Page 1
kanji
日Meaning
Day, Sun
Reading
kunyomiひhi
かka
onyomiじつjitsu
にちnichi
Parts
口Mouth 一One
Example Word
二日: second or two days. The Japanese noun '二日 (ふつか)' has two primary meanings. First, it refers to the 'second day' of the month, as in 'the second of January'「1月2日」(いちがつふつか). Second, it can mean 'two days', as in 'I stayed for two days'「二日間泊まった」(ふつかかんとまった). The word is commonly used in dates and time expressions. For example: Today is the second of the month「今日は二日です」(きょうはふつかです). I will finish this in two days「これを二日で終わらせます」(これをふつかでおわらせます). Note that the reading 'ふつか' is specific to this word and should not be confused with other readings of the kanji 二 (に) or 日 (ひ).
Radical
日
Stroke Count
4JLPT
N5Grade
1Frequency
8
Handwriting
kanji
時Meaning
Time, Hour
Reading
kunyomiときtoki
onyomiじji
Parts
日Day, Sun 寺Temple
Example Word
同時: simultaneous. The Japanese noun '同時 (どうじ)' means 'simultaneous' or 'at the same time'. It is used to describe events or actions that occur concurrently. This word is often used in contexts where timing or synchronization is important, such as in technology, events, or daily activities. For example: The two events happened simultaneously「二つのイベントが同時に起こった」(ふたつのイベントがどうじにおこった). We started running at the same time「私たちは同時に走り始めた」(わたしたちはどうじにはしりはじめた). The word can also be used in phrases like '同時通訳 (どうじつうやく)' which means 'simultaneous interpretation'.
Radical
日
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N5Grade
2Frequency
14
Handwriting
kanji
明Meaning
Bright
Reading
kunyomiあかaka
あa
onyomiめいmei
みょうmyou
Parts
日Day, Sun 月Moon, Month
Example Word
明かり: light. The Japanese noun '明かり (あかり)' refers to 'light', typically in the sense of illumination. It can describe natural light, such as sunlight, or artificial light, such as from a lamp. This word is often used in contexts where light is a source of visibility or comfort. For example: the light from the lamp is bright「ランプの明かりが明るい」(ランプのあかりがあかるい). The room was filled with soft light「部屋は柔らかい明かりで満たされていた」(へやはやわらかいあかりでみたされていた). Note that '明かり' is distinct from '光 (ひかり)', which refers more to the physical phenomenon of light or brightness.
Radical
日
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
63
Handwriting
kanji
早Meaning
Early, Fast
Reading
kunyomiはやhaya
onyomiそうsou
さsa
Parts
日Day, Sun 十Ten
Example Word
最早: already or no longer. The Japanese adverb '最早 (もはや)' is used to express that a situation has already reached a certain point or that something is no longer the case. It often carries a nuance of finality or inevitability. For example: It's already too late「最早手遅れだ」(もはやておくれだ). He is no longer the person he used to be「最早彼は昔の彼ではない」(もはやかれはむかしのかれではない). This word is commonly used in formal or literary contexts and can convey a sense of resignation or conclusion.
Radical
日
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N4Grade
1Frequency
207
Handwriting
kanji
暗Meaning
Darkness
Reading
kunyomiくらkura
onyomiあんan
Parts
音Sound 日Day, Sun
Example Word
真っ暗: pitch dark. The Japanese adjectival noun '真っ暗 (まっくら)' means 'pitch-dark'. It is used to describe a state of complete darkness, where no light is visible. This word can be used to describe physical spaces, such as rooms or outdoor areas, as well as metaphorical situations, like a hopeless or unclear future. For example: the room is pitch-dark「部屋は真っ暗だ」(へやはまっくらだ). The night was pitch-dark「夜は真っ暗だった」(よるはまっくらだった). The word '真っ暗' often conveys a sense of intensity or extremity in the darkness, emphasizing the absence of light.
