Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical

kanji

Meaning

House

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 豕Pig

Example Word

家: house. The Japanese noun '家 (いえ)' primarily means 'house'. It refers to a building where people live, a residence. It can also imply the concept of home or one's family. For example: This is my house「これは私の家です」(これはわたしのいえです). I am going home「家に帰ります」(いえにかえります). While '家' can sometimes be used to refer to one's family or household, its primary and most common usage is to denote a physical house or home.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

31

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fruit, Truth

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 𡗗Folded hands

Example Word

実践: practice. The Japanese noun '実践 (じっせん)' means 'practice' in the sense of putting theory or knowledge into action. It is often used in contexts related to education, training, or personal development, where the focus is on applying what has been learned. For example: Practice is important for mastering a skill「実践はスキルを習得するために重要です」(じっせんはスキルをしゅうとくするためにじゅうようです). He put his ideas into practice「彼は自分の考えを実践した」(かれはじぶんのかんがえをじっせんした). The word emphasizes the active application of knowledge rather than just theoretical understanding.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

69

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Cheap, Relax

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 女Woman

Example Word

安保: security. The Japanese noun '安保 (あんぽ)' is an abbreviation of '安全保障 (あんぜんほしょう)', which means 'security' or 'safety'. It is commonly used in contexts related to national security, international relations, or defense policies. For example: The government is discussing security issues「政府は安保問題を話し合っている」(せいふはあんぽもんだいをはなしあっている). The treaty focuses on regional security「その条約は地域の安保に焦点を当てている」(そのじょうやくはちいきのあんぽにしょうてんをあてている). This term is often used in formal or political discussions.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

234

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Determine

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 正Correct

Example Word

法定: legal. The Japanese noun '法定 (ほうてい)' refers to something that is established or prescribed by law. It is often used in contexts related to legal standards, requirements, or procedures. For example: the legal age for drinking is 20「法定飲酒年齢は20歳です」(ほうていいんしゅねんれいははたちです). The legal holiday is determined by the government「法定休日は政府によって決められます」(ほうていきゅうじつはせいふによってきめられます). This term is commonly used in legal, administrative, and official contexts to denote something that is mandated by law.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

237

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Room

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 至Arrive, Climax

Example Word

和室: tatami. The Japanese noun '和室 (わしつ)' refers to a traditional Japanese-style room, typically characterized by tatami flooring, sliding doors (fusuma or shoji), and minimalistic decor. These rooms are often used for sleeping, tea ceremonies, or other traditional activities. For example: The guest room is a tatami room「客室は和室です」(きゃくしつはわしつです). I prefer sleeping in a tatami room「和室で寝るのが好きです」(わしつでねるのがすきです). The term '和室' contrasts with '洋室 (ようしつ)', which refers to Western-style rooms with carpets or wooden floors.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

286

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Draw near

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 奇Strange, Unusual

Example Word

寄付: donation. The Japanese noun '寄付 (きふ)' means 'donation'. It refers to the act of giving money, goods, or services to a person or organization in need, often for charitable purposes. This word is commonly used in contexts related to charity, fundraising, and community support. For example: I made a donation to the hospital「病院に寄付をしました」(びょういんにきふをしました). The school received a large donation「学校は大きな寄付を受け取りました」(がっこうはおおきなきふをうけとりました). It's important to note that '寄付' can also refer to the act of contributing to a cause or project, not just monetary donations.

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

寝転ぶ: lie. The Japanese verb '寝転ぶ (ねころぶ)' means 'to lie down' or 'to recline'. It specifically refers to the action of lying down in a relaxed or casual manner, often on a flat surface like the floor or a bed. This verb is commonly used in informal contexts to describe someone lying down comfortably. For example: I like to lie down on the grass「私は芝生に寝転ぶのが好きです」(わたしはしばふにねころぶのがすきです). He lay down on the sofa and fell asleep「彼はソファに寝転んで寝てしまった」(かれはソファにねころんでねてしまった). Note that this verb implies a sense of ease or relaxation, unlike more formal or specific terms for lying down.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

325

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Guest, Customer

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 各Each

Example Word

乗客: passenger. The Japanese noun '乗客 (じょうきゃく)' refers to a 'passenger', specifically someone who is traveling in a vehicle such as a train, bus, airplane, or ship. This word is commonly used in transportation contexts. For example: The passengers got off the train「乗客は電車を降りた」(じょうきゃくはでんしゃをおりた). There were many passengers on the bus「バスには多くの乗客がいた」(バスにはおおくのじょうきゃくがいた). The word emphasizes the role of the person as someone being transported, rather than the driver or operator of the vehicle.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

356

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Protect

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 寸Measurement

Example Word

守備: defense. The Japanese verbal noun '守備 (しゅび)' means 'defense'. It is commonly used in contexts related to sports, military, or general protection. In sports, it refers to the act of defending against an opponent's attack. For example: His defense is strong「彼の守備は強い」(かれのしゅびはつよい). The team needs to improve their defense「チームは守備を改善する必要がある」(チームはしゅびをかいぜんするひつようがある). In a broader sense, it can also refer to safeguarding or protecting something, such as in 'national defense' (国防, こくぼう).

