう沢山です、ありがとう」(もうたくさんです、ありがとう).
Radical
水
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
538
Handwriting
kanji
求Meaning
Request, Seek
Reading
moto
onyomiきゅうkyuu
Parts
水Water
Example Word
要求: demand. The Japanese verbal noun '要求 (ようきゅう)' means 'demand'. It refers to a strong request or claim for something, often implying that the request is backed by authority, necessity, or urgency. This term is commonly used in formal or serious contexts, such as business negotiations, legal settings, or customer service. For example: The workers made a demand for higher wages「労働者たちは賃金の引き上げを要求した」(ろうどうしゃたちはちんぎんのひきあげをようきゅうした). The customer demanded a refund「客は返金を要求した」(きゃくはへんきんをようきゅうした). Note that '要求' can also imply a sense of entitlement or insistence, depending on the context.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
562
Handwriting
kanji
源Meaning
Origin, Source
Reading
minamoto
onyomiげんgen
Parts
氵Water (水)原Meadow, Original
Example Word
源: origin. The Japanese suffix '源 (げん)' means 'origin' or 'source'. It is often used in names, both personal and geographical, to denote the beginning or source of something. For example, it can be found in the name of the famous Japanese historical figure Minamoto no Yoshitsune (源義経, みなもとのよしつね), where '源' signifies the Minamoto clan, one of the most prominent clans in Japanese history. Another example is the word '水源 (すいげん)', which means 'water source'. This suffix is also used in compound words to indicate the origin or source of something, such as '情報源 (じょうほうげん)', meaning 'information source'. Example sentences: The origin of the river is in the mountains「川の源は山にある」(かわのみなもとはやまにある). This book is a good source of information「この本は良い情報源だ」(このほんはよいじょうほうげんだ).
Radical
水
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N1Grade
6Frequency
636
Handwriting
kanji
永Meaning
Eternity
Reading
naga
onyomiえいei
Parts
水Water 丶Dot
Example Word
永遠: eternity. The Japanese adjectival noun '永遠 (えいえん)' means 'eternity' or 'perpetual'. It is used to describe something that lasts forever, without end. This word is often used in poetic or philosophical contexts to express timelessness or unending continuity. For example: Their love is eternal「彼らの愛は永遠だ」(かれらのあいはえいえんだ). The beauty of nature is eternal「自然の美しさは永遠だ」(しぜんのうつくしさはえいえんだ). It can also be used to describe abstract concepts like time, life, or emotions that are perceived as infinite.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
5JLPT
N2Grade
5Frequency
664
Handwriting
kanji
済Meaning
Finish, Settle
Reading
su
onyomiさいsai
Parts
氵Water (水)斉Uniform, Adjusted
Example Word
済み: done. The Japanese suffix '済み (ずみ)' is used to indicate that something has been completed or settled. It is often attached to nouns to form compound words that describe the state of completion. For example: payment completed「支払い済み」(しはらいずみ). This suffix is commonly used in formal or business contexts to convey that a task or obligation has been fulfilled. Another example: reservation completed「予約済み」(よやくずみ). It is important to note that '済み' is often written in kanji but can also appear in hiragana in less formal contexts.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N3Grade
6Frequency
674
Handwriting
kanji
涙Meaning
Tear, Teardrop
Reading
namida
onyomiるいrui
Parts
氵Water (水)戻Return
Example Word
涙: tears. The Japanese noun '涙 (なみだ)' means 'tears'. This word refers to the drops of liquid that come from the eyes when someone cries, whether due to sadness, joy, or other strong emotions. It is commonly used in both literal and metaphorical contexts. For example: Tears fell from her eyes「彼女の目から涙が落ちた」(かのじょのめからなみだがおちた). He wiped away his tears「彼は涙を拭いた」(かれはなみだをぬぐった). The word can also appear in idiomatic expressions, such as '涙を流す (なみだをながす)', which means 'to shed tears'.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N2Grade
7Frequency
687
Handwriting
kanji
演Meaning
Perform
Reading
en
Parts
氵Water (水)寅
Example Word
講演: lecture. The Japanese verbal noun '講演 (こうえん)' refers to a formal talk or lecture given on a specific topic, often by an expert or a guest speaker. It is commonly used in academic, professional, or public settings. For example: I attended a lecture on Japanese history「日本の歴史についての講演に参加しました」(にほんのれきしについてのこうえんにさんかしました). The professor gave a lecture on climate change「教授が気候変動について講演しました」(きょうじゅがきこうへんどうについてこうえんしました). This term is often associated with structured, informative presentations rather than casual talks.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
14JLPT
N3Grade
5Frequency
689
Handwriting
kanji
湯Meaning
Hot water
Reading
yu
onyomiとうtou
Parts
氵Water (水)昜Sunray
Example Word
