Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical

kanji

Meaning

House

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 豕Pig

Example Word

作家: writer. The Japanese noun '作家 (さっか)' refers to a 'writer' or 'author', specifically someone who creates literary works such as novels, essays, or poetry. This term is often used to describe professional writers who are recognized for their creative contributions to literature. For example: She is a famous writer「彼女は有名な作家です」(かのじょはゆうめいなさっかです). The writer published a new novel「その作家は新しい小説を出版しました」(そのさっかはあたらしいしょうせつをしゅっぱんしました). The word can also be used more broadly to describe creators in other artistic fields, such as playwrights or screenwriters, but it primarily emphasizes literary creation.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

31

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fruit, Truth

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 𡗗Folded hands

Example Word

実習: training. The Japanese verbal noun '実習 (じっしゅう)' refers to practical training or hands-on practice, often in an educational or professional setting. It is commonly used in contexts where students or trainees apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. For example: I will do training at a hospital「病院で実習をします」(びょういんでじっしゅうをします). The teacher observed the training session「先生が実習を見学しました」(せんせいがじっしゅうをけんがくしました). This term is frequently used in fields like medicine, education, and technical professions.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

69

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Cheap, Relax

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 女Woman

Example Word

安売り: discount or bargain. The Japanese verbal noun '安売り (やすうり)' refers to the act of selling goods at a reduced price, often to attract customers or clear stock. It can also imply a bargain or a deal. This term is commonly used in retail and shopping contexts. For example: The store is having a discount sale「その店は安売りをしています」(そのみせはやすうりをしています). I bought this at a bargain「これを安売りで買いました」(これをやすうりでかいました). Note that '安売り' can sometimes carry a nuance of selling something cheaply or at a loss, depending on the context.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

234

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Determine

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 正Correct

Example Word

定員: capacity. The Japanese noun '定員 (ていいん)' refers to the fixed number of people or items that a place, vehicle, or institution can accommodate. It is commonly used in contexts such as seating capacity in theaters, passenger limits in vehicles, or enrollment limits in schools. For example: The bus has a capacity of 50 passengers「バスの定員は50人です」(ばすのていいんはごじゅうにんです). The classroom has a capacity of 30 students「教室の定員は30人です」(きょうしつのていいんはさんじゅうにんです). This term is often seen in public transportation, event planning, and educational settings.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

237

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Room

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 至Arrive, Climax

Example Word

教室: classroom. The Japanese noun '教室 (きょうしつ)' means 'classroom'. It refers to a room in a school or educational institution where lessons are conducted. This word is commonly used in educational contexts and can also refer to a place where specific classes or courses are held. For example: The classroom is quiet「教室は静かです」(きょうしつはしずかです). I study in the classroom「私は教室で勉強します」(わたしはきょうしつでべんきょうします). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe a place of learning or instruction, such as in '人生の教室 (じんせいのきょうしつ) (classroom of life)'.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

286

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Draw near

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 奇Strange, Unusual

Example Word

寄り道: detour. The Japanese verbal noun '寄り道 (よりみち)' refers to taking a detour or making a side trip. It is often used to describe stopping by a place on the way to a primary destination, either intentionally or spontaneously. For example: I made a detour to the bookstore「本屋に寄り道しました」(ほんやによりみちしました). She took a detour to buy some snacks「彼女はお菓子を買いに寄り道した」(かのじょはおかしをかいによりみちした). This word carries a casual and often positive connotation, implying a leisurely or enjoyable diversion rather than an inconvenient one.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

303

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Lie down, Go to sleep

Reading

Parts

丬 冖Crown 又Again ⺕Hand 宀Roof

Example Word

寝過ごす: oversleep. The Japanese verb '寝過ごす (ねすごす)' means 'to oversleep'. It is used when someone sleeps longer than intended, often resulting in missing an important event or being late. This verb is commonly used in daily conversations to describe situations where someone accidentally sleeps past their alarm or intended wake-up time. For example: I overslept and missed the train「寝過ごして電車に乗り遅れた」(ねすごしてでんしゃにのりおくれた). He overslept and was late for work「彼は寝過ごして仕事に遅れた」(かれはねすごしてしごとにおくれた). The verb is a combination of '寝る (ねる)' (to sleep) and '過ごす (すごす)' (to spend time), emphasizing the unintended extension of sleep.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

