字Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical

kanji

Meaning

Gold

Reading

Parts

全Whole, All 丷Divide

Example Word

金曜日: Friday. The Japanese noun '金曜日 (きんようび)' means 'Friday'. It is one of the days of the week in the Japanese calendar. The word is composed of three kanji: 金 (きん, meaning 'gold' or 'metal'), 曜 (よう, meaning 'day of the week'), and 日 (び, meaning 'day'). Together, they form the word for Friday. Example sentences: Today is Friday「今日は金曜日です」(きょうはきんようびです). I have a meeting on Friday「金曜日に会議があります」(きんようびにかいぎがあります).

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

113

Radical Form

釒

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Silver

Reading

Parts

釒Gold (金)艮Stopping

Example Word

銀行: bank. The Japanese noun '銀行 (ぎんこう)' refers to a financial institution where people deposit, withdraw, or borrow money. It is commonly used in everyday conversations when discussing financial matters. For example: I went to the bank「銀行に行きました」(ぎんこうにいきました). The bank is closed today「銀行は今日休みです」(ぎんこうはきょうやすみです). This word is essential for discussing banking services, such as opening an account or applying for a loan.

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

595

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Iron

Reading

Parts

失Lose, Fault 金Gold

Example Word

地下鉄: subway. The Japanese noun '地下鉄 (ちかてつ)' means 'subway' or 'underground railway'. It refers to a rapid transit system that operates underground, commonly found in urban areas. This word is used to describe the transportation system itself or to refer to a specific subway line. For example: I take the subway to work「私は地下鉄で仕事に行きます」(わたしはちかてつでしごとにいきます). The subway is crowded in the morning「朝の地下鉄は混んでいます」(あさのちかてつはこんでいます). In Japan, the subway is a popular and efficient mode of transportation, especially in large cities like Tokyo and Osaka.

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

683

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Money, Coin

Reading

Parts

釒Gold (金)㦮

Example Word

金銭: money. The Japanese noun '金銭 (きんせん)' refers to 'money' in a general sense, often emphasizing its tangible or financial aspect. It is commonly used in formal or legal contexts to discuss financial matters, transactions, or wealth. For example: money is important in life「金銭は人生で重要です」(きんせんはじんせいでじゅうようです). He lost all his money「彼は金銭をすべて失った」(かれはきんせんをすべてうしなった). The word can also carry a slightly formal or serious tone, distinguishing it from more casual terms like 'お金 (おかね)'.

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

768

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Mirror

Reading

Parts

竟 釒Gold (金)

Example Word

鏡: mirror. The Japanese noun '鏡 (かがみ)' means 'mirror'. It refers to a reflective surface, typically made of glass with a metallic backing, used to see one's reflection. This word is commonly used in everyday contexts, such as looking at oneself or decorating a room. For example: I looked in the mirror「鏡を見た」(かがみをみた). The mirror is broken「鏡が壊れている」(かがみがこわれている). In Japanese culture, mirrors also hold symbolic significance, often representing truth or self-reflection.

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

828

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fish, Fishing

Reading

Parts

釒Gold (金)

Example Word

お釣り: change. The Japanese noun 'お釣り (おつり)' refers to the 'change' received back after making a purchase. It is commonly used in everyday transactions, such as when shopping or paying for services. The term is polite and often used in customer service contexts. For example: Here is your change「お釣りです」(おつりです). I received 500 yen in change「500円のお釣りをもらいました」(ごひゃくえんのおつりをもらいました). The prefix 'お' adds politeness, making it suitable for formal situations.

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

988

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Record

Reading

Parts

金Gold 录Write down

Example Word

記録: record. The Japanese verbal noun '記録 (きろく)' means 'record'. It refers to the act of documenting or recording information, or the information itself that has been documented. This word is commonly used in contexts such as sports, history, or data management. For example: He set a new world record「彼は新しい世界記録を樹立した」(かれはあたらしいせかいきろくをじゅりつした). Please keep a record of the meeting「会議の記録を取ってください」(かいぎのきろくをとってください). The word can also imply a historical or official documentation, as in 'historical records' (歴史的記録, れきしてききろく).

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1067

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Bowl

Reading

Parts

釒Gold (金)本Book, Origin

Example Word

鉢: bowl or pot. The Japanese noun '鉢 (はち)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'bowl', referring to a deep, round container used for holding food or liquids. The second is 'pot', specifically a container used for planting or holding plants. For example: a rice bowl「ご飯の鉢」(ごはんのはち). a flower pot「花の鉢」(はなのはち). The word can also refer to the shape of something resembling a bowl or pot, such as the crown of a hat or the top of a mountain. It is commonly used in everyday contexts, particularly in gardening or dining.