湯: hot water. The Japanese noun '湯 (ゆ)' refers to 'hot water'. It is commonly used in contexts related to bathing, cooking, or any situation involving heated water. For example: I will pour hot water「湯を注ぎます」(ゆをそそぎます). The hot water is ready「湯が沸きました」(ゆがわきました). This word is distinct from '水 (みず)', which means 'water' in general, as '湯' specifically implies warmth or heat. It is often used in phrases like 'お湯 (おゆ)', which is a polite form of '湯', and is frequently heard in daily life, especially in relation to bathing or tea preparation.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N2Grade
3Frequency
716
Handwriting
kanji
沈Meaning
Sink
Reading
shizu
onyomiちんchin
Parts
氵Water (水)冘
Example Word
沈黙: silence. The Japanese noun '沈黙 (ちんもく)' means 'silence'. It refers to the absence of speech or sound, often implying a deliberate or meaningful quietness. This word can be used in various contexts, such as during a moment of reflection, in a tense situation, or to describe someone who is not speaking. For example: The silence was unbearable「沈黙が耐えられなかった」(ちんもくがたえられなかった). He broke the silence with his voice「彼は声で沈黙を破った」(かれはこえでちんもくをやぶった). '沈黙' can also carry a deeper connotation, such as in the phrase '沈黙は金' (ちんもくはきん), which translates to 'silence is golden', emphasizing the value of staying quiet in certain situations.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N2Grade
7Frequency
792
Handwriting
kanji
温Meaning
Warm
Reading
atata
ぬくnuku
onyomiおんon
Parts
氵Water (水)日Day, Sun 皿Plate
Example Word
高温: high temperature. The Japanese noun '高温 (こうおん)' means 'high temperature.' It is used to describe the state or condition of something having a high temperature, often referring to weather, chemical reactions, or cooking processes. For example: Today's high temperature is 35 degrees 「今日の高温は35度です」 (きょうのこうおんは35どです). High-temperature cooking preserves nutrients 「高温調理は栄養を保つ」 (こうおんちょうりはえいようをたもつ). This word is commonly used in scientific, meteorological, and culinary contexts.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N2Grade
3Frequency
801
Handwriting
kanji
激Meaning
Violent, Fierce
Reading
hage
onyomiげきgeki
Parts
氵Water (水)敫
Example Word
感激: deeply moved. The Japanese verbal noun '感激 (かんげき)' refers to a state of being deeply moved or emotionally stirred, often due to something profoundly touching or inspiring. It conveys a strong emotional response, such as gratitude, admiration, or awe. For example: I was deeply moved by the movie「その映画に感激しました」(そのえいがにかんげきしました). His speech left me deeply moved「彼のスピーチに感激した」(かれのスピーチにかんげきした). This word is often used in contexts where an experience or event evokes a powerful emotional reaction.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
16JLPT
N1Grade
6Frequency
803
Handwriting
kanji
滅Meaning
Ruin, Destroy
Reading
horo
onyomiめつmetsu
Parts
氵Water (水)烕
Example Word
滅びる: perish. The Japanese verb '滅びる (ほろびる)' means 'to perish' or 'to be destroyed'. It is used to describe the complete destruction or downfall of something, such as a civilization, a kingdom, or even an idea. This verb carries a sense of finality and often implies a tragic or irreversible end. For example: The ancient civilization perished「古代文明は滅びた」(こだいぶんめいはほろびた). If we don't act, humanity will perish「行動しなければ、人類は滅びる」(こうどうしなければ、じんるいはほろびる). The verb can also be used metaphorically, such as when describing the end of a dream or hope.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
839
Handwriting
kanji
浪Meaning
Wander, Billow
Reading
rou
Parts
氵Water (水)良Good
Example Word
浪人: ronin or masterless. The Japanese noun '浪人 (ろうにん)' primarily refers to a 'ronin', which historically denotes a samurai without a master or lord during the feudal period in Japan. This term is also used metaphorically in modern contexts to describe someone who is unemployed or has not yet entered a university after failing entrance exams. For example: He became a ronin after his master died「彼は主人が亡くなった後、浪人になった」(かれはしゅじんがなくなったあと、ろうにんになった). Many students become ronin after failing their exams「多くの学生が試験に失敗した後、浪人になる」(おおくのがくせいがしけんにしっぱいしたあと、ろうにんになる). The term carries a connotation of being in a transitional or uncertain state, often with a sense of striving for a new beginning or goal.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
852
Handwriting
kanji
浅Meaning
Shallow
Reading
asa
onyomiせんsen
Parts
氵Water (水)㦮
Example Word
浅見: shallow or superficial. The Japanese noun '浅見 (せんけん)' refers to a superficial or shallow view, opinion, or understanding of something. It is often used to describe a lack of depth in thought or analysis. For example: His opinion is superficial「彼の意見は浅見だ」(かれのいけんはせんけんだ). Don't make shallow judgments「浅見をしないでください」(せんけんをしないでください). The word can also be used to describe someone who has a narrow or limited perspective, as in '浅見な人 (せんけんなひと) (a person with a shallow view).'
