Page 1
kanji
葉Meaning
Leaf
Reading
kunyomiはha
onyomiようyou
Parts
艹Grass 枼Table
Example Word
話し言葉: spoken language. The Japanese noun '話し言葉 (はなしことば)' refers to 'spoken language' or 'colloquial speech'. It is used to describe the language that is spoken in everyday conversations, as opposed to written language or formal speech. This term is often used in contrast to '書き言葉 (かきことば)', which means 'written language'. For example: Spoken language is different from written language「話し言葉は書き言葉と違う」(はなしことばはかきことばとちがう). In spoken language, people often use contractions「話し言葉では、よく短縮形が使われる」(はなしことばでは、よくたんしゅくけいがつかわれる).
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
127
Handwriting
kanji
落Meaning
Fall
Reading
kunyomiおo
onyomiらくraku
Parts
艹Grass 氵Water (水)各Each
Example Word
落第: failure or flunking. The Japanese verbal noun '落第 (らくだい)' refers to failing or flunking, particularly in an academic context. It is commonly used to describe failing an exam, a course, or not meeting the required standards to advance to the next level. For example: He failed the exam「彼は試験に落第した」(かれはしけんにらくだいした). If you don't study, you'll flunk「勉強しないと落第するよ」(べんきょうしないとらくだいするよ). This term carries a strong connotation of not meeting expectations and is often used in educational settings.
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
152
Handwriting
kanji
若Meaning
Young
Reading
kunyomiもmo
わかwaka
onyomiじゃくjaku
にゃくnyaku
Parts
艹Grass 右Right
Example Word
若し: if. The Japanese adverb '若し (もし)' means 'if' and is used to introduce a hypothetical or conditional situation. It is often paired with conditional forms of verbs or expressions to indicate a possibility or assumption. For example: If it rains tomorrow, I will stay home「もし明日雨が降ったら、家にいます」(もしあしたあめがふったら、いえにいます). If you need help, please tell me「もし助けが必要なら、教えてください」(もしたすけがひつようなら、おしえてください). This word is commonly used in polite or formal contexts and is essential for constructing conditional sentences in Japanese.
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N3Grade
6Frequency
178
Handwriting
kanji
花Meaning
Flower
Reading
kunyomiはなhana
onyomiかka
Parts
艹Grass 化Change
Example Word
花見: flower viewing. The Japanese noun '花見 (はなみ)' refers to the traditional custom of enjoying the beauty of flowers, particularly cherry blossoms (桜, さくら). This activity is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and typically involves gathering with friends or family under blooming cherry trees, often accompanied by food, drinks, and celebration. It is most commonly associated with spring, when cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Example sentences: Let's go flower viewing「花見に行きましょう」(はなみにいきましょう). The flower viewing party was fun「花見のパーティーは楽しかった」(はなみのパーティーはたのしかった).
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N4Grade
1Frequency
195
Handwriting
kanji
苦Meaning
Suffer
Reading
kunyomiくるkuru
にがniga
onyomiくku
Parts
艹Grass 古Old
Example Word
苦心: struggle or effort. The Japanese verbal noun '苦心 (くしん)' refers to the act of putting in great effort or struggling to achieve something, often implying difficulty or hardship. It is commonly used to describe the mental or emotional strain involved in overcoming challenges. For example: He put a lot of effort into the project「彼はそのプロジェクトに苦心した」(かれはそのプロジェクトにくしんした). The teacher struggled to explain the concept「先生はその概念を説明するのに苦心した」(せんせいはそのがいねんをせつめいするのにくしんした). This word emphasizes the hardship or difficulty faced during the process.
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
230
Handwriting
kanji
草Meaning
Grass
Reading
kunyomiくさkusa
onyomiそうsou
Parts
早Early, Fast 艹Grass
Example Word
草木: plants. The Japanese noun '草木 (くさき)' refers to 'plants' in general, including both grasses and trees. It is often used to describe vegetation or greenery in a natural setting. For example: The plants are growing「草木が生えている」(くさきがはえている). The garden is full of plants「庭には草木がいっぱいだ」(にわにはくさきがいっぱいだ). This word is commonly used in contexts related to nature, gardening, or the environment.
