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
誕生日: birthday. The Japanese noun '誕生日 (たんじょうび)' means 'birthday'. It refers to the anniversary of the day a person was born. This word is commonly used in celebrations, greetings, and gifts. For example: Happy birthday!「誕生日おめでとう!」(たんじょうびおめでとう!). Today is my birthday「今日は私の誕生日です」(きょうはわたしのたんじょうびです). The word is often paired with celebratory phrases or activities, such as '誕生日ケーキ (たんじょうびケーキ) (birthday cake)' or '誕生日プレゼント (たんじょうびプレゼント) (birthday present).'
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
時間: time. The Japanese noun '時間 (じかん)' primarily means 'time'. It refers to the concept of time as a measurable quantity, such as hours, minutes, or seconds. It can also refer to a specific period or duration. For example: I don't have time「時間がない」(じかんがない). It takes two hours「2時間かかります」(にじかんかかります). Additionally, '時間' can be used to describe a scheduled time or appointment, as in 'What time is the meeting?「会議は何時間ですか?」(かいぎはなんじかんですか?)'. This word is versatile and commonly used in daily conversations.
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
不明: unknown. The Japanese adjectival noun '不明 (ふめい)' means 'unknown' or 'unclear'. It is used to describe something that is not known, not understood, or not clear. This word is often used in formal or serious contexts, such as news reports, investigations, or official statements. For example: the cause of death is unknown「死因は不明です」(しいんはふめいです). The whereabouts of the suspect are unclear「容疑者の行方は不明です」(ようぎしゃのゆくえはふめいです). It can also be used to describe something that is uncertain or ambiguous, as in 'the details are unclear'「詳細は不明です」(しょうさいはふめいです).
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
素早い: quick. The Japanese adjective '素早い (すばやい)' means 'quick' or 'swift'. It is used to describe actions, movements, or reactions that are done with speed and agility. This word often carries a nuance of efficiency and precision, not just raw speed. For example: He made a quick decision「彼は素早い決断をした」(かれはすばやいけつだんをした). The cat moved quickly「猫は素早く動いた」(ねこはすばやくうごいた). It can also describe someone who is quick-witted or sharp, as in '素早い返事 (すばやいへんじ) (a quick reply)'.
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
暗い: dark or gloomy. The Japanese adjective '暗い (くらい)' primarily means 'dark', referring to a lack of light. It can also mean 'gloomy', describing a somber or depressing atmosphere. For example: The room is dark「部屋が暗い」(へやがくらい). His mood is gloomy「彼の気分は暗い」(かれのきぶんはくらい). This word is often used to describe physical darkness, such as a dark room or night, as well as emotional states or situations that feel heavy or depressing. Note that the second meaning is distinct and unrelated to the first, as it refers to an emotional or atmospheric quality rather than a physical one.
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
青春: youth. The Japanese noun '青春 (せいしゅん)' refers to the period of one's life associated with youth, typically the teenage years or early adulthood. It carries a nostalgic and emotional connotation, often evoking memories of vitality, dreams, and the challenges of growing up. This term is frequently used in literature, music, and everyday conversation to describe the fleeting and precious nature of youth. Example sentences: I miss my youth「青春が懐かしい」(せいしゅんがなつかしい). He spent his youth studying「彼は青春を勉強に費やした」(かれはせいしゅんをべんきょうについやした).
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
晩: evening. The Japanese noun '晩 (ばん)' refers to the time of day known as 'evening'. It is used to describe the period from late afternoon to night. This term is often used in contexts related to time, such as scheduling or describing daily routines. For example: I will go in the evening「晩に行きます」(ばんにいきます). We had dinner in the evening「晩に夕食を食べました」(ばんにゆうしょくをたべました). It's important to note that '晩' can also be used in compound words to specify times, such as '今晩 (こんばん)' meaning 'tonight'.
