Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical
Radical 土
kanji
地Meaning
Ground
Reading
ji
ちchi
Parts
土Soil 也To be
Example Word
余地: room or margin. The Japanese noun '余地 (よち)' refers to 'room' or 'margin' in the sense of space, time, or possibility for something to happen or be done. It is often used to indicate that there is still space or opportunity for further action, thought, or development. For example: There is no room for doubt「疑う余地はない」(うたがうよちはない). We have some margin for negotiation「交渉の余地がある」(こうしょうのよちがある). The word can also imply flexibility or leeway in a situation, as in 'There is room for improvement'「改善の余地がある」(かいぜんのよちがある).
Radical
土
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
53
Handwriting
kanji
場Meaning
Place
Reading
ba
onyomiじょうjou
Parts
土Soil 旦Dawn 勿Must not
Example Word
立場: position or standpoint. The Japanese noun '立場 (たちば)' refers to one's position, standpoint, or situation in a given context. It can describe a physical position, but more commonly, it refers to a social, professional, or moral stance. For example: I understand your position「あなたの立場がわかります」(あなたのたちばがわかります). From a teacher's standpoint, this is unacceptable「教師の立場からこれは許せない」(きょうしのたちばからこれはゆるせない). The word is often used in discussions about perspectives, roles, or responsibilities, emphasizing the context in which someone is situated.
Radical
土
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
84
Handwriting
kanji
土Meaning
Soil
Reading
tsuchi
onyomiとto
どdo
Parts
一One 十Ten
Example Word
お土産: souvenir. The Japanese noun 'お土産 (おみやげ)' refers to a 'souvenir' or a gift typically brought back from a trip or visit to a place. It is a common practice in Japan to bring back small gifts for family, friends, or colleagues when returning from a trip. These gifts often represent the local culture or specialties of the visited area. For example: I bought a souvenir from Kyoto「京都でお土産を買いました」(きょうとでおみやげをかいました). This is a souvenir from Hokkaido「これは北海道のお土産です」(これはほっかいどうのおみやげです). The term 'お土産' is often used in a polite or formal context, and it is customary to present these gifts with both hands as a sign of respect.
Radical
土
Stroke Count
3JLPT
N5Grade
1Frequency
216
Handwriting
kanji
在Meaning
Be, Exist
Reading
a
onyomiざいzai
Example Word
在宅: home. The Japanese noun '在宅 (ざいたく)' refers to being at home or staying at home. It is often used in contexts related to work, care, or services provided at home. For example: working from home「在宅で仕事をする」(ざいたくでしごとをする). Home care service「在宅ケアサービス」(ざいたくけあさーびす). This term is commonly used in modern contexts, especially with the rise of remote work and home-based services.
Radical
土
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N3Grade
5Frequency
245
Handwriting
kanji
城Meaning
Castle
Reading
shiro
onyomiじょうjou
Parts
土Soil 成Become
Example Word
城: castle. The Japanese noun '城 (しろ)' means 'castle'. It refers to a large fortified building or complex, typically associated with historical Japanese architecture and samurai culture. Castles in Japan often served as military strongholds and residences for feudal lords. Example sentences: The castle is beautiful「城は美しい」(しろはうつくしい). I visited Himeji Castle「姫路城を訪れた」(ひめじじょうをおとずれた). Note that '城' can also be part of compound words, such as 'お城 (おしろ)', which is a more casual or affectionate way to refer to a castle.
Radical
土
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N2Grade
6Frequency
433
Handwriting
kanji
堂Meaning
Hall
Reading
dou
Parts
尚Still, Esteem 土Soil
Example Word
堂: hall. The Japanese suffix '堂 (どう)' is commonly used to denote a hall or building, often associated with a specific purpose or establishment. It is frequently seen in the names of shops, temples, or public buildings. For example: a bookstore「本堂」(ほんどう), a temple hall「寺院の堂」(じいんのどう). This suffix can also be used in names of establishments, such as a bakery「パン屋の堂」(ぱんやのどう). It is important to note that '堂' is often used in a respectful or formal context, adding a sense of dignity or importance to the place it describes.
Radical
土
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N4Grade
4Frequency
578
Handwriting
kanji
報Meaning
Report, News
Reading
muku
onyomiほうhou
Parts
幸Happiness
Example Word
情報: information. The Japanese noun '情報 (じょうほう)' means 'information'. It refers to knowledge or data that is communicated, received, or understood. This word is commonly used in various contexts, such as technology, news, and everyday conversations. For example: I need more information「もっと情報が必要です」(もっとじょうほうがひつようです). This information is important「この情報は重要です」(このじょうほうはじゅうようです). The word can also be used in compound nouns, such as '情報技術 (じょうほうぎじゅつ)' (information technology) or '情報源 (じょうほうげん)' (source of information).