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N3Grade
1Frequency
250
Handwriting
kanji
茶Meaning
Tea
Reading
onyomiさsa
ちゃcha
Parts
艹Grass 人Person 木Tree, Wood
Example Word
茶わん: teacup. The Japanese noun '茶わん (ちゃわん)' refers to a 'teacup', specifically a cup used for drinking tea. It is commonly used in the context of traditional Japanese tea ceremonies or everyday tea drinking. The word can also refer to rice bowls in some contexts, but its primary meaning is a teacup. Example sentences: Please pass me the teacup「茶わんを取ってください」(ちゃわんをとってください). This teacup is beautiful「この茶わんはきれいです」(このちゃわんはきれいです).
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
361
Handwriting
kanji
芸Meaning
Art, Performance
Reading
onyomiげいgei
Parts
艹Grass 云Say
Example Word
芸術: art. The Japanese noun '芸術 (げいじゅつ)' refers to 'art' in a broad sense, encompassing various forms of creative expression such as painting, sculpture, music, literature, and theater. It is often used to describe works that are considered to have aesthetic or cultural value. For example: modern art is fascinating「現代芸術は魅力的だ」(げんだいげいじゅつはみりょくてきだ). She studies art at university「彼女は大学で芸術を勉強している」(かのじょはだいがくでげいじゅつをべんきょうしている). The term can also be used in a more abstract sense to describe the concept of art itself, as in 'the essence of art'「芸術の本質」(げいじゅつのほんしつ).
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
388
Handwriting
kanji
蔵Meaning
Storehouse
Reading
kunyomiくらkura
onyomiぞうzou
Parts
茂Grow thickly, Luxuriant 臣Servant, Retainer
Example Word
大蔵省: finance ministry. The Japanese noun '大蔵省 (おおくらしょう)' refers to the 'Ministry of Finance', which was a key government body in Japan responsible for financial and monetary policy, as well as managing the national budget. It was replaced by the Ministry of Finance and the Financial Services Agency in 2001. This term is often used in historical or formal contexts. Example sentences: The Ministry of Finance announced a new policy「大蔵省は新しい政策を発表した」(おおくらしょうはあたらしいせいさくをはっぴょうした). He works at the Ministry of Finance「彼は大蔵省で働いている」(かれはおおくらしょうではたらいている).
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
15JLPT
N2Grade
6Frequency
443
Handwriting
kanji
薄Meaning
Thin, Dilute
Reading
kunyomiうすusu
onyomiはくhaku
Parts
艹Grass 溥
Example Word
薄める: dilute. The Japanese verb '薄める (うすめる)' means 'to dilute'. This verb is used when you want to make a liquid less concentrated by adding water or another solvent. It can also be used metaphorically to describe reducing the intensity of something, such as emotions or colors. For example: dilute the paint with water「絵の具を水で薄める」(えのぐをみずでうすめる). She diluted her anger with a smile「彼女は笑顔で怒りを薄めた」(かのじょはえがおでいかりをうすめた). Note that this verb is transitive, meaning it requires a direct object to indicate what is being diluted.
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
16JLPT
N2Grade
7Frequency
550
Handwriting
kanji
荒Meaning
Wild, Rough
Reading
kunyomiあa
あらara
onyomiこうkou
Parts
艹Grass 巟
Example Word
荒い: rough. The Japanese adjective '荒い (あらい)' primarily means 'rough'. It is used to describe something that is not smooth or gentle, such as rough seas, rough handling, or rough behavior. For example: The sea is rough today「今日の海は荒い」(きょうのうみはあらい). He has a rough way of speaking「彼の話し方は荒い」(かれのはなしかたはあらい). This adjective can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is intense or extreme, such as rough breathing or rough emotions. For example: His breathing was rough after the run「走った後、彼の呼吸は荒かった」(はしったあと、かれのこきゅうはあらかった).
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N2Grade
7Frequency
749
Handwriting
kanji
英Meaning
England, Distinguished
Reading
onyomiえいei
Parts
央Center 艹Grass
Example Word
英雄: hero. The Japanese noun '英雄 (えいゆう)' means 'hero'. This word is used to describe a person who is admired for their courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. It often refers to historical or legendary figures who have performed great deeds. For example: He is a hero「彼は英雄だ」(かれはえいゆうだ). The hero saved the village「英雄が村を救った」(えいゆうがむらをすくった). This term is commonly used in stories, history, and discussions about people who have made significant impacts.
