Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical

kanji

Meaning

Quality

Reading

Parts

貝Shellfish 斤Axe, Catty

Example Word

質問: question. The Japanese verbal noun '質問 (しつもん)' means 'question'. It is used to refer to an inquiry or a query that someone asks to seek information or clarification. This word is commonly used in both formal and informal settings, such as in classrooms, meetings, or casual conversations. For example: I have a question「質問があります」(しつもんがあります). Please answer my question「私の質問に答えてください」(わたしのしつもんにこたえてください). The word can also be used as a verb when combined with the auxiliary verb 'する', as in '質問する (しつもんする)', which means 'to ask a question'.

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

342

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Precious

Reading

Parts

貝Shellfish 中Center 一One

Example Word

貴族: nobility. The Japanese noun '貴族 (きぞく)' refers to 'nobility' or 'aristocracy'. It describes a social class of people who hold hereditary titles or ranks, often associated with wealth, power, and privilege. This term is commonly used in historical or formal contexts to refer to the elite class in feudal or monarchical societies. For example: The nobility lived in grand castles「貴族は大きな城に住んでいた」(きぞくはおおきなしろにすんでいた). She comes from a family of nobility「彼女は貴族の家系です」(かのじょはきぞくのかけいです). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe someone with refined or elegant qualities, though this usage is less common.

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

371

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Buy

Reading

Parts

貝Shellfish 罒Net

Example Word

売買: trade. The Japanese verbal noun '売買 (ばいばい)' refers to the act of buying and selling, commonly translated as 'trade' or 'transaction'. It is used in contexts involving commercial activities, such as the exchange of goods, services, or properties. For example: The trade of goods is increasing「商品の売買が増えている」(しょうひんのばいばいがふえている). They are involved in real estate transactions「彼らは不動産の売買に関わっている」(かれらはふどうさんのばいばいにかかわっている). This term is neutral and can be applied to both legal and illegal transactions, depending on the context.

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

472

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Defeat

Reading

Parts

⺈Wrap 貝Shellfish

Example Word

負担: burden. The Japanese verbal noun '負担 (ふたん)' means 'burden'. It refers to something that is carried or borne, often implying a sense of difficulty or responsibility. This term is commonly used in contexts involving financial, emotional, or physical burdens. For example: The cost is a burden for the family「その費用は家族にとって負担だ」(そのひようはかぞくにとってふたんだ). She doesn't want to be a burden to anyone「彼女は誰の負担にもなりたくない」(かのじょはだれのふたんにもなりたくない). It's important to note that '負担' can also be used in compound words, such as '負担金 (ふたんきん)' meaning 'contribution fee'.

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

575

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Poor

Reading

Parts

分Minute, Part 貝Shellfish

Example Word

貧しい: poor. The Japanese adjective '貧しい (まずしい)' means 'poor'. This adjective is used to describe a lack of material wealth or resources. It can refer to individuals, families, or even regions that are economically disadvantaged. For example: he is poor「彼は貧しい」(かれはまずしい). The village is poor「その村は貧しい」(そのむらはまずしい). Additionally, '貧しい' can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is lacking in quality or richness, such as '貧しい想像力 (まずしいそうぞうりょく) (poor imagination)'. This adjective is often used in contexts discussing social issues, economic conditions, or personal circumstances.

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

844

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Capital, Resources

Reading

Parts

貝Shellfish 次Next

Example Word

出資: investment. The Japanese noun '出資 (しゅっし)' refers to the act of providing capital or funds to a business, project, or venture in exchange for a stake or share in its profits or ownership. It is commonly used in financial and business contexts. For example: He made an investment in the company「彼はその会社に出資した」(かれはそのかいしゃにしゅっしした). The startup is seeking investment「そのスタートアップは出資を求めている」(そのスタートアップはしゅっしをもとめている). This term is often associated with formal or professional settings and implies a financial commitment.

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

874

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Blame, Liability

Reading

Parts

龶Life (生)貝Shellfish

Example Word

責任: responsibility. The Japanese noun '責任 (せきにん)' means 'responsibility'. It refers to the state or fact of being accountable for something, often involving duties or obligations. This word is commonly used in both personal and professional contexts. For example: He took responsibility for the mistake「彼はそのミスの責任を取った」(かれはそのミスのせきにんをとった). It is your responsibility to finish the task「その仕事を終わらせるのはあなたの責任です」(そのしごとをおわらせるのはあなたのせきにんです). The word can also imply moral or legal accountability, as in 'criminal responsibility' (刑事責任, けいじせきにん).

