Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical
Radical 肉
kanji
能Meaning
Ability
Reading
nou
Parts
䏍 匕Spoon
Example Word
能力: ability. The Japanese noun '能力 (のうりょく)' means 'ability'. It refers to the capacity or skill to do something, whether physical, mental, or technical. This word is often used in contexts related to personal skills, professional competencies, or innate talents. For example: He has the ability to solve problems quickly「彼は問題を素早く解決する能力がある」(かれはもんだいをすばやくかいけつするのうりょくがある). Improving your language ability is important「言語能力を向上させることは重要だ」(げんごのうりょくをこうじょうさせることはじゅうようだ). The word can also be used in broader contexts, such as organizational or technological capabilities.
Radical
肉
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N3Grade
5Frequency
349
Handwriting
kanji
胸Meaning
Chest, Breast
Reading
mune
むなmuna
onyomiきょうkyou
Parts
月Moon, Month 匈
Example Word
胸: chest. The Japanese noun '胸 (むね)' primarily refers to the 'chest' area of the body. It can be used both literally, to describe the physical chest, and metaphorically, to refer to emotions or feelings that one holds deeply, often related to the heart or mind. For example: His chest was injured in the accident「彼の胸は事故でけがをした」(かれのむねはじこでけがをした). She held her feelings close to her chest「彼女は胸に思いを秘めていた」(かのじょはむねにおもいをひめていた). The word can also appear in expressions like '胸が痛い (むねがいたい)', which means 'my heart aches' or 'I feel emotional pain'.
Radical
肉
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N2Grade
6Frequency
398
Handwriting
kanji
背Meaning
Back, Height
Reading
se
せいsei
そむsomu
onyomiはいhai
Parts
北North 肉Meat
Example Word
背景: background. The Japanese noun '背景 (はいけい)' primarily means 'background'. It can refer to the physical background of a scene or image, such as in photography or art, or the contextual background of a situation, such as historical, social, or personal circumstances. For example: The background of the photo is beautiful「写真の背景は美しい」(しゃしんのはいけいはうつくしい). Understanding the historical background is important「歴史的背景を理解することが重要だ」(れきしてきはいけいをりかいすることがじゅうようだ). This word is versatile and can be used in various contexts to describe the setting or circumstances surrounding a subject.
Radical
肉
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N3Grade
6Frequency
429
Handwriting
kanji
腹Meaning
Abdomen
Reading
naka
はらhara
onyomiふくfuku
Parts
月Moon, Month 复
Example Word
腹: stomach or abdomen. The Japanese noun '腹 (はら)' primarily refers to the 'stomach' or 'abdomen', the part of the body containing the digestive organs. It can also be used metaphorically to describe one's feelings or emotions, such as anger or determination, as in '腹が立つ (はらがたつ)', which means 'to get angry'. Example sentences: My stomach hurts「腹が痛い」(はらがいたい). He has a strong will「彼は腹が据わっている」(かれははらがすわっている).
Radical
肉
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N3Grade
6Frequency
483
Handwriting
kanji
肉Meaning
Meat
Reading
niku
Parts
内Inside 人Person
Example Word
皮肉: irony or sarcasm. The Japanese adjectival noun '皮肉 (ひにく)' can mean both 'sarcasm' and 'irony'. It is used to describe situations, remarks, or expressions that convey a meaning opposite to what is literally stated, often with a mocking or critical tone. For example: His sarcastic remark hurt her feelings「彼の皮肉な発言は彼女の気持ちを傷つけた」(かれのひにくなはつげんはかのじょのきもちをきずつけた). It's ironic that the firefighter's house burned down「消防士の家が燃えたのは皮肉だ」(しょうぼうしのいえがもえたのはひにくだ). The word can also be used to describe situations where the outcome is contrary to what was expected, highlighting a twist of fate or unexpected result.
Radical
肉
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
522
Handwriting
kanji
腰Meaning
Loins, Waist
Reading
koshi
onyomiようyou
Parts
肉Meat 要Important, Need
Example Word
腰掛け: stool. The Japanese noun '腰掛け (こしかけ)' refers to a 'stool', which is a simple seat without a back or arms. It is often used in casual or temporary seating situations. For example: Please sit on the stool「腰掛けに座ってください」(こしかけにすわってください). There is a stool in the corner「隅に腰掛けがあります」(すみにこしかけがあります). This word can also be used metaphorically to describe a temporary position or role, but its primary meaning is the physical object.