Radical
土
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
5Frequency
655
Handwriting
kanji
坊Meaning
Boy, Sonny
Reading
bou
Parts
土Soil 方Direction
Example Word
坊主: monk or bald. The Japanese noun '坊主 (ぼうず)' primarily refers to a 'monk', particularly a Buddhist monk. It is a colloquial term and can sometimes carry a slightly informal or even humorous tone. Additionally, '坊主' can also mean 'bald', often used to describe someone with a shaved head, which is common among monks. Example sentences: The monk is meditating「坊主が瞑想している」(ぼうずがめいそうしている). He became bald「彼は坊主になった」(かれはぼうずになった). Note that while '坊主' can mean 'bald', it is more commonly used to refer to monks in everyday conversation.
Radical
土
Stroke Count
7JLPT
UnknownGrade
7Frequency
656
Handwriting
kanji
壁Meaning
Wall
Reading
kabe
onyomiへきheki
Parts
辟 土Soil
Example Word
壁: wall. The Japanese noun '壁 (かべ)' means 'wall'. This word refers to a vertical structure that defines and sometimes protects an area. It can be used to describe the walls of a building, room, or any other structure. For example: there is a picture on the wall「壁に絵がある」(かべにえがある). The wall is white「壁は白い」(かべはしろい). Additionally, '壁' can be used metaphorically to describe barriers or obstacles in non-physical contexts, such as in relationships or challenges. For example: we hit a wall in our negotiations「交渉で壁にぶつかった」(こうしょうでかべにぶつかった).
Radical
土
Stroke Count
16JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
708
Handwriting
kanji
境Meaning
Boundary, Border
Reading
sakai
onyomiけいkei
きょうkyou
Parts
土Soil 竟
Example Word
国境: border. The Japanese noun '国境 (こっきょう)' refers to the boundary or border between two countries. It is commonly used in contexts related to geography, politics, or travel. For example: The border between Japan and Russia is heavily guarded「日本とロシアの国境は厳重に警備されている」(にほんとロシアのこっきょうはげんじゅうにけいびされている). They crossed the border at night「彼らは夜に国境を越えた」(かれらはよるにこっきょうをこえた). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe boundaries or limits in non-physical contexts, such as cultural or ideological borders.
Radical
土
Stroke Count
14JLPT
N2Grade
5Frequency
722
Handwriting
kanji
坂Meaning
Slope
Reading
saka
onyomiはんhan
Parts
土Soil 反Anti
Example Word
坂: slope. The Japanese noun '坂 (さか)' means 'slope' or 'hill'. It refers to an inclined surface, such as a road or path that goes up or down. This word is commonly used in everyday conversation and place names. For example: The slope is steep「坂が急です」(さかがきゅうです). Let's walk up the hill「坂を登りましょう」(さかをのぼりましょう). The nuance of this word is neutral and can refer to both gentle and steep slopes. It is often used in contexts related to travel, hiking, or describing terrain.
Radical
土
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N2Grade
3Frequency
761
Handwriting
kanji
増Meaning
Increase
Reading
ma
ふfu
onyomiぞうzou
Parts
土Soil 曽Formerly
Example Word
増やす: increase. The Japanese verb '増やす (ふやす)' means 'to increase' or 'to add to'. It is used when referring to making something greater in quantity, size, or degree. This verb is often used in contexts involving numbers, resources, or abstract concepts like knowledge or experience. For example: I increased my savings「貯金を増やした」(ちょきんをふやした). She added more vegetables to the dish「彼女は料理に野菜を増やした」(かのじょはりょうりにやさいをふやした). Note that '増やす' is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object to indicate what is being increased.
Radical
土
Stroke Count
14JLPT
N3Grade
5Frequency
838
Handwriting
kanji
基Meaning
Base, Fundation
Reading
moto
もといmotoi
onyomiきki
Parts
土Soil 其That
Example Word
基盤: foundation. The Japanese noun '基盤 (きばん)' refers to a 'foundation' or 'base' upon which something is built or established. It is often used in both literal and figurative contexts, such as the foundation of a building or the foundational principles of a system. For example: The foundation of this building is strong「この建物の基盤は強い」(このたてもののきばんはつよい). The company's success is built on a solid foundation「その会社の成功はしっかりした基盤の上に築かれている」(そのかいしゃのせいこうはしっかりしたきばんのうえにきずかれている). This word is commonly used in discussions about infrastructure, technology, or organizational structures.