Radical
日
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
341
Handwriting
kanji
春Meaning
Spring
Reading
kunyomiはるharu
onyomiしゅんshun
Parts
日Day, Sun 𡗗Folded hands
Example Word
春夏秋冬: seasons. The Japanese noun '春夏秋冬 (しゅんかしゅうとう)' literally translates to 'spring, summer, autumn, winter,' collectively representing the four seasons. This word is often used to symbolize the passage of time or the cyclical nature of the year. It can be used in poetic or formal contexts to evoke imagery of nature and the changing seasons. For example: The beauty of the four seasons is unparalleled「春夏秋冬の美しさは比類ない」(しゅんかしゅうとうのうつくしさはひるいない). I love the rhythm of the seasons「私は春夏秋冬のリズムが好きです」(わたしはしゅんかしゅうとうのリズムがすきです). Note that this word is more formal and less commonly used in everyday conversation compared to simply saying '季節 (きせつ)' for 'season.'
Radical
日
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
378
Handwriting
kanji
晩Meaning
Evening, Nightfall
Reading
onyomiばんban
Parts
日Day, Sun 免Excuse, Exempt
Example Word
今晩: tonight. The Japanese noun '今晩 (こんばん)' means 'tonight'. It refers to the current evening or the night of the current day. This word is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to indicate plans, events, or conditions occurring during the evening or night. For example: I will study tonight「今晩勉強します」(こんばんべんきょうします). The weather is nice tonight「今晩は天気がいい」(こんばんはてんきがいい). It is often used in greetings like '今晩は (こんばんは)', which translates to 'good evening'.
Radical
日
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
6Frequency
448
Handwriting
kanji
昔Meaning
Old times
Reading
kunyomiむかしmukashi
onyomiせきseki
Parts
日Day, Sun 龷Twenty (廿)
Example Word
昔: past. The Japanese noun '昔 (むかし)' refers to 'the past' or 'olden times'. It is used to describe a time long ago, often with a nostalgic or historical connotation. This word is commonly used in storytelling or when reminiscing about earlier days. For example: In the past, this town was very quiet「昔、この町はとても静かだった」(むかし、このまちはとてもしずかだった). Long ago, people used to travel by horse「昔、人々は馬で旅をした」(むかし、ひとびとはうまでたびをした). The word '昔' can also be used in expressions like '昔話 (むかしばなし)', which means 'old tale' or 'folktale'.
Radical
日
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
501
Handwriting
kanji
暮Meaning
Livelihood
Reading
kunyomiくku
onyomiぼbo
Parts
莫 日Day, Sun
Example Word
夕暮れ: dusk. The Japanese noun '夕暮れ (ゆうぐれ)' refers to the time of day when the sun is setting and the sky is transitioning from daylight to darkness, commonly known as 'dusk'. It is often associated with a serene and poetic atmosphere, frequently used in literature and daily conversation to evoke a sense of calm or nostalgia. For example: The sky at dusk is beautiful「夕暮れの空は美しい」(ゆうぐれのそらはうつくしい). We took a walk at dusk「私たちは夕暮れに散歩しました」(わたしたちはゆうぐれにさんぽしました). This word captures the fleeting beauty of the evening, making it a favorite in Japanese poetry and art.
Radical
日
Stroke Count
14JLPT
N3Grade
6Frequency
516
Handwriting
kanji
景Meaning
Scene
Reading
onyomiけいkei
Parts
日Day, Sun 京Capital
Example Word
景色: scenery. The Japanese noun '景色 (けしき)' refers to the natural scenery or landscape that one can see, such as mountains, rivers, or fields. It is often used to describe the beauty of nature or the view from a particular location. For example: The scenery from the mountain was breathtaking「山からの景色は息をのむほど美しかった」(やまからのけしきはいきをのむほどうつくしかった). I want to see the scenery of the countryside「田舎の景色を見たい」(いなかのけしきをみたい). This word is commonly used in travel contexts or when appreciating the beauty of nature.