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

993

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Expense

Reading

Parts

弗 貝Shellfish

Example Word

食費: food expenses. The Japanese noun '食費 (しょくひ)' refers to the cost or expenses related to food. This term is commonly used when discussing household budgets, personal finances, or the cost of living. It encompasses all expenses associated with purchasing food, whether for daily meals, groceries, or dining out. For example: My food expenses are high this month「今月の食費が高い」(こんげつのしょくひがたかい). We need to reduce our food expenses「食費を減らす必要がある」(しょくひをへらすひつようがある). This term is often used in financial planning or when discussing cost-saving measures.

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1046

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Congratulate

Reading

Parts

加Join, Add 貝Shellfish

Example Word

年賀状: new years card. The Japanese noun '年賀状 (ねんがじょう)' refers to a 'New Year's card'. These are special greeting cards sent to friends, family, and colleagues to celebrate the New Year. They often feature traditional designs, such as the zodiac animal of the year, and include messages of good fortune and health. Example sentences: I sent a New Year's card to my friend「友達に年賀状を送りました」(ともだちにねんがじょうをおくりました). Did you receive a New Year's card?「年賀状をもらいましたか？」(ねんがじょうをもらいましたか？).

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1054

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Wealth

Reading

Parts

貝Shellfish 才Talent, Age

Example Word

財政: finance. The Japanese noun '財政 (ざいせい)' refers to 'finance' or 'financial affairs', particularly in the context of public or government finance. It is commonly used to discuss the financial condition, management, or policies of a government, organization, or institution. For example: The government's finances are in bad shape「政府の財政は悪い状態です」(せいふのざいせいはわるいじょうたいです). The city is struggling with its finances「市の財政が苦しい」(しのざいせいがくるしい). This term is often used in formal or administrative contexts and is distinct from personal or private finance, which would typically use terms like '家計 (かけい)' or '個人の財政 (こじんのざいせい)'.

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1086

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Pierce, Sushi counter

Reading

Parts

毋 貝Shellfish

Example Word

貫く: pierce or persist. The Japanese verb '貫く (つらぬく)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'to pierce' or 'to penetrate', often used in a physical sense, such as piercing through an object. For example: The arrow pierced the target「矢が的を貫いた」(やがまとをつらぬいた). The second meaning is 'to persist' or 'to carry through', referring to maintaining a principle, belief, or course of action despite challenges. For example: He persisted in his beliefs「彼は信念を貫いた」(かれはしんねんをつらぬいた). This verb is versatile and can be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, making it important to consider the surrounding context to determine the intended meaning.

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1200

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Lend, Loan

Reading

Parts

代Substitute, Era 貝Shellfish

Example Word

貸借: loan or borrowing. The Japanese noun '貸借 (たいしゃく)' refers to the act of lending or borrowing, often used in financial or legal contexts. It can describe both the action of lending something (貸す) and borrowing something (借りる). For example: The loan agreement was signed「貸借契約が結ばれた」(たいしゃくけいやくがむすばれた). He is responsible for the borrowing「彼は貸借の責任者です」(かれはたいしゃくのせきにんしゃです). This term is commonly used in accounting to describe liabilities and assets, such as in '貸借対照表 (たいしゃくたいしょうひょう)' (balance sheet).

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1229

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Chastity

Reading

Parts

⺊ 貝Shellfish

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1235

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Robber, Rebel

Reading

Parts

貝Shellfish 戎

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1257

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Goods, Freight

Reading

Parts

化Change 貝Shellfish

Example Word

通貨: currency. The Japanese noun '通貨 (つうか)' refers to 'currency', which is the system of money used in a particular country or region. This term is commonly used in financial, economic, and everyday contexts when discussing money, exchange rates, or monetary systems. For example: The Japanese currency is the yen「日本の通貨は円です」(にほんのつうかはえんです). I exchanged foreign currency at the bank「私は銀行で外貨を交換しました」(わたしはぎんこうでがいかをこうかんしました). The word can also appear in compound terms like '外貨通貨 (がいかつうか)' (foreign currency) or '仮想通貨 (かそうつうか)' (virtual currency).