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N4Grade
4Frequency
756
Handwriting
kanji
著Meaning
Renowned, Author
Reading
kunyomiあらわarawa
いちじるichijiru
onyomiちょcho
Parts
艹Grass 者Someone
Example Word
著しい: significant or remarkable. The Japanese adjective '著しい (いちじるしい)' primarily means 'remarkable' or 'significant'. It is used to describe something that stands out due to its noticeable or striking nature, often in terms of change, difference, or impact. This adjective can be applied to both positive and negative contexts, depending on the situation. For example: There has been a remarkable improvement in his health「彼の健康状態は著しく改善した」(かれのけんこうじょうたいはいちじるしくかいぜんした). The damage caused by the earthquake was significant「地震による被害は著しかった」(じしんによるひがいはいちじるしかった). Note that '著しい' often conveys a sense of something being clearly evident or easily observable.
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N2Grade
6Frequency
807
Handwriting
kanji
薬Meaning
Medicine
Reading
kunyomiくすりkusuri
onyomiやくyaku
Parts
艹Grass 楽Music, Pleasure
Example Word
薬品: medicine or chemical. The Japanese noun '薬品 (やくひん)' can refer to either 'medicine' or 'chemical', depending on the context. When used in a medical or pharmaceutical context, it typically means 'medicine' or 'pharmaceutical product'. For example: this medicine is effective「この薬品は効果的です」(このやくひんはこうかてきです). In a scientific or industrial context, it often refers to 'chemicals'. For example: handle these chemicals with care「これらの薬品は注意して扱ってください 」(これらのやくひんはちゅういしてあつかってください). The word is commonly used in both everyday and technical settings.
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
16JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
816
Handwriting
kanji
芝Meaning
Lawn, Turf
Reading
kunyomiしばshiba
onyomiしshi
Parts
艹Grass 之
Example Word
芝居: play or act. The Japanese noun '芝居 (しばい)' primarily refers to a theatrical play or drama performed on stage. It can also mean 'acting' or 'pretending' in a broader sense, often used to describe someone's behavior when they are putting on an act or being insincere. For example: I watched a play at the theater「劇場で芝居を見た」(げきじょうでしばいをみた). He's just putting on an act「彼はただ芝 居をしている」(かれはただしばいをしている). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe situations where someone is being dramatic or exaggerating their emotions.
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
862
Handwriting
kanji
荷Meaning
Baggage
Reading
kunyomiにni
onyomiかka
Parts
艹Grass 何What
Example Word
荷物: luggage or burden. The Japanese noun '荷物 (にもつ)' primarily means 'luggage' or 'baggage', referring to items that are carried or transported. It is commonly used in contexts such as travel or moving. For example: Please carry this luggage「この荷物を運んでください」(このにもつをはこんでください). Additionally, '荷物' can metaphorically mean 'burden' or 'responsibility', often used in a figurative sense. For example: He is a burden to the team「彼はチームの荷物だ」(かれはチームのにもつだ). The word is versatile and can be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N2Grade
3Frequency
871
Handwriting
kanji
菊Meaning
Chrysanthemum
Reading
kunyomiきくkiku
onyomiきくkiku
Parts
艹Grass 匊
Example Word
菊: chrysanthemum. The Japanese noun '菊 (きく)' refers to the chrysanthemum flower. This flower holds significant cultural importance in Japan, symbolizing longevity and rejuvenation. It is also the emblem of the Imperial Family and is prominently featured during the Chrysanthemum Festival (菊の節句, きくのせっく) in autumn. Example sentences include: The chrysanthemum is beautiful「菊がきれいです」(きくがきれいです). I saw a chrysanthemum at the garden「庭で菊を見ました」(にわできくをみました).
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
996
Handwriting
kanji
華Meaning
China, Splendor
Reading
kunyomiはなhana
onyomiけke
かka
Parts
艹Grass
Example Word
華やか: showy. The Japanese adjective '華やか (はなやか)' means 'showy' or 'gorgeous'. It is used to describe something that is visually striking, vibrant, or splendid, often in a way that attracts attention. This word is commonly used to describe events, decorations, or appearances that are lively and colorful. For example: The party was showy「そのパーティーは華やかだった」(そのパーティーははなやかだった). Her dress is gorgeous「彼女のドレスは華やかだ」(かのじょのドレスははなやかだ). The festival was vibrant and lively「その祭りは華やかで活気があった」(そのまつりははなやかでかっきがあった).