Radical
土
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N1Grade
5Frequency
939
Handwriting
kanji
堪Meaning
Endure
Reading
ko
たta
こたkota
onyomiかんkan
たんtan
Parts
土Soil 甚Extremely, Tremendously
Example Word
堪える: endure. The Japanese verb '堪える (こらえる)' means 'to endure' or 'to hold back'. It is used to describe the act of enduring or tolerating something difficult, such as pain, emotions, or a challenging situation. This verb often implies a sense of self-control or restraint. For example: He endured the pain「彼は痛みを堪えた」(かれはいたみをこらえた). She held back her tears「彼女は涙を堪えた」(かのじょはなみだをこらえた). The verb can also be used in contexts where someone is resisting an urge or impulse, such as holding back laughter or anger. It is important to note that this verb is often used in situations requiring mental or emotional strength.
Radical
土
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
971
Handwriting
kanji
型Meaning
Model, Type
Reading
kata
onyomiけいkei
Parts
刑Punish 土Soil
Example Word
型: mold or pattern. The Japanese noun '型 (かた)' can mean 'pattern' or 'mold'. As 'pattern', it refers to a repeated design or model, often used in contexts like traditional crafts or behavior. For example: This kimono has a beautiful pattern「この着物は美しい型がある」(このきものはうつくしいかたがある). As 'mold', it refers to a hollow container used to give shape to molten or liquid material. For example: The cake was made using a silicone mold「そのケーキはシリコンの型を使って作られた」(そのケーキはシリコンのかたをつかってつくられた). The word can also imply a standard or model to be followed, as in traditional arts or martial arts.
Radical
土
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
977
Handwriting
kanji
執Meaning
Seize, Execute
Reading
to
onyomiしゅうshuu
しつshitsu
Parts
土Soil 幸Happiness 丸Round
Example Word
執行: execution. The Japanese noun '執行 (しっこう)' refers to the act of carrying out or enforcing something, such as a law, plan, or decision. It is often used in formal or legal contexts. For example: the execution of the plan「計画の執行」(けいかくのしっこう). The execution of the law「法律の執行」(ほうりつのしっこう). This term can also be used in contexts like the execution of a will or the enforcement of a court order. It is important to note that this word carries a formal tone and is typically used in professional or official settings.
Radical
土
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
1013
Handwriting
kanji
墓Meaning
Grave
Reading
haka
onyomiぼbo
Parts
莫 土Soil
Example Word
墓参り: grave visiting. The Japanese verbal noun '墓参り (はかまいり)' refers to the act of visiting a grave, typically to pay respects to deceased family members or ancestors. This practice is common during specific times of the year, such as Obon (a Buddhist festival honoring the spirits of ancestors) or on anniversaries of a loved one's death. For example: I went gravevisiting yesterday「昨日、墓参りに行きました」(きのう、はかまいりにいきました). We will visit the grave during Obon「お盆に墓参りをします」(おぼんにはかまいりをします). The term emphasizes the cultural and familial significance of honoring the deceased.
Radical
土
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N1Grade
5Frequency
1014
Handwriting
kanji
垂Meaning
Hang down
Reading
ta
onyomiすいsui
Parts
土Soil
Example Word
垂直: vertical. The Japanese adjectival noun '垂直 (すいちょく)' means 'vertical'. It is used to describe something that is perpendicular to the horizon or at a right angle to a horizontal plane. This term is commonly used in contexts such as geometry, architecture, and everyday descriptions. For example: the wall is vertical「壁は垂直です」(かべはすいちょくです). The tower stands vertically「塔は垂直に立っている」(とうはすいちょくにたっている). It can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is straightforward or direct, though this usage is less common.
Radical
土
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N1Grade
6Frequency
1115
Handwriting
kanji
圧Meaning
Pressure
Reading
atsu
Parts
厂Cliff 土Soil
Example Word
気圧: pressure. The Japanese noun '気圧 (きあつ)' refers to 'atmospheric pressure' or 'air pressure'. It is commonly used in scientific contexts, weather forecasts, and discussions about the environment. For example: The atmospheric pressure is low today「今日は気圧が低い」(きょうはきあつがひくい). Changes in air pressure can affect your health「気圧の変化は健康に影響を与える」(きあつのへんかはけんこうにえいきょうをあたえる). This term is essential in meteorology and can also be used metaphorically to describe a tense or pressurized situation, though this usage is less common.