325

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Guest, Customer

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 各Each

Example Word

客: guest or customer. The Japanese noun '客 (きゃく)' can mean both 'guest' and 'customer', depending on the context. When referring to a 'guest', it is often used in social or hospitality settings, such as inviting someone to your home or a hotel guest. For example: The guest arrived「客が来た」(きゃくがきた). When referring to a 'customer', it is commonly used in business or retail contexts, such as a store or restaurant. For example: The customer is waiting「客が待っている」(きゃくがまっている). The word can also imply a sense of respect or formality, as in treating someone as an honored guest or valued customer.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

356

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Protect

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 寸Measurement

Example Word

守護: guardian. The Japanese noun '守護 (しゅご)' refers to a guardian or protector, often in a spiritual, religious, or feudal context. Historically, it was used to describe feudal lords who acted as protectors of their domains. In modern usage, it can also refer to a guardian deity or a protective figure. For example: the guardian of the temple「寺の守護」(てらのしゅご). He is the guardian of this land「彼はこの土地の守護です」(かれはこのとちのしゅごです). The word carries a sense of duty and protection, often implying a higher responsibility.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

399

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Contain, Looks

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 谷Valley

Example Word

形容詞: adjective. The Japanese noun '形容詞 (けいようし)' refers to 'adjective' in English. It is a part of speech that describes or modifies a noun, providing additional information about its qualities or states. In Japanese grammar, 形容詞 specifically refers to i-adjectives, which are a distinct category of adjectives that end in 'い' in their dictionary form. For example: This is a beautiful flower「これは美しい花です」(これはうつくしいはなです). The weather is cold today「今日は寒いです」(きょうはさむいです). Understanding 形容詞 is crucial for constructing descriptive sentences in Japanese.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

430

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Lodging

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 亻Person (人)百Hundred

Example Word

宿題: homework. The Japanese noun '宿題 (しゅくだい)' means 'homework'. It refers to tasks or assignments given to students to complete outside of class. This word is commonly used in educational contexts and is often associated with schoolwork. For example: I have a lot of homework「宿題がたくさんある」(しゅくだいがたくさんある). Did you finish your homework?「宿題は終わった？」(しゅくだいはおわった？). The word can also be used more broadly to refer to any pending task or responsibility, though this usage is less common.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

440

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Government, Bureaucrat

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 㠯Terraced hill

Example Word

官: official. The Japanese suffix '官 (かん)' refers to an official or a person holding a government position. It is commonly used in titles or roles related to public service or administration. For example: a government official「政府の官」(せいふのかん). This suffix is often attached to nouns to denote a specific type of official, such as '警察官 (けいさつかん)' (police officer) or '外交官 (がいこうかん)' (diplomat). It is important to note that '官' is typically used in formal contexts and is not used in everyday conversation unless referring to specific roles or titles.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

490

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Palace

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 呂Bath

Example Word

宮廷: court. The Japanese noun '宮廷 (きゅうてい)' refers to the 'court' in the sense of a royal or imperial court. It is used to describe the place where a monarch or emperor resides and conducts official business, as well as the people and activities associated with it. This term is often used in historical or formal contexts. For example: The emperor held a grand ceremony at the court「天皇は宮廷で盛大な儀式を行った」(てんのうはきゅうていでせいだいなぎしきをおこなった). The court was filled with nobles and dignitaries「宮廷には貴族や高官が集まっていた」(きゅうていにはきぞくやこうかんがあつまっていた).