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
999
Handwriting
kanji
藩Meaning
Fief, Fiefdom
Reading
onyomiはんhan
Parts
艹Grass 潘
Example Word
藩: domain. The Japanese noun '藩 (はん)' refers to a 'domain' or 'feudal domain' during the Edo period in Japan. It was a territory controlled by a daimyo (feudal lord) under the shogunate system. The term is historically significant and is often used in discussions about Japan's feudal era. For example: The domain was prosperous「その藩は繁栄していた」(そのはんははんえいしていた). He governed the domain「彼はその藩を治めた」(かれはそのはんをおさめた). The word is primarily used in historical contexts and is less common in modern everyday language.
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
18JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
1283
Handwriting
kanji
葬Meaning
Bury, Burial
Reading
kunyomiほうむhoumu
onyomiそうsou
Parts
艹Grass 死Death 廾Twenty
Example Word
葬儀: funeral. The Japanese noun '葬儀 (そうぎ)' refers to a funeral ceremony. It is used to describe the formal rituals and services held to honor and remember a deceased person. This word is commonly used in formal contexts and is associated with the cultural and religious practices surrounding death in Japan. For example: The funeral was held yesterday「葬儀は昨日行われた」(そうぎはきのうおこなわれた). Many people attended the funeral「多くの人が葬儀に参列した」(おおくのひとがそうぎにさんれつした). The word '葬儀' often carries a solemn and respectful tone, reflecting the importance of the event in Japanese culture.
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
1289
Handwriting
kanji
蓋Meaning
Lid
Reading
kunyomiふたfuta
かこうkakou
けだkeda
onyomiこうkou
がいgai
かいkai
Parts
艹Grass 盍
Example Word
蓋: lid. The Japanese noun '蓋 (ふた)' means 'lid'. It refers to a cover or top that is placed over a container to close or seal it. This word is commonly used in everyday contexts, such as when referring to the lid of a pot, jar, or bottle. For example: Please put the lid on the pot「鍋に蓋をしてください」(なべにふたをしてください). The lid of this jar is hard to open「この瓶の蓋は開けにくい」(このびんのふたはあけにくい). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something that conceals or hides, as in '蓋をする (ふたをする)' which means 'to cover up' or 'to hide something'.
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
13JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
1333
Handwriting
kanji
荘Meaning
Solemn, Villa
Reading
kunyomiほうきhouki
あごそagoso
onyomiそうsou
しょうshou
ちゃんchan
Parts
艹Grass 壮Grand, Robust
Example Word
荘: villa. The Japanese suffix '荘 (しょう)' is used to denote a villa, mansion, or a type of residence, often implying a certain level of elegance or grandeur. It is commonly found in the names of residential buildings, hotels, or estates. For example: a luxurious villa「豪華な荘」(ごうかなしょう). This suffix can also be part of the name of a place, such as a hotel or a resort, indicating a place of lodging or retreat. For instance: staying at a mountain villa「山荘に泊まる」(さんしょうにとまる). The usage of '荘' often conveys a sense of traditional or upscale accommodation.
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
1334
Handwriting
kanji
菜Meaning
Vegetable
Reading
kunyomiなna
onyomiさいsai
Parts
采Grab 艹Grass
Example Word
白菜: napa cabbage. The Japanese noun '白菜 (はくさい)' refers to 'napa cabbage', a type of Chinese cabbage commonly used in East Asian cuisine. It is characterized by its long, light green leaves and white stems. This vegetable is a staple in dishes such as hot pot, stir-fries, and pickles. For example: I bought napa cabbage at the market「市場で白菜を買いま した」(いちばではくさいをかいました). Napa cabbage is delicious in hot pot「白菜は鍋料理で美味しい」(はくさいはなべりょうりでおいしい). The word is often used in culinary contexts and is a key ingredient in many traditional Japanese dishes.