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1262

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Prize

Reading

Parts

貝Shellfish 尚Still, Esteem

Example Word

ノーベル賞: Nobel Prize. The Japanese noun 'ノーベル賞 (ノーベルしょう)' refers to the 'Nobel Prize', an international award given annually in several categories to recognize outstanding contributions in fields such as physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, peace, and economics. The word is a direct borrowing from English, written in katakana to reflect its foreign origin. For example: He won the Nobel Prize in Literature「彼はノーベル文学賞を受賞した」(かれはノーベルぶんがくしょうをじゅしょうした). The Nobel Prize ceremony is held in Stockholm「ノーベル賞の授賞式はストックホルムで行われます」(ノーベルしょうのじゅしょうしきはストックホルムでおこなわれます).

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1271

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Wise, Clever

Reading

Parts

臤 貝Shellfish

Example Word

悪賢い: cunning or crafty. The Japanese adjective '悪賢い (わるがしこい)' describes someone or something that is cunning or crafty, often implying a cleverness used for deceitful or selfish purposes. It carries a negative connotation, suggesting slyness or trickery. For example: He is a cunning fox「彼は悪賢い狐だ」(かれはわるがしこいきつねだ). She gave a crafty smile「彼女は悪賢い笑みを浮かべた」(かのじょはわるがしこいえみをうかべた). This word is typically used to describe people or animals that exhibit clever but morally questionable behavior.

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1340

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Shellfish

Reading

Parts

目Eye 八Eight

Example Word

貝: shellfish. The Japanese noun '貝 (かい)' refers to 'shellfish', a broad category of aquatic creatures with shells, such as clams, oysters, and scallops. This word is commonly used in contexts related to seafood, marine biology, or even in idiomatic expressions. For example: I found a beautiful shellfish on the beach「浜辺で美しい貝を見つけた」(はまべでうつくしいかいをみつけた). Shellfish are delicious「貝は美味しい」(かいはおいしい). In some cases, '貝' can also refer to the shells themselves, especially when discussing their use in crafts or decorations.

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1475

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Rent, Fare

Reading

Parts

任Duty, Responsibility 貝Shellfish

Example Word

家賃: rent. The Japanese noun '家賃 (やちん)' refers to the payment made for the use of a property, typically a house or apartment. It is a common term used in discussions about housing and living expenses. For example: The rent is expensive「家賃が高い」(やちんがたかい). I pay the rent every month「毎月家賃を払う」(まいつきやちんをはらう). It's important to note that '家賃' specifically refers to the rent for living spaces, distinguishing it from other types of rent such as for vehicles or equipment.

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1536

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Praise, Agree

Reading

Parts

貝Shellfish 夫Man, Husband

Example Word

賛成: agreement. The Japanese verbal noun '賛成 (さんせい)' means 'agreement' or 'approval'. It is used to express consent or support for an idea, proposal, or opinion. This word is commonly used in formal and informal contexts, such as meetings, discussions, or everyday conversations. For example: I agree with your opinion「あなたの意見に賛成です」(あなたのいけんにさんせいです). The committee approved the proposal「委員会はその提案に賛成した」(いいんかいはそのていあんにさんせいした). Note that '賛成' is often paired with the particle 'に' to indicate what is being agreed upon, as in '提案に賛成する (ていあんにさんせいする) (to agree with the proposal)'.

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1571

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Present, Presents

Reading

Parts

貝Shellfish 曽Formerly

Example Word

贈り物: gift. The Japanese noun '贈り物 (おくりもの)' means 'gift'. It refers to something given to someone as a present, often to show appreciation, celebrate an occasion, or express goodwill. This word is commonly used in contexts like birthdays, weddings, or holidays. For example: I received a gift from my friend「友達から贈り物をもらった」(ともだちからおくりものをもらった). She prepared a gift for her mother「彼女は母親に贈り物を用意した」(かのじょはははおやにおくりものをよういした). The word can also imply thoughtfulness or care in choosing the gift.

