kanji

Meaning

Minute, Part

Reading

Parts

八Eight 刀Sword

Example Word

大分: considerably. The Japanese adverb '大分 (だいぶ)' means 'considerably' or 'quite a bit'. It is used to indicate a significant degree or extent of something, often implying a noticeable change or difference. This word is commonly used in both casual and formal contexts. For example: It has become considerably colder「大分寒くなった」(だいぶさむくなった). I feel considerably better now「大分良くなった」(だいぶよくなった). The word can also imply that the change or difference has been gradual over time, as in '大分慣れてきた (だいぶなれてきた) (I have gotten quite used to it)'.

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

前向き: positive. The Japanese adjectival noun '前向き (まえむき)' means 'positive' or 'forward-looking'. It is used to describe an attitude or approach that is optimistic, constructive, and focused on progress or improvement. This term is often used in contexts related to personal growth, problem-solving, or decision-making. For example: She has a positive attitude「彼女は前向きです」(かのじょはまえむきです). We need to take a forward-looking approach「前向きなアプローチが必要です」(まえむきなあぷろーちがひつようです). The word can also imply a willingness to face challenges and move forward, rather than dwelling on the past or being pessimistic.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

32

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Cut

Reading

Parts

刀Sword 七Seven

Example Word

切手: stamp. The Japanese noun '切手 (きって)' refers to a postage stamp, which is a small piece of paper issued by a post office, prepaid and affixed to mail as evidence of payment of postage. It is commonly used when sending letters or postcards. For example: I bought a stamp「切手を買いました」(きってをかいました). This stamp is beautiful「この切手はきれいです」(このきってはきれいです). The word '切手' is often used in contexts related to mailing and postal services, and it is a standard term in everyday Japanese for referring to postage stamps.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

123

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Separate

Reading

Parts

叧 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

個別: individual or specific. The Japanese noun '個別 (こべつ)' refers to something being treated or considered individually or specifically, rather than as part of a group or in a general sense. It is often used in contexts where attention is given to the unique characteristics or details of each item or person. For example: individual instruction「個別の指導」(こべつのしどう). We will handle each case specifically「個別に対応します」(こべつにたいおうします). The term emphasizes the importance of addressing each element on its own merits or needs.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

181

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Beginning, First

Reading

Parts

衤 刀Sword

Example Word

初期: early or initial. The Japanese noun '初期 (しょき)' refers to the early or initial stage of something, such as a period, process, or development. It is often used to describe the beginning phase of events, projects, or historical eras. For example: the early stages of the project「プロジェクトの初期」(ぷろじぇくとのしょき). In the initial phase of the war「戦争の初期」(せんそうのしょき). This word is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to emphasize the starting point or early period of a timeline.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

226

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Profit, Advantage

Reading

Parts

禾Cereal 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

利益: profit or benefit. The Japanese noun '利益 (りえき)' can mean either 'profit' or 'benefit', depending on the context. When referring to 'profit', it is often used in business or financial contexts to describe monetary gain. For example: The company made a large profit「その会社は大きな利益を得た」(そのかいしゃはおおきなりえきをえた). When referring to 'benefit', it is used to describe an advantage or positive outcome, often in a more general or non-monetary sense. For example: This policy will bring benefits to society「この政策は社会に利益をもたらす」(このせいさくはしゃかいにりえきをもたらす). The word can be used in both formal and informal settings, but it is more commonly encountered in formal or written contexts.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

262

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Judge, Stamp

Reading

Parts

半Half 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

判決: verdict. The Japanese noun '判決 (はんけつ)' refers to a formal decision or judgment made by a court of law. It is commonly used in legal contexts to describe the outcome of a trial or legal proceeding. For example: The verdict was guilty「判決は有罪だった」(はんけつはゆうざいだった). The court announced its verdict「裁判所は判決を言い渡した」(さいばんしょははんけつをいいわたした). This term is specific to legal judgments and is not used in casual or everyday contexts.

