Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical

kanji

Meaning

Minute, Part

Reading

Parts

八Eight 刀Sword

Example Word

分配: distribution. The Japanese noun '分配 (ぶんぱい)' refers to the act of distributing or allocating something among a group of people or entities. It is commonly used in contexts involving the division of resources, responsibilities, or benefits. For example: The distribution of profits was fair「利益の分配は公平だった」(りえきのぶんぱいはこうへいだった). They discussed the distribution of tasks「彼らは任務の分配について話し合った」(かれらはにんむのぶんぱいについてはなしあった). This term is often used in economic, organizational, or social contexts to describe how something is divided or shared.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

10

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Before, Front

Reading

Parts

䒑Herbs 月Moon, Month 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

前日: previous day. The Japanese noun '前日 (ぜんじつ)' refers to 'the previous day' or 'the day before'. It is commonly used to indicate the day immediately preceding a specific event or date. For example: The meeting was held the previous day「会議は前日に行われた」(かいぎはぜんじつにおこなわれた). I prepared everything the day before「私は前日にすべて準備した」(わたしはぜんじつにすべてじゅんびした). This term is often used in formal or written contexts to specify timing relative to an event.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

32

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Cut

Reading

Parts

刀Sword 七Seven

Example Word

親切: kind. The Japanese adjectival noun '親切 (しんせつ)' means 'kind' or 'kindness'. It is used to describe someone who is considerate, helpful, and thoughtful towards others. This word is often used to express gratitude or appreciation for someone's thoughtful actions. For example: She is very kind「彼女はとても親切です」(かのじょはとてもしんせつです). Thank you for your kindness「親切にありがとう」(しんせつにありがとう). It can also be used to describe actions or gestures, as in '親切な行為 (しんせつなこうい) (kind act)'.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

123

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Separate

Reading

Parts

叧 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

別れ: parting. The Japanese noun '別れ (わかれ)' means 'parting' or 'separation'. It refers to the act of saying goodbye or the state of being separated from someone or something. This word is often used in emotional contexts, such as farewells, breakups, or the end of a relationship. For example: a sad parting「悲しい別れ」(かなしいわかれ). We said our goodbyes at the station「私たちは駅で別れを告げた」(わたしたちはえきでわかれをつげた). It can also be used in a broader sense, such as the separation of paths or directions. For example: at the parting of the roads「道の別れで」(みちのわかれで).

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

181

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Beginning, First

Reading

Parts

衤 刀Sword

Example Word

初夏: early summer. The Japanese noun '初夏 (しょか)' refers to the period of early summer, typically around the months of May and June. This term is often used to describe the transitional season when the weather starts to warm up, but the intense heat of mid-summer has not yet arrived. It is commonly used in literature, poetry, and everyday conversation to evoke the freshness and vitality of this time of year. For example: Early summer is the best time to visit Kyoto「初夏は京都を訪れるのに最適な時期です」(しょかはきょうとをおとずれるのにもってこいのじきです). The early summer breeze feels refreshing「初夏の風が爽やかです」(しょかのかぜがさわやかです).

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

226

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Profit, Advantage

Reading

Parts

禾Cereal 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

利害: interests or gains. The Japanese noun '利害 (りがい)' refers to 'interests' or 'gains', often in the context of benefits and losses. It is commonly used to discuss the advantages and disadvantages, or the pros and cons, of a situation, decision, or relationship. For example: The interests of the company and the employees are aligned「会社と従業員の利害は一致している」(かいしゃとじゅうぎょういんのりがいはいっちしている). They discussed the gains and losses of the project「彼らはそのプロジェクトの利害を話し合った」(かれらはそのぷろじぇくとのりがいをはなしあった). The term can also be used in legal or business contexts to describe conflicts of interest or mutual benefits.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

262

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Judge, Stamp

Reading

Parts

半Half 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

裁判所: court. The Japanese noun '裁判所 (さいばんしょ)' refers to a 'court', specifically a judicial institution where legal cases are heard and decided. This term is commonly used in legal contexts and can refer to various types of courts, such as district courts, high courts, or the Supreme Court. For example: The case was brought to court「その事件は裁判所に持ち込まれた」(そのじけんはさいばんしょにもちこまれた). The court ruled in favor of the plaintiff「裁判所は原告に有利な判決を下した」(さいばんしょはげんこくにゆうりなはんけつをくだした). It's important to note that '裁判所' is a formal term and is used in both written and spoken Japanese when discussing legal matters.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

