Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical
Radical 肉
kanji
能Meaning
Ability
Reading
nou
Parts
䏍 匕Spoon
Example Word
知能: intelligence. The Japanese noun '知能 (ちのう)' refers to 'intelligence' or 'mental capacity'. It is used to describe the cognitive abilities of a person or, in some cases, artificial systems. This term is often used in contexts related to psychology, education, and technology. For example: artificial intelligence「人工知能」(じんこうちのう). His intelligence is remarkable「彼の知能は素晴らしい」(かれのちのうはすばらしい). The word can also appear in compound nouns, such as '知能指数 (ちのうしすう)' (intelligence quotient or IQ).
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: height. The Japanese noun '背 (せ)' primarily refers to 'height' or 'stature' of a person. It is commonly used to describe how tall someone is. For example: His height is impressive「彼の背は高い」(かれのせはたかい). Additionally, '背' can also refer to the 'back' of a person or an object, though this usage is less common in everyday conversation. For example: She has a straight back「彼女の背はまっすぐだ」(かのじょのせはまっすぐだ). The word is versatile but most frequently used in the context of physical height.
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
腹一杯: full. The Japanese adverb '腹一杯 (はらいっぱい)' literally means 'stomach full' and is used to describe being completely full, usually after eating. It emphasizes satisfaction or being filled to capacity. This term can also be used metaphorically to express being fully satisfied or having had enough of something non-physical. Example sentences: I ate until I was full「腹一杯食べた」(はらいっぱいたべた). He laughed heartily「彼は腹一杯笑った」(かれははらいっぱいわらった). Note that this term is casual and often used in everyday conversation.
Radical
肉
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N3Grade
6Frequency
483
Handwriting
kanji
肉Meaning
Meat
Reading
niku
Parts
内Inside 人Person
Example Word
豚肉: pork. The Japanese noun '豚肉 (ぶたにく)' means 'pork'. It refers to the meat of a pig and is commonly used in Japanese cuisine. This word is often seen in menus, recipes, and grocery stores. For example: I bought pork at the supermarket「スーパーで豚肉を買いました」(スーパーでぶたにくをかいました). This dish is made with pork「この料理は豚肉で作られています」(このりょうりはぶたにくでつくられています). Pork is a staple ingredient in many Japanese dishes, such as tonkatsu (pork cutlet) and buta no shogayaki (ginger pork).
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
保育園: nursery. The Japanese noun '保育園 (ほいくえん)' refers to a nursery or daycare center where young children, typically under school age, are cared for during the day. It is a facility that provides childcare services, often for working parents. The term is commonly used in Japan to describe institutions that offer early childhood education and care. Example sentences: My child goes to nursery「私の子供は保育園に行きます」(わたしのこどもはほいくえんにいきます). The nursery is near the station「保育園は駅の近くです」(ほいくえんはえきのちかくです).
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
心臓: heart. The Japanese adjectival noun '心臓 (しんぞう)' refers to the 'heart', the organ responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. It is used in both literal and figurative contexts. For example: His heart is strong「彼の心臓は強い」(かれのしんぞうはつよい). This can also be used metaphorically to describe courage or emotional strength, as in: She has the heart of a lion「彼女は心臓が強い」(かのじょはしんぞうがつよい). Note that '心臓' is often used in medical or biological contexts, but can also appear in everyday language to describe emotional states or characteristics.
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