Radical
肉
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N2Grade
7Frequency
569
Handwriting
kanji
腕Meaning
Ability, Arm
Reading
ude
onyomiわんwan
Parts
月Moon, Month 宛Address
Example Word
腕: arm. The Japanese noun '腕 (うで)' primarily refers to the 'arm', specifically the part of the body from the shoulder to the hand. It is commonly used in everyday conversation to talk about physical arms, but it can also metaphorically refer to one's skill or ability, especially in a professional or artistic context. For example: He has strong arms「彼は腕が強い」(かれはうでがつよい). She is skilled at cooking「彼女は料理の腕がいい」(かのじょはりょうりのうでがいい). The word can also appear in idiomatic expressions, such as '腕を磨く (うでをみがく)', which means 'to hone one's skills'.
Radical
肉
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N2Grade
7Frequency
646
Handwriting
kanji
育Meaning
Raise, Grow
Reading
soda
はぐくhaguku
onyomiいくiku
Parts
月Moon, Month 𠫓Child
Example Word
育成: cultivation or development. The Japanese noun '育成 (いくせい)' refers to the process of nurturing, developing, or cultivating something or someone. It is often used in contexts related to raising children, training employees, or growing plants. For example: the development of young athletes「若いアスリートの育成」(わかいアスリートのいくせい). The cultivation of new talent「新しい才能の育成」(あたらしいさいのうのいくせい). This word emphasizes a deliberate and systematic effort to foster growth or improvement.
Radical
肉
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
686
Handwriting
kanji
肩Meaning
Shoulder
Reading
kata
onyomiけんken
Parts
戸Door 肉Meat
Example Word
肩: shoulder. The Japanese noun '肩 (かた)' means 'shoulder'. This word refers to the part of the body where the arm connects to the torso. It is commonly used in everyday conversation and can also appear in idiomatic expressions. For example: my shoulder hurts「肩が痛い」(かたがいたい). He patted me on the shoulder「彼は私の肩を叩いた」(かれはわたしのかたをたたいた). In Japanese culture, the shoulder can also symbolize responsibility or burden, as in '肩の荷が下りる (かたのにがおりる)', which means 'to be relieved of a burden'.
Radical
肉
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N2Grade
7Frequency
692
Handwriting
kanji
脱Meaning
Remove, Undress
Reading
nu
onyomiだつdatsu
Parts
肉Meat 兑
Example Word
脱線: digression or derailment. The Japanese verbal noun '脱線 (だっせん)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'derailment', referring to a train or vehicle going off its tracks. For example: The train derailed「電車が脱線した」(でんしゃがだっせんした). The second meaning is 'digression', referring to a conversation or discussion straying from the main topic. For example: The meeting went off topic「会議が脱線した」(かいぎがだっせんした). It's important to note that the context will determine which meaning is intended, as both are commonly used in Japanese.
Radical
肉
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
879
Handwriting
kanji
膝Meaning
Knee
Reading
hiza
Parts
⺼ 桼
Example Word
膝: knee. The Japanese noun '膝 (ひざ)' refers to the 'knee', the joint between the thigh and the lower leg. It is commonly used in everyday conversation and can describe both the physical body part and actions involving the knee. For example: My knee hurts「膝が痛い」(ひざがいたい). He sat on his knees「彼は膝をついて座った」(かれはひざをついてすわった). The word can also be used metaphorically, such as in the phrase '膝を抱く (ひざをだく)', which means to hug one's knees, often indicating a posture of reflection or sadness.
Radical
肉
Stroke Count
15JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
908
Handwriting
kanji
脚Meaning
Leg
Reading
ashi
onyomiきゃくkyaku
きゃkya
Parts
肉Meat 却Instead, Eliminate
Example Word
脚: leg. The Japanese noun '脚 (あし)' primarily means 'leg'. It refers to the lower limb of the body, used for standing and walking. This word can be used to describe the legs of humans, animals, or even furniture. For example: my leg hurts「脚が痛い」(あしがいたい). The table has four legs「そのテーブルは脚が四本ある」(そのテーブルはあしがよんほんある). In some contexts, '脚' can also refer to the lower part of an object, such as the legs of a chair or table, but this is still closely related to the primary meaning of 'leg'.
Radical
肉
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
973
Handwriting
kanji
肌Meaning
Skin
Reading
hada
onyomiきki
Parts
肉Meat 几
Example Word
肌着: underwear. The Japanese noun '肌着 (はだぎ)' refers to 'underwear' or 'underclothing'. It specifically denotes garments worn directly against the skin, such as undershirts, underpants, or thermal wear. This term is commonly used in everyday contexts when discussing clothing or laundry. For example: I bought new underwear「新しい肌着を買いました」(あたらしいはだぎをかいました). She washed her underwear「彼女は肌着を洗いました」(かのじょははだぎをあらいました). The word emphasizes the closeness of the clothing to the skin, often implying comfort or practicality.