330

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Engrave

Reading

Parts

亥 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

深刻: serious. The Japanese adjective '深刻 (しんこく)' means 'serious'. It is used to describe situations, problems, or emotions that are grave, severe, or deeply concerning. This word often conveys a sense of urgency or importance. For example: The situation is serious「状況は深刻だ」(じょうきょうはしんこくだ). He has a serious expression「彼は深刻な表情をしている」(かれはしんこくなひょうじょうをしている). The problem is becoming more serious「問題は深刻化している」(もんだいはしんこくかしている). Note that '深刻' is often used in contexts involving societal issues, personal dilemmas, or critical circumstances.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

503

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Sword

Reading

Parts

丿Katakana no 𠃌Enclosure

Example Word

刀: sword. The Japanese noun '刀 (かたな)' refers to a traditional Japanese sword, particularly the single-edged, curved blade used by samurai. It is a culturally significant weapon in Japan, often associated with the samurai class and martial arts. The term can also be used more broadly to refer to any type of sword, but it is most commonly associated with the katana. Example sentences: He owns a beautiful sword「彼は美しい刀を持っている」(かれはうつくしいかたなをもっている). The sword is sharp「その刀は鋭い」(そのかたなはするどい).

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

603

Radical Form

刂

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Drama

Reading

Parts

豦 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

劇場: theater. The Japanese noun '劇場 (げきじょう)' refers to a 'theater', specifically a place where performances such as plays, musicals, or movies are held. It is commonly used to describe venues for live performances or cinemas. For example: Let's go to the theater「劇場に行きましょう」(げきじょうにいきましょう). The theater is crowded today「劇場は今日混んでいます」(げきじょうはきょうこんでいます). This word is often used in contexts related to entertainment and cultural events.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

629

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

System, Control

Reading

Parts

刂Sword (刀)牛Cow 巾Towel

Example Word

体制: system. The Japanese noun '体制 (たいせい)' refers to a 'system' or 'structure', particularly in the context of political, social, or organizational frameworks. It is often used to describe the established order or arrangement of a group, institution, or society. For example: The government is trying to reform the system「政府は体制を改革しようとしている」(せいふはたいせいをかいかくしようとしている). The company has a strict hierarchical system「その会社は厳格な体制を持っている」(そのかいしゃはげんかくなたいせいをもっている). The word can also imply the status quo or the existing order, and it is commonly used in discussions about governance, management, or societal structures.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

730

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Divide, Split

Reading

Parts

害Harm 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

割に: relatively. The Japanese adverb '割に (わりに)' means 'relatively' or 'comparatively'. It is used to indicate that something is more or less than expected, often in comparison to a standard or assumption. It can convey a sense of surprise or contrast. For example: This test was relatively easy「このテストは割に簡単だった」(このテストはわりにかんたんだった). She is relatively tall for her age「彼女は年齢の割に背が高い」(かのじょはねんれいのわりにせがたかい). The adverb is often used to express a deviation from what is typical or anticipated.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

787

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

File

Reading

Parts

歹Bad 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

列車: train. The Japanese noun '列車 (れっしゃ)' refers to a 'train', specifically a railway vehicle that transports passengers or goods. It is commonly used in everyday conversation and formal contexts. For example: The train is late「列車が遅れています」(れっしゃがおくれています). I took the train to Tokyo「東京まで列車に乗りました」(とうきょうまでれっしゃにのりました). The word can also be used in compound nouns, such as '急行列車 (きゅうこうれっしゃ)' (express train) or '夜行列車 (やこうれっしゃ)' (night train).

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

836

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Reach, Arrival

Reading

Parts

至Arrive, Climax 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

到頭: finally. The Japanese adverb '到頭 (とうとう)' means 'finally' or 'at last'. It is used to indicate that something has happened after a long period of time or after much anticipation. This word often carries a nuance of relief, completion, or inevitability. For example: He finally arrived「彼は到頭到着した」(かれはとうとうとうちゃくした). The project is finally finished「そのプロジェクトは到頭終わった」(そのプロジェクトはとうとうおわった). Note that '到頭' is typically used in situations where the outcome was expected or inevitable, and it often implies a sense of closure.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

858

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Stab

Reading

Parts

朿 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

刺す: stab. The Japanese verb '刺す (さす)' primarily means 'to stab' or 'to pierce'. It is used to describe the action of penetrating something with a sharp object, such as a knife, needle, or thorn. This verb can also be used metaphorically to describe emotional pain or sharp sensations. For example: he stabbed the enemy with a knife「彼は敵をナイフで刺した」(かれはてきをナイフでさした). A bee stung me「蜂が私を刺した」(はちがわたしをさした). The cold wind pierced through my coat「冷たい風がコートを刺した」(つめたいかぜがコートをさした). Note that '刺す' is often used in contexts involving physical penetration, but it can also describe sharp, sudden feelings or actions.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

