Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical

kanji

Meaning

Minute, Part

Reading

Parts

八Eight 刀Sword

Example Word

分析: analysis. The Japanese verbal noun '分析 (ぶんせき)' means 'analysis'. It refers to the process of examining something in detail to understand its nature or structure. This word is commonly used in academic, scientific, and business contexts. For example: The data analysis is complete「データの分析が完了した」(データのぶんせきがかんりょうした). We need to analyze the market trends「市場の動向を分析する必要がある」(しじょうのどうこうをぶんせきするひつようがある). The word can also be used metaphorically, such as analyzing a situation or problem.

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

前述: aforementioned. The Japanese noun '前述 (ぜんじゅつ)' means 'aforementioned' or 'previously mentioned'. It is used to refer to something that has already been stated or discussed earlier in a conversation, text, or context. This term is often used in formal or written contexts to avoid repetition and to refer back to earlier points. For example: as aforementioned, the plan has changed「前述のとおり、計画は変更されました」(ぜんじゅつのとおり、けいかくはへんこうされました). The aforementioned issue will be addressed later「前述の問題は後で取り上げます」(ぜんじゅつのもんだいはあとでとりあげます).

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

32

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Cut

Reading

Parts

刀Sword 七Seven

Example Word

大切: important. The Japanese adjectival noun '大切 (たいせつ)' means 'important' or 'valuable'. It is used to describe something that holds significant value, whether emotionally, practically, or morally. This word often conveys a sense of care and respect. For example: Family is important「家族は大切です」(かぞくはたいせつです). Take care of this book, it's important「この本を大切にしてください、大切なものです」(このほんをたいせつにしてください、たいせつなものです). The nuance of '大切' often implies a deeper emotional connection or responsibility compared to other words like '重要 (じゅうよう)', which is more neutral and practical.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

123

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Separate

Reading

Parts

叧 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

送別会: farewell. The Japanese noun '送別会 (そうべつかい)' refers to a 'farewell party' or 'send-off gathering'. It is a common social event held to bid farewell to someone who is leaving, such as a colleague transferring to another location, a friend moving abroad, or a student graduating. The event typically involves speeches, gifts, and sometimes entertainment to express good wishes for the person's future. For example: We held a farewell party for our teacher「先生の送別会を開きました」(せんせいのそうべつかいをひらきました). I attended a farewell party last night「昨夜、送別会に出席しました」(さくや、そうべつかいにしゅっせきしました). The term emphasizes the communal aspect of saying goodbye and is deeply rooted in Japanese social customs.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

181

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Beginning, First

Reading

Parts

衤 刀Sword

Example Word

初級: beginner. The Japanese noun '初級 (しょきゅう)' refers to a beginner or introductory level. It is commonly used in educational contexts to describe courses, classes, or materials designed for those who are just starting to learn a subject. For example: I am taking a beginner-level Japanese class「私は初級の日本語クラスを取っています」(わたしはしょきゅうのにほんごクラスをとっています). This textbook is for beginners「この教科書は初級者向けです」(このきょうかしょはしょきゅうしゃむけです). The term emphasizes the foundational stage of learning and is often contrasted with intermediate (中級, ちゅうきゅう) and advanced (上級, じょうきゅう) levels.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

226

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Profit, Advantage

Reading

Parts

禾Cereal 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

有利: advantageous. The Japanese adjectival noun '有利 (ゆうり)' means 'advantageous' or 'favorable'. It is used to describe situations, conditions, or positions that provide a benefit or advantage. For example: This deal is advantageous for us「この取引は私たちにとって有利だ」(このとりひきはわたしたちにとってゆうりだ). The team is in a favorable position「そのチームは有利な立場にある」(そのチームはゆうりなたちばにある). It is often used in contexts related to business, competition, or strategic decisions.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

262

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Judge, Stamp

Reading

Parts

半Half 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

評判: rumor or reputation. The Japanese noun '評判 (ひょうばん)' can mean either 'reputation' or 'rumor', depending on the context. When referring to 'reputation', it describes the general opinion or esteem that people have about someone or something. For example: This restaurant has a good reputation「このレストランは評判がいい」(このレストランはひょうばんがいい). When referring to 'rumor', it describes information or stories that are spread informally, often without verification. For example: There is a rumor about him「彼についての評判がある」(かれについてのひょうばんがある). The word is commonly used in both formal and informal settings, and its meaning depends on the context in which it is used.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

330

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Engrave

Reading

Parts

亥 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

遅刻: lateness. The Japanese verbal noun '遅刻 (ちこく)' refers to the act of being late or tardiness, particularly in the context of arriving late to school, work, or appointments. It is commonly used in formal and informal settings to describe someone's failure to arrive on time. For example: I was late for school「学校に遅刻した」(がっこうにちこくした). He is always late for meetings「彼はいつも会議に遅刻する」(かれはいつもかいぎにちこくする). The word is often used with the verb 'する' to indicate the action of being late, as in '遅刻する (ちこくする) (to be late).' It carries a slightly negative connotation, implying responsibility for the delay.