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

399

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Contain, Looks

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 谷Valley

Example Word

収容: accommodation. The Japanese noun '収容 (しゅうよう)' refers to the act of accommodating or housing people, objects, or animals within a space. It is often used in contexts such as facilities, shelters, or institutions where individuals or items are contained or housed. For example: The shelter accommodates 100 people「その避難所は100人を収容する」(そのひなんじょは100にんをしゅうようする). The prison can house up to 500 inmates「その刑務所は500人まで収容できる」(そのけいむしょは500にんまでしゅうようできる). This word can also be used in broader contexts, such as data storage or event capacity, but its core meaning revolves around the concept of containment or accommodation.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

430

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Lodging

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 亻Person (人)百Hundred

Example Word

宿泊: lodging. The Japanese noun '宿泊 (しゅくはく)' refers to the act of staying overnight or lodging at a place, typically used in contexts like hotels, inns, or other accommodations. It is commonly used in formal or travel-related situations. For example: I will stay at a hotel「ホテルに宿泊します」(ホテルにしゅくはくします). The lodging fee is included「宿泊料金は含まれています」(しゅくはくりょうきんはふくまれています). This term is often seen in phrases like '宿泊施設 (しゅくはくしせつ)' (lodging facilities) or '宿泊予約 (しゅくはくよやく)' (lodging reservation).

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

子宮: uterus. The Japanese noun '子宮 (しきゅう)' refers to the 'uterus', which is the organ in the female body where a baby develops during pregnancy. This term is commonly used in medical contexts, discussions about reproductive health, and biology. For example: The doctor examined her uterus「医者は彼女の子宮を検査した」(いしゃはかのじょのしきゅうをけんさした). The uterus is an important organ for reproduction「子宮は生殖にとって重要な器官です」(しきゅうはせいしょくにとってじゅうようなきかんです). The word is neutral in tone and is used in both formal and informal settings when discussing anatomy or health.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

496

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Guess

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 祭Ritual

Example Word

警察: police. The Japanese noun '警察 (けいさつ)' refers to the police or law enforcement. It is used to describe the organization responsible for maintaining public order and safety, as well as enforcing laws. For example: The police arrived quickly「警察がすぐに来た」(けいさつがすぐにきた). I reported it to the police「警察に報告した」(けいさつにほうこくした). This term is commonly used in contexts involving crime, safety, and legal matters.

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

秘密: secret. The Japanese adjectival noun '秘密 (ひみつ)' means 'secret'. It refers to something that is kept hidden or concealed from others, often because it is private, confidential, or sensitive. This word can be used to describe information, actions, or objects that are not meant to be disclosed. For example: This is a secret「これは秘密です」(これはひみつです). She told me her secret「彼女は秘密を教えてくれた」(かのじょはひみつをおしえてくれた). The word can also be used in compound phrases, such as '秘密の場所 (ひみつのばしょ)' (secret place) or '秘密を守る (ひみつをまもる)' (to keep a secret).

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

641

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Wealth, Rich

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 畐Fill

Example Word

富: wealth. The Japanese noun '富 (とみ)' refers to 'wealth' or 'riches'. It is used to describe an abundance of valuable possessions, money, or resources. This word can be used in both literal and figurative contexts, such as material wealth or the wealth of knowledge. For example: He accumulated great wealth「彼は大きな富を築いた」(かれはおおきなとみをきずいた). The wealth of this country is vast「この国の富は大きい」(このくにのとみはおおきい). Note that '富' can also be used in compound words, such as '富国 (ふこく)' meaning 'wealthy nation'.

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

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

685

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Harm

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 口Mouth 丰

Example Word

利害: interests or gains. The Japanese noun '利害 (りがい)' refers to 'interests' or 'gains', often in the context of benefits and losses. It is commonly used to discuss the advantages and disadvantages, or the pros and cons, of a situation, decision, or relationship. For example: The interests of the company and the employees are aligned「会社と従業員の利害は一致している」(かいしゃとじゅうぎょういんのりがいはいっちしている). They discussed the gains and losses of the project「彼らはそのプロジェクトの利害を話し合った」(かれらはそのぷろじぇくとのりがいをはなしあった). The term can also be used in legal or business contexts to describe conflicts of interest or mutual benefits.

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

810

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

House

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 乇Depend

Example Word

宅: home. The Japanese noun '宅 (たく)' refers to one's home or residence. It is often used in formal or polite contexts, such as when referring to someone else's home. For example: I will visit your home「あなたの宅を訪問します」(あなたのたくをほうもんします). This word can also be used in compound words like '自宅 (じたく)' (one's own home) or '帰宅 (きたく)' (returning home). It carries a slightly formal tone and is commonly used in written language or polite speech.

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

寧ろ: rather. The Japanese adverb '寧ろ (むしろ)' is used to express a preference for one thing over another, often indicating that the speaker considers the second option to be more suitable, appropriate, or true than the first. It can also be used to contrast two ideas, emphasizing that the latter is more accurate or preferable. For example: I would rather stay home than go out「出かけるより寧ろ家にいたい」(でかけるよりむしろいえにいたい). It's not expensive; rather, it's cheap「高くない、寧ろ安い」(たかくない、むしろやすい). This adverb is often used in comparisons or when correcting a previous statement.

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

審査: inspection or screening. The Japanese noun '審査 (しんさ)' refers to the process of examining or evaluating something carefully. It is commonly used in contexts such as quality checks, application reviews, or competition judging. For example: The inspection of the documents is complete「書類の審査が終わりました」(しょるいのしんさがおわりました). The screening process for the job applications is strict「求人の審査は厳しいです」(きゅうじんのしんさはきびしいです). This noun is often used in formal or professional settings to describe a thorough evaluation process.

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

宛先: address. The Japanese noun '宛先 (あてさき)' refers to the 'address' of a person or place to which something is sent, such as a letter, package, or email. It is commonly used in contexts involving mailing or communication. For example: Please write the address here「ここに宛先を書いてください」(ここにあてさきをかいてください). I forgot to include the address「宛先を書き忘れました」(あてさきをかきわすれました). This word is essential in situations where specifying a destination is required.

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