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

496

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Guess

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 祭Ritual

Example Word

考察: consideration. The Japanese noun '考察 (こうさつ)' means 'consideration' or 'examination'. It refers to the act of carefully thinking about or analyzing something, often in a formal or academic context. This word is commonly used in discussions, research, or when evaluating ideas. For example: careful consideration of the problem「問題の考察」(もんだいのこうさつ). The professor's examination of the theory was thorough「教授の理論の考察は徹底的だった」(きょうじゅのりろんのこうさつはてっていてきだった). Note that '考察' is often used in written or formal contexts rather than casual conversation.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

553

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Religion

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 示Show, Indicate

Example Word

宗: sect. The Japanese suffix '宗 (しゅう)' means 'sect' and is commonly used in the context of religious or philosophical schools. It refers to a specific branch or tradition within a larger religious or philosophical system. For example, in Buddhism, it is used to denote different sects such as Zen Buddhism (禅宗, ぜんしゅう) or Pure Land Buddhism (浄土宗, じょうどしゅう). The suffix can also be used more broadly to refer to any organized group or school of thought. Example sentences: He belongs to the Zen sect「彼は禅宗です」(かれはぜんしゅうです). This temple is affiliated with the Pure Land sect「この寺は浄土宗です」(このてらはじょうどしゅうです).

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

582

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Secret, Dense

Reading

Parts

宓 山Mountain

Example Word

密接: close. The Japanese adjectival noun '密接 (みっせつ)' means 'close' in the sense of being closely connected or related. It is often used to describe relationships, connections, or ties between things, people, or concepts. For example: The two events are closely related「その二つの出来事は密接に関連している」(そのふたつのできごとはみっせつにかんれんしている). There is a close connection between health and diet「健康と食事は密接な関係がある」(けんこうとしょくじはみっせつなかんけいがある). This word emphasizes a strong, inseparable bond or link between entities.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

641

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Wealth, Rich

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 畐Fill

Example Word

豊富: abundant. The Japanese adjectival noun '豊富 (ほうふ)' means 'abundant' or 'plentiful'. It is used to describe a large quantity or variety of something, often in a positive context. For example: This region has abundant resources「この地域は資源が豊富だ」(このちいきはしげんがほうふだ). The library has a plentiful collection of books「図書館には本が豊富にある」(としょかんにはほんがほうふにある). '豊富' is commonly used in both formal and informal settings to emphasize the richness or sufficiency of something.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

649

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Cold

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 共Together 一One 冫Ice (水)

Example Word

寒い: cold. The Japanese adjective '寒い (さむい)' means 'cold'. It is primarily used to describe weather or a physical sensation of coldness. For example: It's cold today「今日は寒い」(きょうはさむい). I feel cold「寒いです」(さむいです). This word is often used to describe the temperature of the environment or how a person feels due to low temperatures. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation or atmosphere that feels emotionally cold or unwelcoming, though this usage is less common. For example: The room felt cold「部屋が寒い感じがした」(へやがさむいかんじがした).

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

685

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Harm

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 口Mouth 丰

Example Word

水害: flood. The Japanese noun '水害 (すいがい)' refers to 'flood' or 'flood damage'. It is used to describe the damage or disaster caused by excessive water, typically due to heavy rainfall, overflowing rivers, or other water-related events. This term is often used in news reports, weather forecasts, and discussions about natural disasters. For example: The town suffered from a flood「その町は水害にあった」(そのまちはすいがいにあった). Flood damage was severe this year「今年の水害はひどかった」(ことしのすいがいはひどかった). The term emphasizes the destructive impact of water, rather than the water itself.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

810

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

House

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 乇Depend

Example Word

住宅: housing. The Japanese noun '住宅 (じゅうたく)' refers to 'housing' or 'residential buildings'. It is commonly used to describe houses, apartments, or any type of dwelling where people live. This term is often used in discussions about real estate, urban planning, or living conditions. For example: The housing in this area is expensive「この地域の住宅は高い」(このちいきのじゅうたくはたかい). We are looking for new housing「新しい住宅を探しています」(あたらしいじゅうたくをさがしています). The word can also appear in compound terms like '住宅地 (じゅうたくち)', meaning 'residential area'.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