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1125

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Needle

Reading

Parts

十Ten 釒Gold (金)

Example Word

方針: policy. The Japanese noun '方針 (ほうしん)' refers to a 'policy', 'plan', or 'course of action' that is established to guide decisions or actions. It is often used in formal or organizational contexts to describe a set of principles or strategies. For example: The company's policy is clear「会社の方針は明確です」(かいしゃのほうしんはめいかくです). We need to decide on a course of action「方針を決める必要があります」(ほうしんをきめるひつようがあります). This word is commonly used in business, government, and other structured environments to outline a clear direction or approach.

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1138

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Sharp

Reading

Parts

釒Gold (金)兑

Example Word

鋭い: sharp. The Japanese adjective '鋭い (するどい)' primarily means 'sharp'. This can refer to physical sharpness, such as a knife or blade, but it is also commonly used to describe mental sharpness, keen senses, or intense emotions. For example: a sharp knife「鋭いナイフ」(するどいナイフ). He has a sharp mind「彼は鋭い頭脳を持っている」(かれはするどいずのうをもっている). The word can also describe something piercing or intense, like a sharp pain or a sharp gaze. For instance: a sharp pain「鋭い痛み」(するどいいたみ). It is important to note that '鋭い' is often used metaphorically to describe abstract qualities, such as sharp wit or keen observation.

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1190

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Small bell, Buzzer

Reading

Parts

令Orders 金Gold

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1258

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Bell

Reading

Parts

童Juvenile 釒Gold (金)

Example Word

鐘: bell. The Japanese noun '鐘 (かね)' refers to a 'bell', typically a large bell used in temples or churches. It is often associated with religious or ceremonial contexts, such as ringing a bell to mark time or during rituals. For example: the temple bell rings「お寺の鐘が鳴る」(おてらのかねがなる). The sound of the bell is beautiful「鐘の音が美しい」(かねのおとがうつくしい). This word can also be used metaphorically to signify something that resonates deeply, like a bell's sound.

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1387

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Gun

Reading

Parts

釒Gold (金)充Fill, Allocate

Example Word

銃: gun. The Japanese noun '銃 (じゅう)' means 'gun'. It refers to a weapon designed to discharge projectiles, typically bullets, using explosive force. This word is commonly used in contexts related to firearms, such as in law enforcement, military, or hunting. For example: He owns a gun「彼は銃を持っている」(かれはじゅうをもっている). The police confiscated the gun「警察は銃を没収した」(けいさつはじゅうをぼっしゅうした). Note that '銃' is a general term and can refer to various types of guns, including pistols, rifles, and shotguns.

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1415

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Sickle, Scythe

Reading

Parts

釒Gold (金)兼Combine, Concurrently

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1430

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Copper

Reading

Parts

釒Gold (金)同Same

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1447

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Key

Reading

Parts

釒Gold (金)建Build

Example Word

鍵: key. The Japanese noun '鍵 (かぎ)' means 'key'. It refers to a physical object used to lock or unlock something, such as a door, a safe, or a car. This word is commonly used in everyday situations. For example: I lost my key「鍵をなくしました」(かぎをなくしました). Do you have the key to this door?「このドアの鍵を持っていますか？」(このドアのかぎをもっていますか？). Additionally, '鍵' can also metaphorically refer to something essential or crucial, as in 'the key to success' (成功の鍵, せいこうのかぎ).

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1454

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Consider, Model

Reading

Parts

監Oversee 釒Gold (金)

Example Word

印鑑: seal. The Japanese noun '印鑑 (いんかん)' refers to a personal seal or stamp used in place of a signature in Japan. It is an essential tool for formal agreements, contracts, and official documents. The seal is typically made of wood, stone, or plastic and is engraved with the owner's name or initials. Example sentences: Please stamp your seal here「ここに印鑑を押してください」(ここにいんかんをおしてください). I lost my seal「印鑑をなくしました」(いんかんをなくしました). In Japan, having a registered seal (実印, じついん) is often required for significant legal transactions.