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

悲劇: tragedy. The Japanese noun '悲劇 (ひげき)' means 'tragedy'. It refers to a serious and sorrowful event or situation, often involving suffering or misfortune. This word is commonly used in literature, drama, and everyday conversation to describe events that evoke deep sadness or despair. For example: The play was a tragedy「その劇は悲劇だった」(そのげきはひげきだった). The accident was a tragedy「その事故は悲劇だった」(そのじこはひげきだった). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe situations that are deeply unfortunate or regrettable.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

629

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

System, Control

Reading

Parts

刂Sword (刀)牛Cow 巾Towel

Example Word

制定: enactment. The Japanese noun '制定 (せいてい)' refers to the act of establishing, enacting, or formulating laws, rules, or systems. It is commonly used in legal, governmental, or organizational contexts to describe the creation of formal regulations or frameworks. For example: the enactment of a new law「新しい法律の制定」(あたらしいほうりつのせいてい). The company established new rules「会社は新しい規則を制定した」(かいしゃはあたらしいきそくをせいていした). This term emphasizes the formal and official nature of the process.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

730

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Divide, Split

Reading

Parts

害Harm 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

分割: split or division. The Japanese noun '分割 (ぶんかつ)' refers to the act of dividing or splitting something into parts. It is commonly used in contexts such as dividing tasks, splitting payments, or partitioning land. For example: The company decided to split the project into smaller tasks「会社はプロジェクトを分割することに決めた」(かいしゃはぷろじぇくとをぶんかつすることにきめた). The payment will be divided into three installments「支払いは3回に分割されます」(しはらいわ3かいにぶんかつされます). This term is often used in both formal and informal settings, and it can apply to physical, abstract, or conceptual divisions.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

787

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

File

Reading

Parts

歹Bad 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

列: line. The Japanese noun '列 (れつ)' primarily means 'line' or 'queue'. It refers to a sequence of people, objects, or things arranged in a straight or orderly manner. This word is commonly used in contexts such as waiting in line, forming a queue, or describing a row of items. For example: Please stand in line「列に並んでください」(れつにならんでください). There is a long line at the store「お店に長い列があります」(おみせにながいれつがあります). Additionally, '列' can also refer to a column or row in a table or chart, as in 'the first column of the table'「表の最初の列」(ひょうのさいしょのれつ).

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

836

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Reach, Arrival

Reading

Parts

至Arrive, Climax 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

到着: arrival. The Japanese verbal noun '到着 (とうちゃく)' means 'arrival'. It refers to the act of reaching a destination or the state of having arrived somewhere. This word is commonly used in contexts related to travel, transportation, or events. For example: The train's arrival is delayed「電車の到着が遅れています」(でんしゃのとうちゃくがおくれています). I will inform you upon my arrival「到着したらお知らせします」(とうちゃくしたらおしらせします). It is often paired with verbs like 'する' to indicate the action of arriving, as in '到着する (とうちゃくする)'.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

858

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Stab

Reading

Parts

朿 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

刺さる: pierce. The Japanese verb '刺さる (ささる)' means 'to pierce' or 'to be stuck into something'. It describes the action of something sharp penetrating or embedding itself into another object or surface. This verb is often used in contexts where an object, such as a needle, thorn, or splinter, becomes embedded in something else. For example: A thorn pierced my finger「とげが指に刺さった」(とげがゆびにささった). The arrow pierced the target「矢が的に刺さった」(やがまとにささった). Note that '刺さる' is an intransitive verb, meaning it focuses on the state of being pierced rather than the action of piercing itself. The transitive counterpart is '刺す (さす)', which means 'to pierce' or 'to stab'.

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

不規則: irregular. The Japanese adjectival noun '不規則 (ふきそく)' means 'irregular'. It is used to describe something that does not follow a set pattern, rule, or schedule. This term can be applied to various contexts, such as irregular schedules, irregular shapes, or irregular behavior. For example: His work hours are irregular「彼の仕事時間は不規則だ」(かれのしごとじかんはふきそくだ). The heartbeat was irregular「心拍が不規則だった」(しんぱくがふきそくだった). Note that '不規則' is often used in formal or technical contexts to describe deviations from the norm.

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

刊: publication. The Japanese suffix '刊 (かん)' is used to indicate 'publication' or 'issue' of books, magazines, or other printed materials. It is often attached to nouns to specify the type or frequency of publication. For example: monthly publication「月刊」(げっかん). first issue「創刊」(そうかん). This suffix is commonly seen in the titles of magazines or series, such as '週刊 (しゅうかん)' meaning 'weekly publication'. It is important to note that '刊' is typically used in formal or written contexts and is not commonly used in everyday conversation.

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

削除: deletion. The Japanese verbal noun '削除 (さくじょ)' means 'deletion'. It refers to the act of removing or erasing something, such as data, text, or files. This term is commonly used in contexts involving computers, documents, or records. For example: Please delete this file「このファイルを削除してください」(このファイルをさくじょしてください). The unnecessary data was deleted「不要なデータが削除された」(ふようなデータがさくじょされた). It is important to note that '削除' is often used in formal or technical settings, and it implies a permanent removal rather than temporary hiding or archiving.

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

航空券: air ticket. The Japanese noun '航空券 (こうくうけん)' means 'air ticket'. This term refers to a ticket that allows a passenger to travel on an airplane. It is commonly used when discussing travel plans, booking flights, or checking in at airports. For example: I bought an air ticket to Tokyo「東京行きの航空券を買いました」(とうきょうゆきのこうくうけんをかいました). Please show your air ticket at the counter「カウンターで航空券を見せてください」(かうんたーでこうくうけんをみせてください). The word is a combination of '航空 (こうくう)' meaning 'aviation' and '券 (けん)' meaning 'ticket'.

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