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

負傷: injury. The Japanese verbal noun '負傷 (ふしょう)' refers to an injury, typically physical, that someone sustains. It is often used in formal or medical contexts to describe wounds or harm to the body. For example: he suffered a serious injury「彼は重い負傷を負った」(かれはおもいふしょうをおった). The accident caused many injuries「その事故で多くの負傷者が出た」(そのじこでおおくのふしょうしゃがでた). Note that '負傷' is more formal than casual terms like 'けが (kega)' and is commonly used in news reports or official statements.

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

資産: assets. The Japanese noun '資産 (しさん)' refers to 'assets' in the sense of valuable resources or property owned by an individual, company, or organization. It is commonly used in financial, business, and legal contexts to describe things like money, real estate, investments, or other valuables. For example: He has a lot of assets「彼は多くの資産を持っている」(かれはおおくのしさんをもっている). The company's assets increased「会社の資産が増えた」(かいしゃのしさんがふえた). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe non-material assets, such as skills or knowledge, though this is less common.

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

874

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Blame, Liability

Reading

Parts

龶Life (生)貝Shellfish

Example Word

無責任: irresponsible. The Japanese adjectival noun '無責任 (むせきにん)' means 'irresponsible'. It is used to describe someone or something that lacks a sense of responsibility or fails to take accountability for their actions. This term can be applied to people, actions, or even systems. For example: His behavior was irresponsible「彼の行動は無責任だった」(かれのこうどうはむせきにんだった). The company's response was irresponsible「会社の対応は無責任だった」(かいしゃのたいおうはむせきにんだった). It is often used in contexts where someone neglects their duties or fails to consider the consequences of their actions.

Radical

貝

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

993

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Expense

Reading

Parts

弗 貝Shellfish

Example Word

経費: expenses. The Japanese noun '経費 (けいひ)' refers to 'expenses' or 'costs', particularly those incurred in the course of business or work-related activities. It is commonly used in professional or financial contexts to describe expenditures necessary for operations, such as office supplies, travel costs, or other operational outlays. For example: The company covers all business expenses「会社はすべての経費を負担します」(かいしゃはすべてのけいひをふたんします). We need to reduce unnecessary expenses「不要な経費を削減する必要があります」(ふようなけいひをさくげんするひつようがあります). This term is often used in accounting or budgeting discussions.

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

貸し出す: lend. The Japanese verb '貸し出す (かしだす)' means 'to lend' or 'to loan out'. It is commonly used in contexts where something is being temporarily given to someone else, such as books from a library, tools, or other items. For example: The library lends books「図書館は本を貸し出す」(としょかんはほんをかしだす). I lent my friend a bicycle「友達に自転車を貸し出した」(ともだちにじてんしゃをかしだした). This verb is often used in formal or institutional settings, such as libraries, rental services, or businesses.

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

貨物: cargo. The Japanese noun '貨物 (かもつ)' refers to 'cargo' or 'freight'. It is used to describe goods or products that are transported, typically by ship, train, truck, or airplane. This term is commonly used in logistics, shipping, and transportation contexts. For example: The cargo was delivered on time「貨物は時間通りに届けられた」(かもつはじかんどおりにとどけられた). The ship is carrying a lot of cargo「その船はたくさんの貨物を運んでいる」(そのふねはたくさんのかもつをはこんでいる). Note that '貨物' is often used in formal or technical contexts, and it can refer to both commercial and non-commercial goods.

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

販売: sale. The Japanese verbal noun '販売 (はんばい)' means 'sale' or 'selling'. It refers to the act of selling goods or services. This word is commonly used in business contexts, such as retail, marketing, and commerce. For example: The sale of this product starts tomorrow「この商品の販売は明日からです」(このしょうひんのはんばいがあすからです). This store sells various items「この店はいろいろな商品を販売しています」(このみせはいろいろなしょうひんをはんばいしています). Note that '販売' is often used in compound words, such as '販売員 (はんばいいん)' (salesperson) or '販売価格 (はんばいかかく)' (selling price).

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