Page 1
kanji
分Meaning
Minute, Part
Reading
kunyomiわwa
onyomiぶんbun
ふんfun
Parts
八Eight 刀Sword
Example Word
気分: mood. The Japanese noun '気分 (きぶん)' refers to one's mood or emotional state. It can describe how someone feels emotionally or physically at a given moment. For example: I'm in a good mood today「今日は気分がいい」(きょうはきぶんがいい). She's in a bad mood「彼女は気分が悪い」(かのじょはきぶんがわるい). Additionally, '気分' can also refer to the atmosphere or vibe of a place or situation, such as: The atmosphere here is relaxing「ここは気分が落ち着く」(ここはきぶんがおちつく). Note that '気分' is often used in contexts related to emotional well-being or the general feeling of a situation.
Radical
刀
Stroke Count
4JLPT
UnknownGrade
2Frequency
10
Handwriting
kanji
前Meaning
Before, Front
Reading
kunyomiまえmae
onyomiぜんzen
Parts
䒑Herbs 月Moon, Month 刂Sword (刀)
Example Word
事前: advance or prior. The Japanese noun '事前 (じぜん)' refers to something that is done or prepared beforehand, in advance, or prior to an event. It is often used in contexts where preparation or planning is emphasized. For example: Please inform us in advance「事前に知らせてください」(じぜんにしらせてください). We need prior approval「事前の承認が必要です」(じぜんのしょうにんがひつようです). The word can also be used to describe actions or arrangements made before a specific event or deadline. It is commonly used in formal or professional settings.
Radical
刀
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N5Grade
2Frequency
32
Handwriting
kanji
切Meaning
Cut
Reading
kunyomiきki
onyomiさいsai
せつsetsu
Parts
刀Sword 七Seven
Example Word
切っ掛け: opportunity or trigger. The Japanese noun '切っ掛け (きっかけ)' refers to a trigger, catalyst, or opportunity that initiates an action, event, or change. It is often used to describe the starting point or reason behind something. For example: The trip was the trigger for our friendship「旅行が私たちの友情の切っ掛けだった」(りょこうがわたしたちのゆうじょうのきっかけだった). This meeting is a good opportunity to discuss the project「この会議はプロジェクトを話し合う良い切っ掛けだ」(このかいぎはぷろじぇくとをはなしあうよいきっかけだ). The word can also imply a chance or opening to start something new or meaningful.
Radical
刀
Stroke Count
4JLPT
N4Grade
2Frequency
123
Handwriting
kanji
別Meaning
Separate
Reading
kunyomiわかwaka
onyomiべつbetsu
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
7JLPT
N4Grade
4Frequency
181
Handwriting
kanji
初Meaning
Beginning, First
Reading
kunyomiはじhaji
そso
はつhatsu
onyomiしょsho
Parts
衤 刀Sword
Example Word
初め: beginning. The Japanese noun '初め (はじめ)' means 'beginning'. It refers to the start or commencement of something, such as an event, period, or process. This word is often used in contexts like the start of a new year, a project, or a relationship. For example: at the beginning of the year「年の初めに」(としのはじめに). Let's start from the beginning「初めから始めましょう」(はじめからはじめましょう). It can also imply the first time something is done, as in '初めまして (はじめまして)', which is a common greeting meaning 'Nice to meet you' or 'This is the first time we meet'.
Radical
刀
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
226
Handwriting
kanji
利Meaning
Profit, Advantage
Reading
kunyomiきki
onyomiりri
Parts
禾Cereal 刂Sword (刀)
Example Word
金利: interest. The Japanese noun '金利 (きんり)' refers to 'interest' in the financial sense, specifically the cost of borrowing money or the return on invested funds. It is commonly used in contexts related to banking, loans, and investments. For example: The interest rate is high「金利が高い」(きんりがたかい). I checked the interest on my savings account「貯金の金利を確認した」(ちょきんのきんりをかくにんした). This term is essential in financial discussions and is often paired with words like 'loan' (ローン) or 'savings' (貯金).