840

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Complete

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 元Origin

Example Word

完璧: perfection. The Japanese noun '完璧 (かんぺき)' means 'perfection'. It is used to describe something that is flawless, complete, or without any defects. This word is often used to emphasize the high quality or ideal state of something. For example: Her performance was perfect「彼女のパフォーマンスは完璧だった」(かのじょのパフォーマンスはかんぺきだった). This plan is flawless「このプランは完璧だ」(このプランはかんぺきだ). The word can also be used sarcastically or ironically to imply that something is too perfect or unrealistic. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

843

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Right, Best regards

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 且Moreover, Also

Example Word

宜しく: properly. The Japanese adverb '宜しく (よろしく)' is a versatile word often used to convey a sense of proper handling, goodwill, or politeness. It can be used in various contexts, such as when asking someone to take care of something, expressing gratitude, or setting the tone for a relationship. For example: please take care of me「宜しくお願いします」(よろしくおねがいします). Please treat me well「宜しくお願いします」(よろしくおねがいします). It's important to note that this word is often used in formal or semi-formal situations, and its meaning can vary depending on the context.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

937

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Quietly, Lonely

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 叔Uncle, Younger sibling of parent

Example Word

寂しい: lonely. The Japanese adjective '寂しい (さびしい)' primarily means 'lonely' or 'lonesome'. It is used to describe a feeling of sadness due to a lack of companionship or a sense of emptiness. This word can also convey a sense of desolation or melancholy, often in relation to places or situations that feel abandoned or quiet. For example: I feel lonely without you「あなたがいなくて寂しい」(あなたがいなくてさびしい). The town was lonely after everyone left「みんなが去った後、町は寂しかった」(みんながさったあと、まちはさびしかった). Note that '寂しい' can sometimes imply a nostalgic longing or a wistful feeling, adding depth to its emotional context.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

974

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Treasure

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 玉Ball, Jewel

Example Word

宝石: gem. The Japanese noun '宝石 (ほうせき)' means 'gem' or 'jewel'. It refers to precious or semi-precious stones that are often used in jewelry or as decorative items. This word is commonly used in contexts related to luxury, beauty, and value. For example: She loves wearing gems「彼女は宝石を身につけるのが好きです」(かのじょはほうせきをみにつけるのがすきです). This necklace has a beautiful gem「このネックレスには美しい宝石がついています」(このネックレスにはうつくしいほうせきがついています). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something or someone as precious or valuable.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1018

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Eaves, Universe

Reading

Parts

扌Hand (手)于

Example Word

宇宙: universe. The Japanese noun '宇宙 (うちゅう)' means 'universe'. It refers to the entirety of space, including all matter, energy, planets, stars, galaxies, and the contents of intergalactic space. This word is often used in scientific, philosophical, and everyday contexts to describe the vast expanse of the cosmos. For example: the universe is infinite「宇宙は無限だ」(うちゅうはむげんだ). I want to explore the universe「宇宙を探検したい」(うちゅうをたんけんしたい). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something vast or boundless, such as 'a universe of possibilities'.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1032

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Rather, Courteous

Reading

Parts

寍 丁Street

Example Word

丁寧: polite. The Japanese adjectival noun '丁寧 (ていねい)' primarily means 'polite' or 'courteous'. It is used to describe actions, speech, or behavior that is considerate, respectful, and carefully executed. This word can also imply thoroughness or meticulousness in how something is done. For example: She speaks politely「彼女は丁寧に話します」(かのじょはていねいにはなします). He wrote a polite letter「彼は丁寧な手紙を書いた」(かれはていねいなてがみをかいた). The teacher explained the lesson carefully「先生は丁寧に授業を説明した」(せんせいはていねいにじゅぎょうをせつめいした). Note that '丁寧' can also describe something done with great care or attention to detail, such as '丁寧な仕事 (ていねいなしごと)' (careful work).