880

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Sword

Reading

Parts

㑒 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

真剣: serious. The Japanese adjective '真剣 (しんけん)' means 'serious'. It is used to describe a person's attitude, behavior, or approach when they are deeply focused, earnest, or sincere about something. It often implies a lack of frivolity or playfulness. For example: He is serious about his studies「彼は勉強に真剣です」(かれはべんきょうにしんけんです). She gave a serious answer「彼女は真剣な答えを出した」(かのじょはしんけんなこたえをだした). This word can also describe situations or actions that are carried out with full commitment or gravity, such as '真剣な話 (しんけんなはなし)' (a serious conversation).

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

933

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Punish

Reading

Parts

开Open 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

刑: punishment. The Japanese noun '刑 (けい)' refers to 'punishment' in the context of legal or judicial penalties. It is commonly used in legal terminology to describe the consequences imposed by law for committing a crime. For example: he received a severe punishment「彼は重い刑を受けた」(かれはおもいけいをうけた). The punishment for theft is imprisonment「窃盗の刑は懲役です」(せっとうのけいはちょうえきです). This word is often seen in compounds like '死刑 (しけい)' (death penalty) or '無期懲役刑 (むきちょうえきけい)' (life imprisonment).

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

980

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Rule

Reading

Parts

貝Shellfish 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

反則: foul. The Japanese verbal noun '反則 (はんそく)' refers to a violation or foul, particularly in the context of rules, regulations, or sports. It is commonly used to describe actions that break established rules, whether in games, competitions, or formal agreements. For example: That was a foul!「それは反則だ！」(それははんそくだ！). He committed a foul during the match「彼は試合中に反則を犯した」(かれはしあいちゅうにはんそくをおかした). The term can also extend to broader contexts, such as breaking societal or ethical rules, though it is most frequently associated with sports and games.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1065

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Create

Reading

Parts

倉Warehouse 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

創設: establishment. The Japanese noun '創設 (そうせつ)' means 'establishment'. It refers to the act of founding or creating something, such as an organization, institution, or system. This word is often used in formal contexts to describe the inception of significant entities. For example: the establishment of a new university「新しい大学の創設」(あたらしいだいがくのそうせつ). The company celebrated its 50th anniversary since its establishment「会社は創設から50周年を祝った」(かいしゃはそうせつからごじゅっしゅうねんをいわった). Note that '創設' emphasizes the initial act of creation or founding, rather than the ongoing existence of the entity.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1090

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Blade

Reading

Parts

丶Dot 刀Sword

Example Word

刃: blade. The Japanese noun '刃 (は)' refers to the 'blade' of a knife, sword, or any cutting tool. It specifically denotes the sharp, cutting edge of such objects. This word is often used in contexts involving weapons, tools, or anything with a sharp edge. For example: the blade of the sword is sharp「刀の刃は鋭い」(かたなのははするどい). Be careful with the blade of the knife「ナイフの刃に気をつけて」(ナイフのはにきをつけて). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something sharp or cutting in nature, though this is less common.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1539

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Peel off

Reading

Example Word

剥く: peel. The Japanese verb '剥く (むく)' means 'to peel'. It is commonly used when referring to removing the outer layer or skin of something, such as fruits, vegetables, or even objects. For example: I peeled the apple「リンゴを剥いた」(りんごをむいた). He peeled the potato「彼はジャガイモを剥いた」(かれはじゃがいもをむいた). This verb can also be used metaphorically to describe stripping away layers of something abstract, such as emotions or concepts. However, the primary and most common usage is in the context of physically peeling something.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1548

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Publish, Edition

Reading

Parts

干Dry 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

週刊誌: weekly magazine. The Japanese noun '週刊誌 (しゅうかんし)' refers to a 'weekly magazine'. This term is used to describe a publication that is issued once a week, typically containing news, articles, and other content. It is commonly used in contexts related to media, publishing, and reading habits. For example: I bought a weekly magazine「週刊誌を買いました」(しゅうかんしをかいました). He reads weekly magazines every week「彼は毎週週刊誌を読みます」(かれはまいしゅうしゅうかんしをよみます). The term is often associated with both entertainment and informational content, and it is a staple in Japanese media culture.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1585

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Printing

Reading

Parts

尸Corpse 巾Towel 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

印刷: printing. The Japanese verbal noun '印刷 (いんさつ)' means 'printing'. It refers to the process of producing text and images, typically with ink on paper, using a printing press or other methods. This term is commonly used in contexts related to publishing, office work, and manufacturing. For example: I will do the printing tomorrow「明日印刷をします」(あしたいんさつをします). This book is out of print「この本は絶版です」(このほんはぜっぱんです). Note that '印刷' can also be used in compound words, such as '印刷機 (いんさつき)' (printing machine) or '印刷物 (いんさつぶつ)' (printed matter).