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1594

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Gamble

Reading

Parts

貝Shellfish 者Someone

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1703

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Savings

Reading

Parts

貝Shellfish 宁

Example Word

貯金: savings. The Japanese verbal noun '貯金 (ちょきん)' refers to the act of saving money or the money that has been saved. It is commonly used in contexts related to personal finance, banking, or setting aside funds for future use. For example: I am saving money for a trip「旅行のために貯金しています」(りょこうのためにちょきんしています). She has a lot of savings「彼女はたくさん貯金があります」(かのじょはたくさんちょきんがあります). The word can also be used in compound phrases like '貯金箱 (ちょきんばこ)' (piggy bank) or '貯金通帳 (ちょきんつうちょう)' (savings passbook).

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1767

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Paste

Reading

Parts

貝Shellfish 占Fortune telling

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1781

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Tribute

Reading

Parts

貝Shellfish 工Construction

Example Word

貢献: contribution. The Japanese noun '貢献 (こうけん)' means 'contribution'. It refers to the act of contributing to something, such as a cause, project, or society. This word is often used in contexts where someone or something has made a significant positive impact or provided valuable input. For example: His research made a great contribution to science「彼の研究は科学に大きな貢献をした」(かれのけんきゅうはかがくにおおきなこうけんをした). We aim to contribute to the community「私たちは地域に貢献することを目指しています」(わたしたちはちいきにこうけんすることをめざしています). The word can also be used in a broader sense to describe any form of support or assistance that leads to progress or improvement.

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1790

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Grant, Deign to give

Reading

Parts

貝Shellfish 易Easy

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1823

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Indulge in, Covet

Reading

Parts

今Now 貝Shellfish

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1895

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Trade

Reading

Example Word

貿易: trade. The Japanese verbal noun '貿易 (ぼうえき)' refers to 'trade', specifically the exchange of goods and services between countries or regions. It is commonly used in contexts related to international commerce, economics, and business. For example: Japan trades with many countries「日本は多くの国と貿易をしている」(にほんはおおくのくにとぼうえきをしている). International trade is important for the economy「国際貿易は経済にとって重要だ」(こくさいぼうえきはけいざいにとってじゅうようだ). The term can also be used in compound words like '貿易会社 (ぼうえきがいしゃ)' (trading company) or '貿易赤字 (ぼうえきあかじ)' (trade deficit).

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1958

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Purchase, Subscription

Reading

Parts

貝Shellfish 冓

Example Word

購入: purchase. The Japanese verbal noun '購入 (こうにゅう)' means 'purchase'. It refers to the act of buying or acquiring something, typically in a formal or commercial context. This term is often used in business settings, online shopping, or when discussing transactions. For example: I purchased a new car「新しい車を購入しました」(あたらしいくるまをこうにゅうしました). The company purchased new equipment「会社は新しい設備を購入しました」(かいしゃはあたらしいせつびをこうにゅうしました). It is important to note that '購入' is more formal than the verb '買う (かう)', which also means 'to buy' but is used in more casual contexts.

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1976

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Levy, Installment

Reading

Parts

貝Shellfish 武Military

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1980

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Guest, Vip

Reading

Parts

宀Roof 一One 小Small 貝Shellfish

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2024

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Sell

Reading

Parts

貝Shellfish 反Anti

Example Word

市販: retail. The Japanese noun '市販 (しはん)' refers to products or goods that are sold commercially, typically in retail stores or through general distribution channels. It is often used to describe items that are widely available to the public, as opposed to custom-made or specialized products. For example: This medicine is available over-the-counter「この薬は市販されています」(このくすりはしはんされています). I bought a retail version of the software「市販のソフトウェアを買いました」(しはんのソフトウェアをかいました). The term can also imply that something is mass-produced and accessible to the general consumer market.

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2028

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Bribe, Provide

Reading

Parts

貝Shellfish 有Exist

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2052

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Bribe

Reading

Parts

貝Shellfish 各Each

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2114

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Compensate, Compensation

Reading

Parts

貝Shellfish 咅Spit

Example Word

賠償: compensation. The Japanese noun '賠償 (ばいしょう)' refers to 'compensation', particularly in the context of legal or financial reparation for damages, losses, or injuries. It is commonly used in legal settings, such as lawsuits or insurance claims, where one party is required to compensate another for harm caused. For example: The company paid compensation for the damages「会社は損害の賠償を支払った」(かいしゃはそんがいのばいしょうをしはらった). He demanded compensation for the accident「彼は事故の賠償を要求した」(かれはじこのばいしょうをようきゅうした). This term is often associated with formal or serious situations where restitution is necessary.

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2119

Handwriting