Radical
肉
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N2Grade
9Frequency
1306
Handwriting
kanji
胆Meaning
Gallbladder, Guts
Reading
kimo
onyomiたんtan
Parts
肉Meat 旦Dawn
Example Word
大胆: daring or bold. The Japanese adjectival noun '大胆 (だいたん)' primarily means 'bold' or 'daring'. It is used to describe actions, plans, or personalities that are fearless, adventurous, or unconventional. This term often carries a positive connotation, suggesting courage and a willingness to take risks. For example: His bold plan succeeded「彼の大胆な計画は成功した」(かれのだいたんなけいかくはせいこうした). She is known for her daring fashion sense「彼女は大胆なファッションセンスで知られている」(かのじょはだいたんなファッションセンスでしられている). Note that '大胆' can also imply a certain level of audacity or recklessness, depending on the context.
Radical
肉
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
1331
Handwriting
kanji
腐Meaning
Rot
Reading
kusa
onyomiふfu
Parts
府Government office, Urban prefecture 肉Meat
Example Word
豆腐: tofu. The Japanese noun '豆腐 (とうふ)' refers to 'tofu', a food made from soybeans. It is a staple in Japanese cuisine and is known for its versatility and high protein content. Tofu can be prepared in various ways, such as fried, boiled, or eaten cold. For example: I ate tofu for dinner「夕食に豆腐を食べた」(ゆうしょくにとうふをたべた). This miso soup has tofu in it「この味噌汁には豆腐が入っている」(このみそしるにはとうふがはいっている). Tofu is often used in vegetarian and vegan diets as a meat substitute due to its texture and nutritional value.
Radical
肉
Stroke Count
14JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
1332
Handwriting
kanji
脇Meaning
Armpit
Reading
waki
onyomiきょうkyou
Parts
月Moon, Month 劦
Example Word
脇: side. The Japanese noun '脇 (わき)' primarily means 'side', referring to the area beside or next to something. It is often used to describe the space adjacent to a person, object, or location. For example: He stood by my side「彼は私の脇に立った」(かれはわたしのわきにたった). The book is placed beside the lamp「本はランプの脇に置かれている」(ほんはランプのわきにおかれている). Additionally, '脇' can sometimes refer to the armpit in specific contexts, but this usage is less common and typically requires additional clarification. For example: She applied deodorant to her armpit「彼女は脇にデオドラントをつけた」(かのじょはわきにデオドラントをつけた).
Radical
肉
Stroke Count
10JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
1345
Handwriting
kanji
脳Meaning
Brain
Reading
nou
Parts
肉Meat ⺍Small 凶Villain, Bad luck
Example Word
脳: brain. The Japanese noun '脳 (のう)' refers to the 'brain', the organ in the head that controls thought, memory, and bodily functions. It is commonly used in both scientific and everyday contexts. For example: The brain is an important organ「脳は重要な器官です」(のうはじゅうようなきかんです). He has a sharp brain「彼は鋭い脳を持っている」(かれはするどいのうをもっている). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe intelligence or mental capacity, as in '彼は脳がいい (かれはのうがいい) (He is smart).'
Radical
肉
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N2Grade
6Frequency
1350
Handwriting
kanji
臓Meaning
Entrails, Viscera
Reading
zou
Parts
肉Meat 蔵Storehouse
Example Word
内臓: internal organs. The Japanese noun '内臓 (ないぞう)' refers to the internal organs of the body, such as the heart, liver, stomach, and intestines. It is commonly used in medical or biological contexts to describe the organs located inside the body cavity. For example: The doctor examined his internal organs「医師は彼の内臓を検査し た」(いしはかれのないぞうをけんさした). Eating healthy is important for your internal organs「健康的な食事は内臓に重要です」(けんこうてきなしょくじはないぞうにじゅうようです). The term is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
Radical
肉
Stroke Count
19JLPT
N2Grade
6Frequency
1398
Handwriting
kanji
脈Meaning
Vein, Pulse
Reading
myaku
Parts
月Moon, Month
Example Word
山脈: mountain range. The Japanese noun '山脈 (さんみゃく)' refers to a 'mountain range', which is a series of connected mountains. This term is used in geographical contexts to describe large landforms. For example: The Himalayas are a famous mountain range「ヒマラヤ山脈は有名な山脈です」(ヒマラヤさんみゃくはゆうめいなさんみゃくです). We crossed the mountain range by train「私たちは山脈を電車で越えました」(わたしたちはさんみゃくをでんしゃでこえました).