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

喜劇: comedy. The Japanese noun '喜劇 (きげき)' means 'comedy'. It refers to a genre of entertainment, such as plays, movies, or performances, that is intended to make people laugh. It is often used in contrast to '悲劇 (ひげき)' (tragedy). For example: I enjoy watching comedies「私は喜劇を見るのが好きです」(わたしはきげきをみるのがすきです). This play is a comedy「この劇は喜劇です」(このげきはきげきです). The term can also be used metaphorically to describe situations that are amusing or absurd.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

629

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

System, Control

Reading

Parts

刂Sword (刀)牛Cow 巾Towel

Example Word

制作: production. The Japanese noun '制作 (せいさく)' refers to the act of creating or producing something, often used in the context of art, media, or creative works. It emphasizes the process of bringing something into existence, such as a film, artwork, or program. For example: The production of this movie took two years「この映画の制作には2年かかりました」(このえいがのせいさくにはにねんかかりました). He is in charge of the production of the TV show「彼はそのテレビ番組の制作を担当しています」(かれはそのテレビばんぐみのせいさくをたんとうしています). This word is commonly used in professional or artistic contexts.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

730

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Divide, Split

Reading

Parts

害Harm 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

割合に: relatively. The Japanese adverb '割合に (わりあいに)' means 'relatively'. It is used to indicate that something is somewhat or comparatively true in relation to something else. This adverb is often used to express a moderate degree or a balanced perspective. For example: This book is relatively easy to read「この本は割合に読みやすい」(このほんはわりあいによみやすい). The weather today is relatively warm「今日の天気は割合に暖かい」(きょうのてんきはわりあいにあたたかい). It can also imply a sense of proportion or balance, as in '割合に公平 (わりあいにこうへい) (relatively fair)'.

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

到底: cannot. The Japanese adverb '到底 (とうてい)' is used to express that something is absolutely impossible or cannot be done under any circumstances. It is often used in negative sentences to emphasize the impossibility of an action or situation. For example: I cannot possibly understand「到底理解できない」(とうていりかいできない). It is impossible to finish this by today「到底今日中には終わらない」(とうていきょうじゅうにはおわらない). This adverb carries a strong sense of finality and is typically used in formal or written contexts.

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

刑事: detective or criminal case. The Japanese noun '刑事 (けいじ)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning refers to a 'detective', a person who investigates crimes. For example: The detective solved the case「刑事が事件を解決した」(けいじがじけんをかいけつした). The second meaning refers to a 'criminal case', which is a legal matter involving a crime. For example: He is involved in a criminal case「彼は刑事に関わっている」(かれはけいじにかかわっている). It's important to note that the context in which '刑事' is used will determine whether it refers to a person (detective) or a legal matter (criminal case).

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

創造: creation. The Japanese noun '創造 (そうぞう)' means 'creation'. It refers to the act of bringing something into existence, often used in contexts involving art, innovation, or the universe. For example: the creation of the universe「宇宙の創造」(うちゅうのそうぞう). This word can also imply a sense of originality and imagination, as in: the creation of new ideas「新しいアイデアの創造」(あたらしいアイデアのそうぞう). It is commonly used in both artistic and scientific contexts to denote the process of making something new and unique.

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

夕刊: evening newspaper. The Japanese noun '夕刊 (ゆうかん)' means 'evening newspaper.' This word refers to a newspaper that is published and distributed in the evening, typically containing the latest news and updates of the day. It is often contrasted with '朝刊 (ちょうかん)', which is the morning edition. Example sentences include: I read the evening newspaper every day 「私は毎日夕刊を読みます」 (わたしはまいにちゆうかんをよみます). The evening newspaper has more local news 「夕刊には地元のニュースが多い」 (ゆうかんにはじもとのニュースがおおい). Note that '夕刊' is specifically used to refer to newspapers and not other types of evening publications.

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

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