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1124

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Proclaim, Promulgate

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 亘

Example Word

宣言: declaration. The Japanese noun '宣言 (せんげん)' means 'declaration'. It refers to a formal or public statement, often used in contexts like political announcements, personal resolutions, or official proclamations. For example: He made a declaration of love「彼は愛の宣言をした」(かれはあいのせんげんをした). The government issued a declaration of emergency「政府は非常事態宣言を出した」(せいふはひじょうじたいせんげんをだした). This word is commonly used in both formal and informal settings to emphasize the seriousness or importance of the statement being made.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1244

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Magnanimous, Tolerance

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 莧

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1319

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Midair

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 由Reason

Example Word

宇宙: universe. The Japanese noun '宇宙 (うちゅう)' means 'universe'. It refers to the entirety of space, including all matter, energy, planets, stars, galaxies, and the contents of intergalactic space. This word is often used in scientific, philosophical, and everyday contexts to describe the vast expanse of the cosmos. For example: the universe is infinite「宇宙は無限だ」(うちゅうはむげんだ). I want to explore the universe「宇宙を探検したい」(うちゅうをたんけんしたい). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something vast or boundless, such as 'a universe of possibilities'.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1347

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Investigate, Judge

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 番Turn

Example Word

審議: deliberation. The Japanese verbal noun '審議 (しんぎ)' refers to the act of careful consideration or discussion, often in a formal or official context. It is commonly used in settings such as government, committees, or organizations where decisions are made after thorough discussion. For example: The committee is in deliberation「委員会は審議中です」(いいんかい は しんぎちゅう です). The bill is under deliberation「法案は審議中です」(ほうあん は しんぎちゅう です). This term emphasizes the process of weighing options and discussing details before reaching a conclusion.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1366

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Wee hours, Early evening

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 肖Resemble, Resemblance

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1466

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Address

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 夗

Example Word

宛て: addressed. The Japanese suffix '宛て (あて)' is used to indicate that something is addressed or directed to someone or something. It is commonly attached to names, titles, or pronouns to specify the recipient. For example: a letter addressed to Tanaka「田中さん宛ての手紙」(たなかさんあてのてがみ). This suffix is often used in formal or written contexts, such as letters, emails, or packages. It can also imply a sense of direction or purpose, as in 'this gift is for you'「このプレゼントはあなた宛てです」(このプレゼントはあなたあてです). Note that '宛て' is typically written in hiragana in modern usage, though it can occasionally appear in kanji as '宛'.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1489

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Banquet

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 妟

Example Word

宴: feast. The Japanese noun '宴 (うたげ)' refers to a 'feast' or 'banquet'. It is used to describe a large, celebratory meal or gathering, often with entertainment, music, and drinking. This word carries a sense of festivity and enjoyment, typically associated with special occasions or celebrations. For example: The lord hosted a grand feast「殿様が盛大な宴を催した」(とのさまがせいだいなうたげをもよおした). We enjoyed the feast with music and dance「私たちは音楽と踊りで宴を楽しんだ」(わたしたちはおんがくとおどりでうたげをたのしんだ). The word can also imply a sense of indulgence or revelry, depending on the context.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1520

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Preside, Manager

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 辛Hard, Spicy

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1763

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Dormitory

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 尞

Example Word

寮: dormitory. The Japanese noun '寮 (りょう)' refers to a dormitory or a lodging facility, typically used by students, employees, or members of an organization. It is commonly associated with shared living spaces provided by schools, companies, or institutions. For example: I live in a dormitory「私は寮に住んでいます」(わたしはりょうにすんでいます). The company dormitory is nearby「会社の寮は近くです」(かいしゃのりょうはちかくです). This word is often used in contexts involving communal living arrangements.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1817

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Few, Widow

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 頁Page 刀Sword

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1938

Handwriting