Radical
肉
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N1Grade
4Frequency
1439
Handwriting
kanji
膚Meaning
Skin
Reading
hada
onyomiふfu
Parts
虍 胃Stomach
Example Word
皮膚: skin. The Japanese noun '皮膚 (ひふ)' refers to the outer covering of the body, commonly known as 'skin'. It is used in both medical and everyday contexts to describe the physical layer that protects the body. For example: My skin is dry「私の皮膚は乾燥している」(わたしのひふはかんそうしている). The skin is the largest organ of the body「皮膚は体の中で一番大きな器官です」(ひふはからだのなかでいちばんおおきなきかんです). The word can also be used in compound terms, such as '皮膚科 (ひふか)' (dermatology).
Radical
肉
Stroke Count
15JLPT
N2Grade
7Frequency
1589
Handwriting
kanji
肝Meaning
Liver
Reading
kimo
onyomiかんkan
Parts
肉Meat 干Dry
Example Word
肝心: crucial. The Japanese adjectival noun '肝心 (かんじん)' means 'crucial' or 'essential'. It is used to describe something that is of utmost importance or critical to a situation. This word often emphasizes the significance of a particular element or action. For example: The most crucial part is to stay calm「肝心なのは落ち着くことだ」(かんじんなのはおちつくことだ). It's crucial to follow the instructions「肝心なのは指示に従うことだ」(かんじんなのはしじにしたがうことだ). The word can also be used in contexts where something is vital or indispensable, such as in planning or decision-making processes.
Radical
肉
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
1591
Handwriting
kanji
脅Meaning
Threaten
Reading
odo
おびやobiya
onyomiきょうkyou
Parts
肉Meat 劦
Example Word
脅かす: threaten. The Japanese verb '脅かす (おびやかす)' means 'to threaten'. This verb is used to describe the act of posing a threat or danger to someone or something, often causing fear or anxiety. It can be used in various contexts, such as physical threats, emotional threats, or even abstract threats to stability or peace. For example: The storm threatened the village「嵐が村を脅かした」(あらしがむらをおびやかした). His actions threaten the company's future「彼の行動は会社 の未来を脅かす」(かれのこうどうはかいしゃのみらいをおびやかす). It's important to note that this verb often implies a significant or serious threat, rather than a minor inconvenience.
Radical
肉
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
1597
Handwriting
kanji
肯Meaning
Assent, Agreement
Reading
gaenji
onyomiこうkou
Parts
肉Meat 止Stop
Example Word
肯定: affirmation. The Japanese verbal noun '肯定 (こ うてい)' means 'affirmation' or 'positive acknowledgment'. It is used to express agreement, confirmation, or the act of affirming something. This word is often used in contexts where one acknowledges or accepts a statement, idea, or situation as true or valid. For example: His answer was an affirmation「彼の答えは肯定だった」(かれのこたえはこうていだった). We need to affirm this decision「この決定を肯定する必要がある」(このけっていをこうていするひつようがある). It can also be used in contrast to '否定 (ひてい)' (negation) to highlight a positive stance.
Radical
肉
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N2Grade
9Frequency
1653
Handwriting
kanji
臆Meaning
Cowardice
Reading
mune
おくするokusuru
onyomiおくoku
よくyoku
Parts
月Moon, Month 意Idea ⺼
Example Word
臆病: cowardly. The Japanese adjectival noun '臆病 (おくびょう)' means 'cowardly'. It is used to describe someone who lacks courage or is easily frightened. This term often carries a negative connotation, implying timidity or fearfulness in situations where bravery is expected. For example: he is too cowardly to face the challenge「彼は臆病でその挑戦に立ち向かえない」(かれはおくびょうでそのちょうせんにたちむかえない). Don't be so cowardly!「そんなに臆病にならないで!」(そんなにおくびょうにならないで!). The word can also describe a cautious or overly timid approach to something, such as 'a cowardly attitude' (臆病な態度, おくびょうなたいど).
Radical
肉
Stroke Count
17JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
1655
Handwriting
kanji
脂Meaning
Fat, Grease
Reading
abura
onyomiしshi
Parts
肉Meat 旨Purport, Delicious
Example Word
脂肪: fat. The Japanese noun '脂肪 (しぼう)' refers to 'fat', specifically the biological substance found in the bodies of humans and animals, or the fatty component in food. It is commonly used in both medical and everyday contexts. For example: This food contains a lot of fat「この食べ物は脂肪が多い」(このたべものはしぼうがおおい). Exercise helps burn fat「運動は脂肪を燃やす」(うんどうはしぼうをもやす). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe excess or unnecessary elements, though this usage is less common.