Radical
土
Stroke Count
5JLPT
N2Grade
5Frequency
1122
Handwriting
kanji
埋Meaning
Bury
Reading
u
onyomiまいmai
Parts
土Soil 里Hometown
Example Word
埋める: bury. The Japanese verb '埋める (うめる)' primarily means 'to bury'. It is used when referring to the act of covering something completely, often in the ground, such as burying treasure or a time capsule. It can also be used metaphorically to describe hiding or concealing something, like emotions or information. For example: He buried the treasure「彼は宝物を埋めた」(かれはたからものをうめた). She buried her feelings「彼女は感情を埋めた」(かのじょはかんじょうをうめた). Additionally, '埋める' can be used in contexts like filling a gap or hole, such as filling a hole in the ground「地面の穴を埋める」(じめんのあなをうめる).
Radical
土
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N2Grade
8Frequency
1179
Handwriting
kanji
塔Meaning
Tower
Reading
tou
Parts
土Soil 荅
Example Word
塔: tower. The Japanese noun '塔 (とう)' refers to a 'tower', a tall structure that is often used for observation, communication, or as a landmark. This word is commonly used to describe both historical and modern towers, such as the Tokyo Tower or ancient pagodas. For example: The tower is tall「その塔は高い」(そのとうはたかい). We visited the old tower「私たちは古い塔を訪れた」(わたしたちはふるいとうをおとずれた). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something that stands out prominently, like a 'tower of strength'.
Radical
土
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N2Grade
7Frequency
1228
Handwriting
kanji
堅Meaning
Firm, Solid
Reading
kata
onyomiけんken
Parts
臤 土Soil
Example Word
堅い: hard. The Japanese adjective '堅い (かたい)' primarily means 'hard' in the sense of being firm or solid. It is used to describe objects that are physically hard, such as wood or metal. However, it can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is strict, rigid, or inflexible, such as rules or attitudes. For example: this bread is hard「このパンは堅い」(このパンはかたい). His attitude is rigid「彼の態度は堅い」(かれのたいどはかたい). Additionally, '堅い' can imply reliability or trustworthiness, as in a person who is dependable. For example: he is a reliable person「彼は堅い人だ」(かれはかたいひとだ).
Radical
土
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
1232
Handwriting
kanji
塗Meaning
Plaster, Paint
Reading
nu
onyomiとto
Parts
涂 土Soil
Example Word
塗る: paint. The Japanese verb '塗る (ぬる)' means 'to paint' or 'to apply a coating'. It is used when describing the action of spreading a substance, such as paint, varnish, or makeup, onto a surface. This verb is commonly used in contexts involving art, construction, or personal grooming. For example: I painted the wall「壁を塗った」(かべをぬった). She applied nail polish「彼女はマニキュアを塗った」(かのじょはまにきゅあをぬった). The nuance of '塗る' emphasizes the act of spreading or covering a surface with a substance, and it can be used both literally and metaphorically.
Radical
土
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N2Grade
8Frequency
1261
Handwriting
kanji
塩Meaning
Salt
Reading
shio
onyomiえんen
Parts
土Soil 皿Plate
Example Word
塩辛い: salty. The Japanese adjective '塩辛い (しおからい)' means 'salty'. It is used to describe food or dishes that have a strong or pronounced saltiness. This word can also carry a nuance of being overly salty or having a sharp, briny taste. For example: this soup is salty「このスープは塩辛い」(このスープはしおからい). The pickles are too salty「漬物が塩辛すぎる」(つけものがしおからすぎる). Note that '塩辛い' is often used to describe food, but it can also be used metaphorically to describe situations or emotions that feel 'sharp' or 'intense'.
Radical
土
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
1269
Handwriting
kanji
堀Meaning
Ditch, Moat
Reading
hori
onyomiくつkutsu
Parts
土Soil 屈Crouch, Yield
Example Word
堀: moat or canal. The Japanese noun '堀 (ほり)' primarily refers to a 'moat', which is a deep, wide ditch surrounding a castle or town, typically filled with water. It can also refer to a 'canal', which is a man-made waterway used for transportation or irrigation. The word is often used in historical or geographical contexts. For example: The castle is surrounded by a moat「その城は堀に囲まれている」(そのしろはほりにかこまれている). They built a canal to improve irrigation「彼らは灌漑を改善するために堀を掘った」(かれらはかんが いをかいぜんするためにほりをほった).
Radical
土
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
1274
Handwriting