Radical
水
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
866
Handwriting
kanji
洗Meaning
Wash
Reading
ara
onyomiせんsen
Parts
氵Water (水)先Before, Previous
Example Word
手洗い: restroom or hand washing. The Japanese noun '手洗い (てあらい)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'handwashing', which refers to the act of washing one's hands. This is commonly used in contexts related to hygiene, such as before meals or after using the restroom. For example: Please wash your hands「手洗いをしてください」(てあらいをしてください). The second meaning is 'restroom', which refers to a place where one can wash their hands or use the toilet. This usage is more common in public places or establishments. For example: Where is the restroom?「手洗いはどこですか?」(てあらいはどこですか?). It's important to note that the context in which '手洗い' is used will determine which meaning is intended.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N3Grade
6Frequency
877
Handwriting
kanji
池Meaning
Pond
Reading
ike
onyomiちchi
Parts
氵Water (水)也To be
Example Word
電池: battery. The Japanese noun '電池 (でんち)' means 'battery'. It refers to a device that stores chemical energy and converts it into electrical energy, commonly used to power electronic devices. This word is widely used in everyday contexts, such as discussing household items or electronics. For example: The battery is dead「電池が切れた」(でんちがきれた). I need to buy a new battery「新しい電池を買う必要がある」(あたらしいでんちをかうひつようがある). The word can also appear in compound terms, such as '乾電池 (かんでんち)' (dry cell battery) or '充電池 (じゅうでんち)' (rechargeable battery).
Radical
水
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N2Grade
2Frequency
881
Handwriting
kanji
泉Meaning
Spring, Fountain
Reading
izumi
onyomiせんsen
Parts
水Water 白White
Example Word
温泉: hot spring. The Japanese noun '温泉 (おんせん)' refers to a natural hot spring, which is a common feature in Japan due to its volcanic activity. These hot springs are often used for bathing and are believed to have therapeutic properties. For example: Let's go to the hot spring「温泉に行きましょう」(おんせんにいきましょう). This hot spring is very relaxing「この温泉はとてもリラックスできます」(このおんせんはとてもりらっくすできます). The word is often associated with traditional Japanese inns called 'ryokan' that offer hot spring baths as part of their amenities.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N2Grade
6Frequency
912
Handwriting
kanji
泊Meaning
Overnight, Stay overnight
Reading
to
onyomiはくhaku
Parts
氵Water (水)白White
Example Word
泊: nights. The Japanese suffix '泊 (はく)' is used to indicate the number of nights spent somewhere, particularly in the context of lodging or staying overnight. It is commonly used in phrases related to travel, accommodations, or trips. For example: a two-night stay「二泊」(にはく). We stayed for three nights「三泊しました」(さんぱくしました). This suffix is often paired with numbers to specify the duration of a stay, such as in hotel bookings or travel itineraries. It is important to note that '泊' is a counter and is typically used in formal or written contexts.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N2Grade
7Frequency
936
Handwriting
kanji
油Meaning
Oil
Reading
abura
onyomiゆyu
Parts
氵Water (水)由Reason
Example Word
石油: oil. The Japanese noun '石油 (せきゆ)' refers to 'oil', specifically petroleum or crude oil. It is commonly used in contexts related to energy, fuel, and industrial applications. For example: This country imports a lot of oil「この国は石油をたくさん輸入する」(このくにはせきゆをたくさんゆにゅうする). Oil is an important resource「石油は重要な資源だ」(せきゆはじゅうようなしげんだ). The word is often associated with discussions about energy production, environmental issues, and global markets.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N2Grade
3Frequency
944
Handwriting
kanji
浜Meaning
Beach
Reading
hama
onyomiひんhin
Parts
氵Water (水)兵Soldier
Example Word