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
1362
Handwriting
kanji
菓Meaning
Fruit, Cake
Reading
onyomiかka
Parts
艹Grass 果Fruit
Example Word
菓子: sweets. The Japanese noun '菓子 (かし)' refers to 'sweets' or 'confectionery'. It is commonly used to describe traditional Japanese sweets (和菓子, わがし) or Western-style sweets (洋菓子, ようがし). This word is often used in contexts related to snacks, desserts, or treats. For example: I bought some sweets「菓子を買いました」(かしをかいました). These sweets are delicious「この菓子は美味しいです」(このかしはおいしいです). The term can also refer to snacks in general, not just sweet items, depending on the context.
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N2Grade
7Frequency
1443
Handwriting
kanji
蔑Meaning
Neglect, Scorn
Reading
kunyomiさげすsagesu
onyomiべつbetsu
Parts
艹Grass 罒Net 戍
Example Word
軽蔑: scorn. The Japanese verbal noun '軽蔑 (けいべつ)' means 'scorn' or 'contempt'. It refers to a feeling of disdain or disrespect towards someone or something considered inferior or unworthy. This word is often used in formal or serious contexts to describe a strong negative attitude. For example: He looked at me with scorn「彼は軽蔑の目で私を見た」(かれはけいべつのめでわたしをみた). She felt contempt for his dishonesty「彼女は彼の不誠実さに軽蔑を感じた」(かのじょはかれのふせいじつさにけいべつをかんじた). The word can also be used in phrases like '軽蔑する (けいべつする)', which means 'to scorn' or 'to despise'.
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
14JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
1518
Handwriting
kanji
蒸Meaning
Steam
Reading
kunyomiむmu
onyomiじょうjou
Parts
艹Grass 烝
Example Word
蒸し暑い: humid or muggy. The Japanese adjective '蒸し暑い (むしあつい)' describes weather that is both hot and humid, often making it feel uncomfortable or oppressive. It is commonly used during the summer months in Japan when the combination of heat and humidity is particularly intense. For example: today is so humid「今日は蒸し暑い」(きょうはむしあつい). The room feels muggy「部屋が蒸し暑い」(へやがむしあつい). This word captures the sticky, sweaty feeling associated with such weather conditions.
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N2Grade
6Frequency
1524
Handwriting
kanji
蓄Meaning
Amass, Store up
Reading
kunyomiたくわtakuwa
onyomiちくchiku
Parts
畜Livestock 艹Grass
Example Word
貯蓄: savings. The Japanese noun '貯蓄 (ちょちく)' refers to the act of saving money or resources, or the accumulated savings themselves. It is commonly used in financial contexts to describe the practice of setting aside money for future use. For example: I have been saving money for a house「家のために貯蓄をしています」(いえのためにちょちくをしています). It is important to save for emergencies「緊急時のために貯蓄することが重要です」(きんきゅうじのためにちょちくすることがじゅうようです). The term can also be used more broadly to refer to the accumulation of resources, not just money.
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
1743
Handwriting
kanji
芋Meaning
Potato
Reading
kunyomiいもimo
Parts
艹Grass 于
Example Word
芋: potato or tuber. The Japanese noun '芋 (いも)' refers to a type of root vegetable, commonly translated as 'potato'. However, it can also refer to other tuberous plants such as sweet potatoes or yams. This word is often used in cooking and agriculture contexts. For example: I planted potatoes「芋を植えた」(いもをうえた). This soup has sweet potatoes「このスープには芋が入っている」(このスープにはいもがはいっている). Note that while '芋' often refers to potatoes, the specific type of tuber can vary depending on the context.
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
1762
Handwriting
kanji
苛Meaning
Bullying
Reading
kunyomiさいなsaina
こまかいkomakai
いらだirada
onyomiかka
Parts
艹Grass 可Possible
Example Word
苛々: irritation. The Japanese noun '苛々 (いらいら)' refers to a state of irritation or frustration. It is often used to describe a feeling of being annoyed or impatient, typically due to minor inconveniences or delays. For example: I feel irritated because of the traffic「交通のせいで苛々している」(こうつうのせいでいらいらしている). She gets irritated easily「彼女はすぐに苛々する」(かのじょはすぐにいらいらする). This word is commonly used in everyday conversation to express mild frustration or annoyance.
Radical
艸
Stroke Count
8JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
1769
Handwriting