Radical
日
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
563
Handwriting
kanji
昨Meaning
Yesterday, Previous
Reading
onyomiさくsaku
Parts
日Day, Sun 乍
Example Word
一昨年: year before last. The Japanese noun '一昨年 (おととし)' refers to 'the year before last'. It is used to indicate the year that is two years prior to the current year. This term is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts when referring to events or occurrences that happened two years ago. For example: I visited Japan the year before last「一昨年、日本を訪れました」(おととし、にほんをおとずれました). The year before last was very cold「一昨年はとても寒かった」(おととしはとてもさむかった). It's important to note that '一昨年' is a specific term and should not be confused with '去年 (きょねん)', which means 'last year'.
Radical
日
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
589
Handwriting
kanji
是Meaning
Right, Absolutely
Reading
onyomiぜze
Parts
日Day, Sun 疋
Example Word
是非: certainly. The Japanese adverb '是非 (ぜひ)' is used to express strong encouragement or a strong desire for something to happen. It can be translated as 'certainly', 'by all means', or 'definitely'. This word is often used when making requests or invitations, emphasizing the speaker's earnestness. For example: Please come by all means「是非来てください」(ぜひきてください). I definitely want to go「是非行きたいです」(ぜひいきたいです). It can also be used to express a strong recommendation, as in 'You should definitely try this dish'「この料理は是非食べてみてください」(このりょうりはぜひたべてみてください).
Radical
日
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
663
Handwriting
kanji
易Meaning
Easy
Reading
kunyomiやさyasa
onyomiえきeki
いi
Parts
日Day, Sun 勿Must not
Example Word
易い: easy. The Japanese suffix '易い (やすい)' is attached to the stem of verbs to indicate that something is easy to do. It conveys the idea that the action described by the verb is simple or effortless. For example: This book is easy to read「この本は読み易い」(このほんはよみやすい). This problem is easy to solve「この問題は解き易い」(このもんだいはときやすい). Note that '易い' is often written in hiragana as 'やすい' when used as a suffix. It is important to distinguish this from the adjective '安い (やすい)', which means 'cheap'.
Radical
日
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N3Grade
5Frequency
718
Handwriting
kanji
星Meaning
Star
Reading
kunyomiほしhoshi
onyomiしょうshou
せいsei
Parts
日Day, Sun 生Life
Example Word
衛星: satellite. The Japanese noun '衛星 (えいせい)' means 'satellite'. This term is used to refer to both natural satellites, such as the moon, and artificial satellites launched into space for communication, observation, or scientific purposes. For example: The moon is Earth's natural satellite「月は地球の衛星です」( つきはちきゅうのえいせいです). Japan launched a new satellite「日本は新しい衛星を打ち上げた」(にほんはあたらしいえいせいをうちあげた). The word is commonly used in scientific, technological, and astronomical contexts.
Radical
日
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N2Grade
2Frequency
721
Handwriting
kanji
旦Meaning
Dawn
Reading
kunyomiあさasa
あきaki
あきらakira
ただしtadashi
あしたashita
onyomiだんdan
たんtan
Parts
日Day, Sun 一One
Example Word
一旦: once. The Japanese adverb '一旦 (いったん)' means 'once' or 'for the time being'. It is used to indicate a temporary pause, interruption, or a point in time when something is done or considered before proceeding further. It often implies that after this action or state, there will be a change or continuation. For example: Let's stop here once「一旦ここで止めましょう」(いったんここでとめましょう). Once I finish this, I'll take a break「一旦これを終えたら休憩します」(いったんこれをおえたらきゅうけいします). This word is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to suggest a temporary halt or reconsideration.
Radical
日
Stroke Count
5JLPT
N1Grade
10Frequency
763
Handwriting
kanji
晴Meaning
Clear
Reading
kunyomiはha
onyomiせいsei
Parts
日Day, Sun 青Blue
Example Word
素晴らしい: wonderful. The Japanese adjective '素晴らしい (すばらしい)' means 'wonderful' or 'splendid'. It is used to describe something that is exceptionally good, impressive, or excellent. This word can be applied to a wide range of situations, such as describing a beautiful view, a great performance, or an outstanding achievement. For example: The view from the mountain is wonderful「山からの眺めは素晴らしい」(やまからのながめはすばらしい). Her performance was splendid「彼女のパフォーマンスは素晴らしかった」(かのじょのパフォーマンスはすばらしかった). The word carries a positive and enthusiastic tone, often used to express admiration or high praise.
