Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical

kanji

Meaning

Quality

Reading

Parts

貝Shellfish 斤Axe, Catty

Example Word

物質: matter or substance. The Japanese noun '物質 (ぶっしつ)' refers to 'substance' or 'matter'. It is used to describe physical materials or the fundamental components that make up objects. This word is often used in scientific, philosophical, or everyday contexts to discuss the nature of physical entities. For example: This substance is dangerous「この物質は危険です」(このぶっしつはきけんです). Matter cannot be created or destroyed「物質は創造も破壊もできない」(ぶっしつはそうぞうもはかいもできない). The word can also be used in abstract contexts, such as discussing the 'substance' of an argument or idea.

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

342

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Precious

Reading

Parts

貝Shellfish 中Center 一One

Example Word

貴重: precious. The Japanese adjectival noun '貴重 (きちょう)' means 'precious' or 'valuable'. It is used to describe something that is highly valued, rare, or of great importance. This term is often used in contexts where something is considered irreplaceable or of significant worth, such as time, resources, or experiences. For example: This is a precious opportunity「これは貴重な機会です」(これはきちょうなきかいです). The museum has many precious artifacts「その博物館には貴重な遺物がたくさんある」(そのはくぶつかんにはきちょうないぶつがたくさんある). It can also be used to describe abstract concepts like memories or advice, emphasizing their importance and rarity.

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

371

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Buy

Reading

Parts

貝Shellfish 罒Net

Example Word

買い物: shopping. The Japanese verbal noun '買い物 (かいもの)' means 'shopping'. It refers to the act of purchasing goods or items, typically at stores or markets. This word is commonly used in everyday conversations and can be applied to various shopping contexts, such as grocery shopping, clothes shopping, or online shopping. For example: I went shopping「買い物に行きました」(かいものにいきました). Shopping is fun「買い物は楽しい」(かいものはたのしい). It's important to note that '買い物' is often used with verbs like 'する' (to do) or '行く' (to go) to form phrases like '買い物をする' (to do shopping) or '買い物に行く' (to go shopping).

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

472

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Defeat

Reading

Parts

⺈Wrap 貝Shellfish

Example Word

背負う: carry. The Japanese verb '背負う (せおう)' primarily means 'to carry on one's back'. It is often used to describe physically carrying something, such as a backpack or a child, on one's back. Additionally, it can be used metaphorically to describe taking on responsibilities or burdens. For example: He carries a heavy burden「彼は重い責任を背負っている」(かれはおもいせきにんをせおっている). She carried her child on her back「彼女は子供を背負っていた」(かのじょはこどもをせおっていた). The verb can also imply a sense of enduring or bearing something significant, whether physical or emotional.

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

575

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Poor

Reading

Parts

分Minute, Part 貝Shellfish

Example Word

貧乏: poor. The Japanese adjectival noun '貧乏 (びんぼう)' means 'poor' in the sense of lacking financial resources. It describes a state of poverty or being impoverished. This word is often used to describe individuals, families, or situations where there is a lack of money or material wealth. For example: he is poor「彼は貧乏だ」(かれはびんぼうだ). We grew up poor「私たちは貧乏に育った」(わたしたちはびんぼうにそだった). It can also be used in compound words like '貧乏人 (びんぼうにん)' (poor person) or '貧乏生活 (びんぼうせいかつ)' (life of poverty). Note that this word carries a neutral to slightly negative connotation and is not typically used in formal contexts.

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

844

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Capital, Resources

Reading

Parts

貝Shellfish 次Next

Example Word

資格: qualification. The Japanese noun '資格 (しかく)' refers to a qualification, certification, or eligibility for something. It is often used in contexts related to professional or academic credentials, such as licenses, degrees, or certifications. For example: I have a teaching qualification「私は教員の資格を持っています」(わたしはきょういんのしかくをもっています). He obtained a qualification in engineering「彼は工学の資格を取得しました」(かれはこうがくのしかくをしゅとくしました). The word can also imply eligibility or the right to do something, such as having the qualification to vote「投票する資格がある」(とうひょうするしかくがある).