Radical
肉
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N2Grade
7Frequency
1709
Handwriting
kanji
胃Meaning
Stomach
Reading
i
Parts
田Rice field 月Moon, Month
Example Word
胃腸: stomach or intestines. The Japanese noun '胃腸 (いちょう)' refers to the digestive system, specifically the stomach and intestines. It is often used in medical or health-related contexts to discuss issues or conditions affecting these organs. For example: My stomach and intestines are not feeling well「私の胃腸の調子が悪い」(わたしのいちょうのちょうしがわるい). He has a strong stomach and intestines「彼は胃腸が強い」(かれはいちょうがつよい). This term is commonly used in compound words related to digestion, such as '胃腸炎 (いちょうえん)' (gastroenteritis).
Radical
肉
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
1761
Handwriting
kanji
腸Meaning
Intestine
Reading
harawata
onyomiちょうchou
Parts
肉Meat 昜Sunray
Example Word
胃腸: stomach or intestines. The Japanese noun '胃腸 (いちょう)' refers to the digestive system, specifically the stomach and intestines. It is often used in medical or health-related contexts to discuss issues or conditions affecting these organs. For example: My stomach and intestines are not feeling well「私の胃腸の調子が悪い」(わたしのいちょうのちょうしがわるい). He has a strong stomach and intestines「彼は胃腸が強い」(かれはいちょうがつよい). This term is commonly used in compound words related to digestion, such as '胃腸炎 (いちょうえん)' (gastroenteritis).
Radical
肉
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N1Grade
4Frequency
1819
Handwriting
kanji
肺Meaning
Lung
Reading
hai
Parts
肉Meat 巿
Example Word
肺: lung. The Japanese noun '肺 (はい)' refers to the organ known as the 'lung'. It is used in medical, biological, and everyday contexts to describe the respiratory organ in humans and animals. For example: His lungs are healthy「彼の肺は健康です」(かれのはいはけんこうです). Smoking damages the lungs「喫煙は肺を傷つける」(きつえんははいをきずつける). The word is also used in compound terms like '肺炎 (はいえん)' (pneumonia) or '肺がん (はいがん)' (lung cancer).
Radical
肉
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N1Grade
6Frequency
1822
Handwriting
kanji
膨Meaning
Swell
Reading
fuku
onyomiぼうbou
Parts
月Moon, Month 彭
Example Word
膨らむ: swell. The Japanese verb '膨らむ (ふくらむ)' means 'to swell' or 'to expand'. It is used to describe something increasing in size, volume, or scope. This can refer to physical swelling, such as a balloon inflating, or metaphorical expansion, like an idea growing. For example: The balloon swelled「風船が膨らんだ」(ふうせんがふくらんだ). Her dreams are expanding「彼女の夢が膨らんでいる」(かのじょのゆめがふくらんでいる). The verb can also imply a sense of anticipation or potential, as in something growing or developing.
Radical
肉
Stroke Count
16JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
1873
Handwriting
kanji
胞Meaning
Placenta, Membranous sac
Reading
hou
Parts
月Moon, Month 包Wrap
Example Word
細胞: cell. The Japanese noun '細胞 (さいぼう)' refers to a 'cell', the basic structural and functional unit of living organisms. This term is commonly used in biological and medical contexts. For example: cells divide「細胞が分裂する」(さいぼうがぶんれつする). The human body is made up of many cells「人体は多くの細胞でできている」(じんたいはおおくのさいぼうでできている). It can also be used metaphorically to describe the smallest unit of an organization or system, such as a 'cell' in a political or social group.
Radical
肉
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
1887
Handwriting
kanji
肘Meaning
Arm, Elbow
Reading
hiji
onyomiちゅうchuu
Parts
月Moon, Month 寸Measurement
Example Word
肘: elbow. The Japanese noun '肘 (ひじ)' refers to the 'elbow', the joint connecting the upper and lower parts of the arm. This word is commonly used in everyday conversation and medical contexts. For example: my elbow hurts「私の肘が痛い」(わたしのひじがいたい). He leaned on his elbow「彼は肘をついた」(かれはひじをついた). The word can also appear in idiomatic expressions or proverbs, such as '肘を張る (ひじをはる)', which means to act stubbornly or assertively.
Radical
肉
Stroke Count
7JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
1961
Handwriting