Radical
日
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
2Frequency
771
Handwriting
kanji
普Meaning
Universal, Widespread
Reading
onyomiふfu
Parts
並Line, Row 日Day, Sun
Example Word
普及: spread or diffusion. The Japanese verbal noun '普及 (ふきゅう)' refers to the act of spreading or diffusing something widely, such as information, technology, or ideas. It is often used in contexts where something becomes widely adopted or accepted. For example: The spread of smartphones has changed our lives「スマートフォンの普及は私たちの生活を変えた」(すまーとふぉんのふきゅうはわた したちのせいかつをかえた). The government is promoting the diffusion of renewable energy「政府は再生可能エネルギーの普及を推進している」(せいふはさいせいかのうえねるぎーのふきゅうをすいしんしている). Note that '普及' is often used in formal or technical contexts.
Radical
日
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N2Grade
7Frequency
789
Handwriting
kanji
映Meaning
Reflect
Reading
kunyomiはha
うつutsu
onyomiえいei
Parts
日Day, Sun 央Center
Example Word
映画館: cinema. The Japanese noun '映画館 (えいがかん)' refers to a 'cinema' or 'movie theater', a place where films are shown to the public. This word is commonly used when discussing going out to watch movies. For example: Let's go to the cinema「映画館に行きましょう」(えいがかんにいきましょう). The cinema is crowded today「今日は映画館が混んでいます」(きょうはえいがかんがこんでいます). It's important to note that '映画館' specifically refers to the physical location where movies are screened, distinguishing it from other related terms like '映画 (えいが)', which simply means 'movie' or 'film'.
Radical
日
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N4Grade
6Frequency
793
Handwriting
kanji
昼Meaning
Daytime, Noon
Reading
kunyomiひるhiru
onyomiちゅうchuu
Parts
尺Foot 旦Dawn
Example Word
昼: daytime. The Japanese noun '昼 (ひる)' refers to the period of the day when the sun is up, typically from morning until evening. It is often used to describe the time around noon or the afternoon. For example: I will go shopping during the daytime「昼に買い物に行きます」(ひるにかいものにいきます). Let's have lunch at noon「昼に昼ごはんを食べましょう」(ひるにひるごはんをたべましょう). The word can also be used in compound words, such as '昼休み (ひるやすみ)' which means 'lunch break' or 'midday break'.
Radical
日
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
823
Handwriting
kanji
暴Meaning
Violent, Outburst
Reading
kunyomiあばaba
onyomiばくbaku
ぼうbou
Parts
日Day, Sun 共Together 氺Water (水)
Example Word
乱暴: violence or roughness. The Japanese verbal noun '乱暴 (らんぼう)' can mean 'violence' or 'roughness'. It refers to aggressive or unruly behavior, often implying a lack of control or consideration for others. It can describe physical actions, such as hitting or pushing, or more abstract behaviors, like speaking harshly or acting recklessly. For example: He was scolded for his violent behavior「彼は乱暴な行為を叱られた」(かれはらんぼうなこういをしかられた). Don't handle the equipment roughly「その装置を乱暴に扱わないで」(そのそうちをらんぼうにあつかわないで). The word can also be used as an adjective, as in '乱暴な人 (らんぼうなひと)' (violent/rough person).
