Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical
Radical 艸
kanji
葉Meaning
Leaf
Reading
ha
onyomiようyou
Parts
艹Grass 枼Table
Example Word
木の葉: leaf. The Japanese noun '木の葉 (このは)' means 'leaf'. It specifically refers to the leaves of a tree. This word is often used in contexts related to nature, seasons, or descriptions of scenery. For example: The leaves are falling「木の葉が落ちている」(このはがおちている). The leaves are turning red「木の葉が赤くなっている」(このはがあかくなっている). Note that '木の葉' is a compound word combining '木 (き)' (tree) and '葉 (は)' (leaf), emphasizing the connection to trees.
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
127
Handwriting
kanji
落Meaning
Fall
Reading
o
onyomiらくraku
Parts
艹Grass 氵Water (水)各Each
Example Word
落とす: drop. The Japanese verb '落とす (おとす)' primarily means 'to drop' or 'to let something fall'. It is used when something is intentionally or accidentally dropped from a higher position to a lower one. This verb can also imply losing something valuable or failing to retain something. For example: I dropped my phone「携帯を落とした」(けいたいをおとした). He dropped the ball during the game「彼は試合中にボールを落とした」(かれはしあいちゅうにボールをおとした). Additionally, '落とす' can be used metaphorically, such as in the context of failing an exam: She failed the test「彼女はテストを落とした」(かのじょはテストをおとした).
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
152
Handwriting
kanji
若Meaning
Young
Reading
mo
わかwaka
onyomiじゃくjaku
にゃくnyaku
Parts
艹Grass 右Right
Example Word
若い: young. The Japanese adjective '若い (わかい)' means 'young'. It is used to describe someone or something that is in the early stage of life or development. This word can be applied to people, animals, plants, or even abstract concepts like ideas or organizations. For example: She is young「彼女は若い」(かのじょはわかい). This tree is still young「この木はまだ若い」(このきはまだわかい). The adjective can also imply inexperience or freshness, as in '若い考え (わかいかんがえ) (young/naive idea)'. It is important to note that '若い' is often used in a positive or neutral context, but it can sometimes carry a nuance of immaturity depending on the situation.
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N3Grade
6Frequency
178
Handwriting
kanji
花Meaning
Flower
Reading
hana
onyomiかka
Parts
艹Grass 化Change
Example Word
花束: bouquet. The Japanese noun '花束 (はなたば)' refers to a 'bouquet' of flowers. It is commonly used to describe a collection of flowers arranged together, often given as a gift for special occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, or celebrations. For example: She received a beautiful bouquet「彼女は美しい花束をもらった」(かのじょはうつくしいはなたばをもらった). I bought a bouquet for my mother「母に花束を買った」(ははにはなたばをかった). The word emphasizes the arrangement and presentation of flowers, often tied together or placed in a decorative manner.
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N4Grade
1Frequency
195
Handwriting
kanji
苦Meaning
Suffer
Reading
kuru
にがniga
onyomiくku
Parts
艹Grass 古Old
Example Word
苦しむ: suffer. The Japanese verb '苦しむ (くるしむ)' means 'to suffer'. It is used to describe physical, emotional, or mental suffering. This verb can be applied to various contexts, such as enduring pain, struggling with a problem, or experiencing hardship. For example: he suffers from a chronic illness「彼は慢性の病気で苦しんでいる」(かれはまんせいのびょうきでくるしんでいる). Many people suffer from loneliness「多くの人が孤独に苦しんでいる」(おおくのひとがこどくにくるしんでいる). The verb can also be used metaphorically, such as in '苦しむ 心 (くるしむこころ)' (a suffering heart).
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
230
Handwriting
kanji
草Meaning
Grass
Reading
kusa
onyomiそうsou
Parts
早Early, Fast 艹Grass
Example Word
草花: flowers. The Japanese noun '草花 (くさばな)' refers to 'flowers' or 'flowering plants'. It is a compound word combining '草 (くさ)' meaning 'grass' or 'herb' and '花 (はな)' meaning 'flower'. This term is often used to describe small, delicate flowers or plants that grow naturally, such as wildflowers or garden flowers. It carries a gentle and natural connotation, often evoking imagery of nature and beauty. Example sentences: I love the flowers in this garden「この庭の草 花が大好きです」(このにわのくさばながだいすきです). The flowers bloom beautifully in spring「春に草花が美しく咲きます」(はるにくさばながうつくしくさきます).
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N3Grade
1Frequency
250
Handwriting