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

874

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Blame, Liability

Reading

Parts

龶Life (生)貝Shellfish

Example Word

責める: blame. The Japanese verb '責める (せめる)' means 'to blame' or 'to criticize'. It is used when someone holds another person responsible for a mistake, fault, or wrongdoing. This verb can also carry a nuance of reproach or scolding, often implying a moral or emotional weight. For example: He blamed me for the failure「彼は私を失敗のせいに責めた」(かれはわたしをしっぱいのせいにせめた). She criticized him harshly「彼女は彼を厳しく責めた」(かのじょはかれをきびしくせめた). Note that this verb is often used in contexts where there is a sense of guilt or responsibility involved.

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

993

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Expense

Reading

Parts

弗 貝Shellfish

Example Word

消費者: consumer. The Japanese noun '消費者 (しょうひしゃ)' means 'consumer'. This term refers to an individual or entity that purchases goods or services for personal use rather than for resale or commercial purposes. It is commonly used in economic, business, and marketing contexts. For example: Consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious「消費者は環境意識が高まっている」(しょうひしゃはかんきょういしきがたかまっている). The company focuses on consumer needs「その会社は消費者のニーズに焦点を当てている」(そのかいしゃはしょうひしゃのニーズにしょうてんをあてている). The word is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings.

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

財布: wallet. The Japanese noun '財布 (さいふ)' means 'wallet'. It refers to a small, flat case used to carry personal items such as cash, credit cards, and identification documents. This word is commonly used in everyday conversations when discussing money or personal belongings. For example: I lost my wallet「財布をなくしました」(さいふをなくしました). This wallet is expensive「この財布は高いです」(このさいふはたかいです). The term can also be used metaphorically to refer to one's financial resources, as in '財布が寂しい (さいふがさびしい)' which means 'my wallet is feeling lonely' (i.e., I'm low on money).

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

貸す: lend. The Japanese verb '貸す (かす)' means 'to lend'. It is used when someone temporarily gives something to another person with the expectation that it will be returned. This verb is commonly used in everyday situations, such as lending money, books, or tools. For example: I will lend you a book「本を貸します」(ほんをかします). Can you lend me your pen?「ペンを貸してくれますか？」(ぺんをかしてくれますか？). The verb can also be used in more abstract contexts, such as lending support or assistance. Note that '貸す' is often paired with '借りる (かりる)', which means 'to borrow', to describe the reciprocal action.

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

外貨: foreign currency. The Japanese noun '外貨 (がいか)' refers to 'foreign currency'. It is commonly used in contexts related to finance, travel, or international trade. For example: I exchanged yen for foreign currency「円を外貨に両替した」(えんをがいかにりょうがえした). The company holds foreign currency reserves「その会社は外貨準備を持っている」(そのかいしゃはがいかじゅんびをもっている). This term is essential when discussing exchange rates, international transactions, or travel preparations involving currency exchange.

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

贈る: give. The Japanese verb '贈る (おくる)' means 'to give' or 'to present'. It is specifically used when giving something as a gift, award, or token of appreciation. This verb carries a nuance of formality and is often used in contexts like giving presents, awards, or donations. For example: I will give a book as a gift「本を贈ります」(ほんをおくります). They gave her a medal「彼らは彼女にメダルを贈った」(かれらはかのじょにメダルをおくった). Note that '贈る' is distinct from other verbs like 'あげる', as it implies a more formal or ceremonial act of giving.

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

貯蓄: savings. The Japanese noun '貯蓄 (ちょちく)' refers to the act of saving money or resources, or the accumulated savings themselves. It is commonly used in financial contexts to describe the practice of setting aside money for future use. For example: I have been saving money for a house「家のために貯蓄をしています」(いえのためにちょちくをしています). It is important to save for emergencies「緊急時のために貯蓄することが重要です」(きんきゅうじのためにちょちくすることがじゅうようです). The term can also be used more broadly to refer to the accumulation of resources, not just money.

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