Radical
日
Stroke Count
15JLPT
N2Grade
5Frequency
897
Handwriting
kanji
暫Meaning
A while, Temporarily
Reading
kunyomiしばらshibara
onyomiざんzan
Parts
日Day, Sun 斬Slice
Example Word
暫く: awhile. The Japanese adverb '暫く (しばらく)' means 'awhile' or 'for a short time'. It is used to indicate a period of time that is not very long, but not necessarily specified. This word can be used in various contexts, such as waiting, not seeing someone for some time, or taking a break. For example: I haven't seen you for awhile「暫く会っていないね」(しばらくあっていないね). Let's rest for awhile「暫く休みましょう」(しばらくやすみましょう). It can also imply a sense of anticipation or preparation for something that will happen after this short period, as in '暫くお待ちください (しばらくおまちください) (Please wait for a moment).'
Radical
日
Stroke Count
15JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
943
Handwriting
kanji
曜Meaning
Weekday
Reading
onyomiようyou
Parts
日Day, Sun 翟Surname
Example Word
土曜: Saturday. The Japanese noun '土曜 (どよう)' refers to 'Saturday', the seventh day of the week. It is commonly used in contexts related to scheduling, planning, or discussing days of the week. For example: I have a meeting on Saturday「土曜に会議があります」(どようにかいぎがあります). Saturday is my day off「土曜は休みです」(どようはやすみです). The word is often paired with other time-related terms, such as '土曜日 (どようび)', which also means 'Saturday' but is slightly more formal.
Radical
日
Stroke Count
18JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
1007
Handwriting
kanji
旧Meaning
Old, Past
Reading
onyomiきゅうkyuu
Parts
丨Stick 日Day, Sun
Example Word
旧: old. The Japanese noun '旧 (きゅう)' primarily means 'old' or 'former'. It is often used to refer to something that is outdated, previous, or no longer in use. This word is commonly seen in contexts such as '旧制度 (きゅうせいど)' meaning 'old system' or '旧友 (きゅうゆう)' meaning 'old friend'. It can also be used in historical contexts to refer to past eras or systems. For example: the old calendar「旧暦」(きゅうれき). This is the former president「これは旧大統領です」(これはきゅうだいとうりょうです). The word '旧' is often used in formal or written contexts and carries a nuance of something being replaced or outdated.
Radical
日
Stroke Count
5JLPT
N2Grade
5Frequency
1073
Handwriting
kanji
暇Meaning
Free time, Spare time
Reading
kunyomiひまhima
いとまitoma
onyomiかka
Parts
日Day, Sun 叚
Example Word
暇: free time. The Japanese noun '暇 (ひま)' means 'free time' or 'leisure'. It refers to a period when one is not occupied with work or other obligations. This word is often used to describe having time to relax or do something enjoyable. For example: I have free time today「今日は暇です」(きょうはひまです). What do you do in your free time?「暇なときは何をしますか?」(ひまなときはなにをしますか?). It can also imply boredom or having nothing to do, as in 'I'm bored'「暇だ」(ひまだ). The nuance can vary depending on context, so it's important to consider the tone and situation.
Radical
日
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
1212
Handwriting
kanji
暑Meaning
Hot
Reading
kunyomiあつatsu
onyomiしょsho
Parts
日Day, Sun 者Someone
Example Word
暑さ: heat. The Japanese noun '暑さ (あつさ)' refers to the state or condition of being hot, particularly in terms of weather or temperature. It is commonly used to describe the intensity of heat during summer or in hot climates. For example: The heat today is unbearable「今日の暑さは耐えられない」(きょうのあつさはたえられない). I can't stand the heat of summer「夏の暑さには耐えられない」(なつのあつさにはたえられない). This word is often used in weather forecasts or casual conversations about the temperature.
Radical
日
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N1Grade
3Frequency
1221
Handwriting
kanji
暖Meaning
Warm
Reading
kunyomiあたたatata
onyomiだんdan
Parts
日Day, Sun 爰
Example Word
寒暖計: thermometer. The Japanese noun '寒暖計 (かんだんけい)' refers to a 'thermometer', a device used to measure temperature. This word is a compound of '寒 (かん)' meaning 'cold', '暖 (だん)' meaning 'warm', and '計 (けい)' meaning 'meter' or 'gauge'. It is commonly used in contexts related to weather, health, or scientific measurements. For example: The thermometer shows the temperature「寒暖計は温度を示しています」(かんだんけいはおんどをしめしています). I bought a new thermometer「新しい寒暖計を買いました」(あたらしいかんだんけいをかいました).
