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

貴い: precious. The Japanese adjective '貴い (とうとい)' means 'precious' or 'valuable'. It is often used to describe something of high value, importance, or rarity, whether it be physical objects, abstract concepts, or even people. This word carries a sense of reverence or respect. For example: Time is precious「時間は貴い」(じかんはとうとい). This is a precious gift「これは貴い贈り物です」(これはとうといおくりものです). The word can also imply something noble or sacred, as in '貴い使命 (とうといしめい)' (noble mission).

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

負債: debt. The Japanese noun '負債 (ふさい)' means 'debt'. It refers to an amount of money or financial obligation that one owes to another party, often due to borrowing or financial transactions. This term is commonly used in financial, business, or personal contexts. For example: The company has a large debt「その会社は大きな負債がある」(そのかいしゃはおおきなふさいがある). He is struggling to pay off his debt「彼は負債を返済するのに苦労している」(かれはふさいをへんさいするのにくろうしている). Note that '負債' is a formal term and is often used in written or professional contexts, as opposed to more casual terms like '借金 (しゃっきん)'.

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

資本主義: capitalism. The Japanese noun '資本主義 (しほんしゅぎ)' refers to the economic system known as 'capitalism'. This system is characterized by private ownership of the means of production and the creation of goods or services for profit in a competitive market. It is a fundamental concept in economics and political science. Example sentences include: Capitalism drives innovation「資本主義は革新を促進する」(しほんしゅぎはかくしんをそくしんする). Many countries operate under capitalism「多くの国が資本主義の下で運営されている」(おおくのくにがしほんしゅぎのもとでうんえいされている).

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

旅費: travel expenses. The Japanese noun '旅費 (りょひ)' refers to the costs associated with traveling, such as transportation, accommodation, and meals. It is commonly used in both personal and business contexts. For example: The company will cover my travel expenses「会社が私の旅費を負担します」(かいしゃがわたしのりょひをふたんします). I need to calculate my travel expenses for the trip「旅行の旅費を計算する必要があります」(りょこうのりょひをけいさんするひつようがあります). This term is often used in formal or professional settings, particularly when discussing reimbursement or budgeting for trips.

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

文化財: cultural asset. The Japanese noun '文化財 (ぶんかざい)' refers to 'cultural assets' or 'cultural properties'. These are items of significant cultural, historical, or artistic value that are preserved and protected by law. Examples include historical buildings, artworks, traditional crafts, and intangible cultural heritage like performing arts. For example: This temple is a designated cultural asset「この寺は文化財に指定されています」(このてらはぶんかざいにしていされています). The government protects cultural assets「政府は文化財を保護しています」(せいふはぶんかざいをほごしています). The term emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural heritage for future generations.

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

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