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1562

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Blunt, Dull

Reading

Parts

金Gold 屯Barracks, Station troops

Example Word

鈍い: dull. The Japanese adjective '鈍い (にぶい)' primarily means 'dull'. It can describe something that is not sharp, such as a knife, or something that is slow or sluggish, like a reaction or movement. For example: This knife is dull「このナイフは鈍い」(このナイフはにぶい). His reaction was slow「彼の反応は鈍かった」(かれのはんのうはにぶかった). The adjective can also be used metaphorically to describe a person's wit or senses as being dull or not sharp. For example: She is not quick-witted「彼女は頭の回転が鈍い」(かのじょはあたまのかいてんがにぶい).

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1598

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Chain

Reading

Parts

釒Gold (金)貝Shellfish

Example Word

鎖: chain. The Japanese noun '鎖 (くさり)' means 'chain'. It refers to a series of connected links, typically made of metal, used for fastening, securing, or pulling objects. This word can also metaphorically represent something that binds or restricts, such as in the context of emotional or societal constraints. Example sentences: The dog is tied with a chain「犬は鎖でつながれている」(いぬはくさりでつながれている). The chain of events led to the accident「一連の出来事が事故につながった」(いちれんのできごとがじこにつながった).

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1621

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Pot

Reading

Parts

咼 金Gold

Example Word

鍋: pot. The Japanese noun '鍋 (なべ)' refers to a 'pot', typically used for cooking. It can describe various types of pots, such as those used for boiling, stewing, or frying. In Japanese cuisine, '鍋' is also associated with hot pot dishes, where ingredients are cooked together in a communal pot. Example sentences: I bought a new pot「新しい鍋を買いました」(あたらしいなべをかいました). Let's make hot pot tonight「今夜は鍋を作りましょう」(こんやはなべをつくりましょう). The pot is on the stove「鍋がコンロの上にあります」(なべがコンロのうえにあります).

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1632

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Suppress, Tranquilize

Reading

Parts

真Truth 金Gold

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1650

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Inscription

Reading

Parts

名Name 金Gold

Example Word

銘柄: brand. The Japanese noun '銘柄 (めいがら)' refers to a brand, particularly in the context of products, goods, or stocks. It is often used to specify a particular brand name or type of product. For example: This brand of coffee is popular「この銘柄のコーヒーは人気です」(このめいがらのコーヒーはにんきです). I bought a new brand of wine「新しい銘柄のワインを買いました」(あたらしいめいがらのワインをかいました). In financial contexts, it can also refer to a specific stock or security, as in: This stock is performing well「この銘柄は好調です」(このめいがらはこうちょうです).

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1652

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Confused, Mixed up

Reading

Parts

昔Old times 釒Gold (金)

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1687

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Lead

Reading

Parts

釒Gold (金)㕣

Example Word

鉛筆: pencil. The Japanese noun '鉛筆 (えんぴつ)' means 'pencil'. It refers to a common writing instrument made of a thin cylindrical graphite core encased in wood. This word is widely used in everyday contexts, such as in schools, offices, or at home. For example: I bought a new pencil「新しい鉛筆を買いました」(あたらしいえんぴつをかいました). Please lend me a pencil「鉛筆を貸してください」(えんぴつをかしてください). The word is straightforward and does not carry additional nuanced meanings, making it easy to use in various situations.

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1704

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Cauldron

Reading

Parts

王King 父Father

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1720

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ore, Mineral

Reading

Parts

釒Gold (金)広Wide

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1749

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Forge, Train

Reading

Parts

段Step, Stairs 釒Gold (金)

Example Word

鍛える: train. The Japanese verb '鍛える (きたえる)' primarily means 'to train' or 'to forge'. It is often used in the context of physical training, such as building strength or endurance, but can also refer to mental or skill-based training. For example: He trains his body every day「彼は毎日体を鍛える」(かれはまいにちからだをきたえる). She is training her mind through meditation「彼女は瞑想で心を鍛えている」(かのじょはめいそうでこころをきたえている). Additionally, '鍛える' can be used metaphorically to describe refining or honing a skill, such as '鍛える技術 (きたえるぎじゅつ)' (honing a skill).

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1751

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Brocade

Reading

Parts

帛 釒Gold (金)

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1753

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Lock, Tablet

Reading

Parts

定Determine 釒Gold (金)

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1810

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Refine, Tempering

Reading

Parts

東East 金Gold

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2006

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Cast, Casting

Reading

Parts

寿Longevity, Congratulations 釒Gold (金)

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2009

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Steel

Reading

Parts

岡Hill 釒Gold (金)

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2021

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

To tie, Confinement

Reading

Parts

固Hard 釒Gold (金)

Radical

金

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2136

Handwriting