Radical
日
Stroke Count
13JLPT
N1Grade
6Frequency
1278
Handwriting
kanji
昭Meaning
Shining
Reading
onyomiしょうshou
Parts
日Day, Sun 召Seduce, Summon
Example Word
昭和: Showa. The Japanese noun '昭和 (しょうわ)' refers to the Showa era, which was the period of Japanese history corresponding to the reign of Emperor Hirohito, from December 25, 1926, to January 7, 1989. This era is often associated with significant events in Japan, including World War II, the post-war economic miracle, and the country's rise as a global economic power. The term is also used to describe things or cultural aspects from that period. For example: The Showa era was a time of great change「昭和時代は大きな変化の時代でした」(しょうわじだいはおおきなへんかのじだいでした). This is a Showa-style house「これは昭和風の家です」(これはしょうわふうのいえです).
Radical
日
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N1Grade
3Frequency
1291
Handwriting
kanji
曇Meaning
Cloudy
Reading
kunyomiくもkumo
onyomiどんdon
Parts
日Day, Sun 雲Cloud
Example Word
曇り: cloudiness. The Japanese noun '曇り (くもり)' refers to the state of the sky being cloudy or overcast. It is commonly used in weather forecasts and everyday conversation to describe a day when the sun is obscured by clouds. For example: Today is cloudy「今日は曇りです」(きょうはくもりです). The weather forecast says it will be cloudy tomorrow「天気予報では明日は曇りだそうです」(てんきよほうではあしたはくもりだそうです). This word can also metaphorically describe a gloomy or unclear situation, though this usage is less common.
Radical
日
Stroke Count
16JLPT
N2Grade
7Frequency
1436
Handwriting
kanji
旨Meaning
Purport, Delicious
Reading
kunyomiむねmune
うまuma
onyomiしshi
Parts
日Day, Sun 匕Spoon
Example Word
旨: gist. The Japanese noun '旨 (むね)' refers to the main point, gist, or essence of something. It is often used to summarize or convey the core idea of a statement, document, or conversation. For example: I understood the gist of the story「話の旨が分かった」(はなしのむねがわかった). The gist of the letter is that he is coming「手紙の旨は彼が来るということだ」(てがみのむねはかれがくるということだ). This word is commonly used in formal or written contexts to emphasize the central meaning of a communication.
Radical
日
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
1438
Handwriting
kanji
昇Meaning
Ascend, Rise up
Reading
kunyomiのぼnobo
onyomiしょうshou
Parts
日Day, Sun 升Sho, Measuring box
Example Word
上昇: rise or ascent. The Japanese verbal noun '上昇 (じょうしょう)' primarily means 'rise' or 'ascent'. It is used to describe an upward movement or increase in level, status, or quantity. This word is often used in contexts such as economics, physics, or general descriptions of upward motion. For example: The balloon's rise was rapid「風船の上昇は速かった」(ふうせんのじょうしょうははやかった). The stock market experienced a sharp rise「株価が急激に上昇した」(かぶかがきゅうげきにじょうしょうした). Note that '上昇' can also be used metaphorically, such as in describing a person's rise in status or rank.
Radical
日
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N2Grade
8Frequency
1470
Handwriting
kanji
晶Meaning
Crystal
Reading
onyomiしょうshou
Parts
日Day, Sun
Example Word
結晶: crystallization. The Japanese verbal noun '結晶 (けっしょう)' refers to the process or result of crystallization, where a substance forms into a crystal structure. It can also metaphorically represent the culmination or tangible result of efforts, ideas, or emotions. For example: The crystallization of salt from seawater「海水からの塩の結晶」(かいすいからのしおのけっしょう). Her hard work finally crystallized into success「彼女の努力がついに成功という結晶になった」(かのじょのどりょくがついにせいこうというけっしょうになった).
Radical
日
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
1663
Handwriting