砂浜: beach. The Japanese noun '砂浜 (すなはま)' refers to a sandy beach, specifically the area of the shore covered in sand. It is commonly used to describe coastal areas where sand is the primary feature, often associated with leisure activities like swimming, sunbathing, or playing. For example: The children are playing on the beach「子供たちは砂浜で遊んでいる」(こどもたちはすなはまであそんでいる). The sandy beach stretches far「砂浜が遠くまで続いている」(すなはまがとおくまでつづいている). This word emphasizes the sandy nature of the beach, distinguishing it from rocky or pebbly shores.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
978
Handwriting
kanji
汽Meaning
Steam
Reading
ki
Parts
氵Water (水)气Air
Example Word
汽車: steam train. The Japanese noun '汽車 (きしゃ)' refers to a 'steam train'. This word is often used to describe old-fashioned trains powered by steam engines, which were common in Japan during the early to mid-20th century. It evokes a sense of nostalgia and is frequently used in literature, songs, and historical contexts. For example: The steam train is coming「汽車が来る」(きしゃがくる). I saw a steam train at the museum「博物館で汽車を見た」(はくぶつかんできしゃをみた). Note that while modern trains are referred to as '電車 (でんしゃ)', '汽車' specifically refers to steam-powered trains.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N1Grade
2Frequency
979
Handwriting
kanji
泥Meaning
Mud, Adhere to
Reading
doro
onyomiでいdei
Parts
氵Water (水)尼Nun, Priestess
Example Word
泥棒: thief. The Japanese verbal noun '泥棒 (どろぼう)' means 'thief'. It refers to a person who steals, typically in a sneaky or covert manner. This word is commonly used in everyday conversation and can describe both petty thieves and more serious criminals. For example: The thief stole my wallet「泥棒が私の財布を盗んだ」(どろぼうがわたしのさいふをぬすんだ). Be careful of thieves in this area「この辺りでは泥棒に気をつけて」(このあたりではどろぼうにきをつけて). The word can also be used in idiomatic expressions, such as '泥棒を捕まえる (どろぼうをつかまえる)' which means 'to catch a thief'.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N2Grade
9Frequency
985
Handwriting
kanji
混Meaning
Mix
Reading
ma
onyomiこんkon
Parts
氵Water (水)昆Descendants, Insects
Example Word
混む・込む: mix or crowded. The Japanese verb '混む・込む (こむ・こむ)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'crowded', referring to a place being full of people or things. For example: The train is crowded「電車が混んでいる」(でんしゃがこんでいる). The second meaning is 'mix', referring to combining or blending different elements together. For example: Mix the ingredients well「材料をよく混む」(ざいりょうをよくこむ). It's important to note that the verb can be used in both transitive and intransitive forms, depending on the context.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N2Grade
5Frequency
1009
Handwriting
kanji
減Meaning
Decrease
Reading
he
onyomiげんgen
Parts
氵Water (水)咸Same
Example Word
減る: decrease. The Japanese verb '減る (へる)' means 'to decrease' or 'to diminish'. It is used to describe a reduction in quantity, size, or intensity. This verb is often used in contexts involving numbers, resources, or physical amounts. For example: the number of students decreased「学生の数が減った」(がくせいのかずがへった). The water level is decreasing「水位が減っている」(すいいがへっている). It can also be used metaphorically, such as when describing a decrease in energy or motivation: my energy has decreased「私の元気が減った」(わたしのげんきがへった). Note that '減る' is an intransitive verb, meaning it does not take a direct object.
Radical
水
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N2Grade
5Frequency
1019
Handwriting
kanji
浴Meaning
Bathe
Reading
a
onyomiよくyoku
Parts
氵Water (水)谷Valley
Example Word
入浴: bathing. The Japanese verbal noun '入浴 (にゅうよく)' refers to the act of bathing, particularly entering a bath. It is commonly used in contexts related to personal hygiene, relaxation, or traditional Japanese bathing culture. For example: I enjoy bathing「私は入浴を楽しむ」(わたしはにゅうよくをたのしむ). After work, I always take a bath「仕事の後、いつも入浴する」(しごとのあと、いつもにゅうよくする). This word is often associated with soaking in a bathtub, especially in a Japanese-style bath (ofuro).
Radical
水
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
1047
Handwriting
kanji
添Meaning
Add to, Annexed
Reading
so
onyomiてんten
Parts
氵Water (水)忝
Example Word
添付: attachment. The Japanese noun '