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
暮らし: life. The Japanese noun '暮らし (くらし)' refers to 'life' in the sense of daily living or lifestyle. It encompasses the way one lives, including daily routines, living conditions, and overall lifestyle. This word is often used to discuss the quality or style of life someone leads. For example: Her life is peaceful「彼女の暮らしは平和です」(かのじょのくらしはへいわです). I want to live a simple life「私はシンプルな暮らしがしたい」(わたしはシンプルなくらしがしたい). The term can also imply the economic or social aspects of living, such as in 'a life of luxury'「ぜいたくな暮らし」(ぜいたくなくらし).
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
光景: scene. The Japanese noun '光景 (こうけい)' refers to a 'scene' or 'sight', often used to describe a visual impression or a specific view that is observed. It can be used for both natural and man-made scenes, and often carries a sense of the scene being noteworthy or memorable. For example: The scene of the sunset was beautiful「夕日の光景は美しかった」(ゆうひのこうけいはうつくしかった). I will never forget the scene of the accident「事故の光景は忘れられない」(じこのこうけいはわすれられない). This word is commonly used in both everyday conversation and literary contexts to evoke vivid imagery.
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
昨日: yesterday. The Japanese noun '昨日 (きのう)' means 'yesterday'. It refers to the day before today. This word is commonly used in daily conversations to talk about events or actions that occurred on the previous day. For example: I went to the park yesterday「昨日、公園に行きました」(きのう、こうえんにいきました). Yesterday was a holiday「昨日は休日でした」(きのうはきゅうじつでした). The word '昨日' is straightforward and does not have additional meanings or nuances beyond its temporal reference.
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
容易: easy. The Japanese adjectival noun '容易 (ようい)' means 'easy' or 'simple'. It is used to describe tasks, situations, or actions that require little effort or are straightforward. This word often carries a formal tone and is commonly used in written or formal speech. For example: This problem is easy to solve「この問題は容易に解決できる」(このもんだいはよういにかいけつできる). It is not easy to achieve success「成功を収めるのは容易ではない」(せいこうをおさめるのはよういではない). Note that '容易' is often paired with verbs like 'できる' or 'ではない' to express feasibility or difficulty.
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
旦那: husband. The Japanese noun '旦那 (だんな)' primarily means 'husband'. It is a somewhat formal or traditional term used to refer to one's husband, often implying respect or a certain level of formality. It can also be used to address or refer to a master or boss, particularly in historical or service contexts. For example: my husband is kind「私の旦那は優しい」(わたしのだんなはやさしい). The master of the house is strict「旦那様は厳しい」(だんなさまはきびしい). Note that in modern usage, '旦那' is less common in casual speech, with '夫 (おっと)' or '主人 (しゅじん)' being more frequently used to refer to a husband.
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
晴れる: clear. The Japanese verb '晴れる (はれる)' primarily means 'to clear up' or 'to become clear', most commonly used in reference to weather. It describes the transition from cloudy or rainy weather to clear skies. For example: The weather cleared up「天気が晴れた」(てんきがはれた). It can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation or mood improving, such as when worries or doubts are resolved. For example: My worries cleared up「心配が晴れた」(しんぱいがはれた). This verb is often used in its past tense form '晴れた (はれた)' to describe a change that has already occurred.
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: movie. The Japanese noun '映画 (えいが)' means 'movie' or 'film'. It refers to a motion picture, typically shown in theaters or on television. This word is commonly used in everyday conversation when discussing films, going to the cinema, or watching movies. For example: I watched a movie yesterday「昨日映画を見ました」(きのうえいがをみました). This movie is interesting「この映画は面白い」(このえいがはおもしろい). The word can also be used in compound nouns, such as '映画館 (えいがかん)' (movie theater) or '映画監督 (えいがかんとく)' (film director).
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
昼食: lunch. The Japanese noun '昼食 (ちゅうしょく)' means 'lunch'. It refers to the midday meal, typically eaten around noon. This word is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. For example: I ate lunch at the cafeteria「私は食堂で昼食を食べた」(わたしはしょくどうでちゅうしょくをたべた). Let's have lunch together「一緒に昼食を食べましょう」(いっしょにちゅうしょくをたべましょう). The word can also be used in compound phrases like '昼食時間 (ちゅうしょくじかん)' meaning 'lunchtime'.
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
暴れる: rampage. The Japanese verb '