kanji

Meaning

Minute, Part

Reading

Parts

八Eight 刀Sword

Example Word

身分: status. The Japanese noun '身分 (みぶん)' refers to one's social status, position, or rank in society. It is often used to describe a person's standing in terms of class, occupation, or hierarchy. For example: His status is high「彼の身分は高い」(かれのみぶんはたかい). She hides her true status「彼女は本当の身分を隠している」(かのじょはほんとうのみぶんをかくしている). The word can also imply one's identity or background, particularly in historical or formal contexts. It is important to note that '身分' carries a nuanced understanding of societal roles and expectations, often tied to cultural or historical perspectives.

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

午前: morning or AM. The Japanese noun '午前 (ごぜん)' refers to the time period from midnight to noon, commonly known as 'morning' or 'AM' in English. It is often used in contexts related to time, schedules, or appointments. For example: The meeting is at 10 AM「会議は午前10時です」(かいぎはごぜんじゅうじです). I wake up early in the morning「私は午前中に早く起きます」(わたしはごぜんちゅうにはやくおきます). Note that '午前' is typically used in formal or written contexts, while '朝 (あさ)' is more commonly used in casual speech to refer to the morning.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

32

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Cut

Reading

Parts

刀Sword 七Seven

Example Word

不親切: unkind. The Japanese adjectival noun '不親切 (ふしんせつ)' means 'unkind' or 'not considerate'. It is used to describe someone or something that lacks kindness, thoughtfulness, or helpfulness. This term is often used in situations where someone fails to provide assistance or behaves in a way that is inconsiderate of others' feelings. For example: The staff was unkind「スタッフは不親切だった」(スタッフはふしんせつだった). His explanation was not helpful「彼の説明は不親切だった」(かれのせつめいはふしんせつだった). Note that '不親切' is often used in formal or serious contexts to express dissatisfaction with someone's behavior.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

123

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Separate

Reading

Parts

叧 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

別れる: part or separate. The Japanese verb '別れる (わかれる)' primarily means 'to part' or 'to separate'. It is often used to describe the act of parting ways with someone, such as in a relationship, friendship, or even physically separating from a group. This verb can carry emotional weight, especially when used in the context of romantic relationships. For example: They decided to part ways「彼らは別れることに決めた」(かれらはわかれることにきめた). I had to separate from my friends at the station「駅で友達と別れなければならなかった」(えきでともだちとわかれなければならなかった). Note that this verb is distinct from '分かれる (わかれる)', which means 'to divide' or 'to split' in a more neutral or physical sense.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

181

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Beginning, First

Reading

Parts

衤 刀Sword

Example Word

初日: first day. The Japanese noun '初日 (しょにち)' refers to the 'first day' of an event, activity, or period. It is commonly used in contexts such as the first day of a festival, the opening day of a movie, or the first day of a new job. For example: The first day of the festival was crowded「祭りの初日は混雑していた」(まつりのしょにちはこんざつしていた). The movie's opening day is tomorrow「映画の初日は明日です」(えいがのしょにちはあしたです). This word emphasizes the beginning or commencement of something significant.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

226

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Profit, Advantage

Reading

Parts

禾Cereal 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

利息: interest. The Japanese noun '利息 (りそく)' refers to 'interest' in the financial sense, specifically the amount of money charged for borrowing or earned from lending money. It is commonly used in contexts related to banking, loans, and investments. For example: The bank charges high interest「銀行は高い利息を取る」(ぎんこうはたかいりそくをとる). I earned interest on my savings「貯金に利息がついた」(ちょきんにりそくがついた). This term is neutral and can be used in both positive and negative contexts depending on whether one is paying or receiving interest.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

262

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Judge, Stamp

Reading

Parts

半Half 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

裁判: trial. The Japanese verbal noun '裁判 (さいばん)' refers to a 'trial' or 'legal judgment'. It is used in the context of legal proceedings where a court examines evidence and arguments to decide a case. This term is often associated with criminal or civil cases. For example: The trial will start tomorrow「裁判は明日始まります」(さいばんはあしたはじまります). He was found guilty at the trial「彼は裁判で有罪とされた」(かれはさいばんでゆうざいとされた). The word can also be used in broader contexts, such as '裁判所 (さいばんしょ)' meaning 'court of law'.