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1605

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Strength, Sturdy

Reading

Parts

岡Hill 刂Sword (刀)

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1656

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Reap, Clip

Reading

Parts

㐅Katakana me 刂Sword (刀)

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1698

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Plane, Cut by chipping

Reading

Parts

刂Sword (刀)肖Resemble, Resemblance

Example Word

削る: reduce or shave. The Japanese verb '削る (けずる)' primarily means 'to shave' or 'to reduce'. When used in the context of 'shave', it refers to the act of removing thin layers from a surface, such as shaving wood or facial hair. For example: He shaved his beard「彼はひげを削った」(かれはひげをけずった). In the context of 'reduce', it implies decreasing the amount or size of something, often in a figurative sense. For example: The company reduced its workforce「会社は人員を削った」(かいしゃはじんいんをけずった). The verb can be used both literally and metaphorically, depending on the context.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1771

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Temple

Reading

Parts

㐅Katakana me 木Tree, Wood 刂Sword (刀)

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1782

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Divide, Cut up

Reading

Parts

咅Spit 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

解剖: dissection. The Japanese noun '解剖 (かいぼう)' primarily means 'dissection'. It refers to the act of cutting apart or separating tissues for detailed examination, often used in medical or biological contexts. For example: The dissection of the frog was conducted in the biology class「生物学の授業でカエルの解剖が行われた」(せいぶつがくのじゅぎょうでカエルのかいぼうがおこなわれた). The doctor performed a dissection to understand the cause of death「医師は死因を理解するために解剖を行った」(いしはしいんをりかいするためにかいぼうをおこなった). This term can also metaphorically describe a thorough analysis or examination of a subject, such as in literature or philosophy, where one might dissect an argument or a text to understand its components deeply.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1816

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Secondary

Reading

Parts

畐Fill 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

副: vice. The Japanese prefix '副 (ふく)' means 'vice' or 'deputy'. It is commonly used to denote a secondary or subordinate position, often in titles or roles. For example: vice president「副社長」(ふくしゃちょう). This prefix is typically attached to nouns to indicate a secondary role or position. Another example: vice minister「副大臣」(ふくだいじん). It is important to note that '副 (ふく)' is always used as a prefix and not as a standalone word.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1824

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Medicine, Dose

Reading

Parts

斉Uniform, Adjusted 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

剤: agent. The Japanese suffix '剤 (ざい)' is used to denote a type of agent, often in the context of chemicals, medicines, or substances that have a specific function. It is commonly found in words related to pharmaceuticals, cleaning agents, or other chemical compounds. For example: medicine「薬剤」(やくざい), cleaning agent「洗剤」(せんざい), and insecticide「殺虫剤」(さっちゅうざい). This suffix is typically attached to a noun to specify the type of agent being referred to. It is important to note that '剤' is not used as a standalone word but always as a suffix.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1915

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ticket

Reading

Parts

龹 刀Sword

Example Word

証券: bond or security. The Japanese noun '証券 (しょうけん)' primarily refers to financial securities, such as stocks, bonds, or other tradable financial instruments. It is commonly used in financial and legal contexts. For example: He bought a security「彼は証券を買った」(かれはしょうけんをかった). The company issued bonds「その会社は証券を発行した」(そのかいしゃはしょうけんをはっこうした). Note that while 'security' is the most common translation, in specific contexts, it can also refer to bonds or other financial documents.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1946

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Surplus

Reading

Parts

乗Ride 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

過剰: excess. The Japanese noun '過剰 (かじょう)' means 'excess'. It refers to an amount or degree that is more than necessary, appropriate, or desirable. This word is often used in contexts related to overproduction, overconsumption, or excessive behavior. For example: The factory produced an excess of goods「工場は過剰な商品を生産した」(こうじょうはかじょうなしょうひんをせいさんした). His excessive worry is causing stress「彼の過剰な心配がストレスを引き起こしている」(かれのかじょうなしんぱいがすとれすをひきおこしている). The term can also be used in medical or scientific contexts to describe an overabundance of something, such as hormones or nutrients.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2012

Handwriting