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

劇: drama. The Japanese noun '劇 (げき)' refers to 'drama' or 'theater'. It is commonly used to describe theatrical performances, plays, or dramatic works. This term can be applied to both traditional Japanese theater (like Kabuki or Noh) and modern theater. For example: I watched a drama「劇を見た」(げきをみた). This theater is famous for its dramas「この劇場は劇で有名だ」(このげきじょうはげきでゆうめいだ). The word can also be part of compound nouns, such as '演劇 (えんげき)' (theatrical performance) or '悲劇 (ひげき)' (tragedy).

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

629

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

System, Control

Reading

Parts

刂Sword (刀)牛Cow 巾Towel

Example Word

制約: constraint. The Japanese noun '制約 (せいやく)' refers to a 'constraint' or 'limitation'. It is used to describe restrictions or conditions that limit freedom or possibilities. This word is often used in contexts such as rules, regulations, or technical limitations. For example: There are many constraints in this project「このプロジェクトには多くの制約がある」(このプロジェクトにはおおくのせいやくがある). The law imposes constraints on businesses「その法律はビジネスに制約を課す」(そのほうりつはビジネスにせいやくをかす). The word can also be used in abstract contexts, such as time constraints or social constraints.

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

列島: archipelago. The Japanese noun '列島 (れっとう)' refers to an 'archipelago', which is a chain or cluster of islands. This term is often used in geographical contexts to describe a group of islands that are closely scattered in a body of water. For example: Japan is an archipelago「日本は列島です」(にほんはれっとうです). The Ryukyu Islands form an archipelago「琉球諸島は列島を形成しています」(りゅうきゅうしょとうはれっとうをけいせいしています). The word emphasizes the interconnectedness of the islands within a specific geographical area.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

836

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Reach, Arrival

Reading

Parts

至Arrive, Climax 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

到達: arrival or attainment. The Japanese verbal noun '到達 (とうたつ)' refers to the act of reaching or arriving at a destination, goal, or conclusion. It can be used in both physical and abstract contexts. For example: The climbers reached the summit「登山者たちは山頂に到達した」(とざんしゃたちはさんちょうにとうたつした). The research has reached a conclusion「研究は結論に到達した」(けんきゅうはけつろんにとうたつした). This term emphasizes the completion of a journey or process, highlighting the effort or time taken to achieve the result.

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

剣: sword. The Japanese noun '剣 (けん)' refers to a 'sword'. This term is used to describe a bladed weapon typically used in combat or martial arts. It carries historical and cultural significance in Japan, often associated with samurai and traditional Japanese swordsmanship. Example sentences: He wielded a sharp sword「彼は鋭い剣を振るった」(かれはするどいけんをふるった). The sword is a symbol of the samurai「剣は侍の象徴だ」(けんはさむらいのしょうちょうだ). Note that '剣' can also appear in compound words, such as '剣術 (けんじゅつ)' meaning 'swordsmanship'.

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

創立: establishment. The Japanese verbal noun '創立 (そうりつ)' means 'establishment' or 'founding'. It is used to refer to the act of creating or setting up an organization, institution, or company. This term is often used in formal contexts, such as when discussing the founding of schools, businesses, or other entities. For example: The establishment of the company was in 1980「その会社の創立は1980年でした」(そのかいしゃのそうりつは1980ねんでした). The school celebrated its 100th anniversary since its founding「その学校は創立100周年を祝いました」(そのがっこうはそうりつ100しゅうねんをいわいました). Note that '創立' is typically used for formal or significant establishments, and it carries a sense of historical or institutional importance.

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

削減: reduction. The Japanese verbal noun '削減 (さくげん)' means 'reduction'. It refers to the act of decreasing or cutting down something, such as costs, expenses, or quantities. This term is often used in formal or business contexts. For example: The company plans to reduce costs「会社はコスト削減を計画している」(かいしゃはコストさくげんをけいかくしている). The government aims to reduce carbon emissions「政府は炭素排出量の削減を目指している」(せいふはたんそはいしゅつりょうのさくげんをめざしている). Note that '削減' is typically used with nouns to indicate what is being reduced, as in 'コスト削減 (cost reduction)' or '人員削減 (staff reduction)'.

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

券: ticket or voucher. The Japanese noun '券 (けん)' refers to a ticket or voucher, which is a piece of paper or digital document that grants the holder access to a service, event, or product. It is commonly used in contexts such as transportation, events, or discounts. For example: I bought a train ticket「電車の券を買いました」(でんしゃのけんをかいました). This is a discount voucher「これは割引券です」(これはわりびきけんです). The word can also be used in compound nouns, such as '入場券 (にゅうじょうけん) (admission ticket)' or '回数券 (かいすうけん) (multi-ride 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