Radical
刀
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
262
Handwriting
kanji
判Meaning
Judge, Stamp
Reading
onyomiばんban
はんhan
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
7JLPT
N3Grade
5Frequency
330
Handwriting
kanji
刻Meaning
Engrave
Reading
kunyomiきざkiza
onyomiこくkoku
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
8JLPT
N3Grade
6Frequency
503
Handwriting
kanji
刀Meaning
Sword
Reading
kunyomiちchi
かたなkatana
onyomiとうtou
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
2JLPT
N1Grade
2Frequency
603
Radical Form
刂
Handwriting
kanji
劇Meaning
Drama
Reading
onyomiげきgeki
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
15JLPT
N2Grade
6Frequency
629
Handwriting
kanji
制Meaning
System, Control
Reading
onyomiせいsei
Parts
刂Sword (刀)牛Cow 巾Towel
Example Word
制度: system. The Japanese noun '制度 (せいど)' refers to a 'system' or 'institution'. It is used to describe established systems, rules, or frameworks that govern a particular area, such as social, legal, or organizational systems. For example: the education system「教育制度」(きょういくせいど). The company introduced a new system「会社は新しい制度を導入した」(かいしゃはあたらしいせいどをどうにゅうした). This word is often used in formal or administrative contexts to describe structured and organized systems.
Radical
刀
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N3Grade
5Frequency
730
Handwriting
kanji
割Meaning
Divide, Split
Reading
kunyomiさsa
わwa
onyomiかつkatsu
Parts
害Harm 刂Sword (刀)
Example Word
時間割り: schedule. The Japanese noun '時間割り (じかんわり)' refers to a 'schedule' or 'timetable', specifically one that outlines the timing and arrangement of events, classes, or activities. It is commonly used in educational settings to describe a school timetable, but it can also apply to other structured plans. For example: The school schedule is busy「学校の時間割りは忙しい」(がっこうのじかんわりはいそがしい). I checked my class schedule「私は時間割りを確認した」(わたしはじかんわりをかくにんした). The word emphasizes the organization of time, often in a fixed or recurring pattern.
Radical
刀
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
6Frequency
787
Handwriting
kanji
列Meaning
File
Reading
onyomiれつretsu
Parts
歹Bad 刂Sword (刀)
Example Word
行列: line or matrix. The Japanese verbal noun '行列 (ぎょうれつ)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning refers to a 'line' or 'queue' of people waiting for something, such as at a store or event. For example: there was a long line at the bakery「パン屋に長い行列があった」(ぱんやにながいぎょうれつがあった). The second meaning refers to a 'matrix' in mathematics, which is a rectangular array of numbers, symbols, or expressions arranged in rows and columns. For example: this matrix is difficult to solve「この行列は解くのが難しい」(このぎょうれつはとくのがむずかしい). The context usually makes it clear which meaning is intended, as the first is more common in everyday situations, while the second is used in academic or technical contexts.
Radical
刀
Stroke Count
6JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
836
Handwriting
kanji
到Meaning
Reach, Arrival
Reading
onyomiとうtou
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
8JLPT
N3Grade
7Frequency
858
Handwriting
kanji
刺Meaning
Stab
Reading
kunyomiさsa
onyomiしshi
Parts
朿 刂Sword (刀)
Example Word
名刺: business card. The Japanese noun '名刺 (めいし)' refers to a 'business card'. In Japan, exchanging business cards is a formal and important ritual, especially in professional settings. It is customary to present and receive business cards with both hands, and to take a moment to look at the card before putting it away. Example sentences: Please give me your business card「名刺をください」(めいしをください). I forgot my business card at home「名刺を家に忘れました」(めいしをいえにわすれました).
Radical
刀
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N2Grade
7Frequency
880
Handwriting
kanji
剣Meaning
Sword
Reading
kunyomiつるぎtsurugi
onyomiけんken
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
10JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
933
Handwriting
kanji
刑Meaning
Punish
Reading
onyomiけいkei
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
6JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
980
Handwriting
kanji
則Meaning
Rule
Reading
onyomiそくsoku
Parts
貝Shellfish 刂Sword (刀)
Example Word
原則: principle. The Japanese noun '原則 (げんそく)' refers to a fundamental truth, rule, or law that serves as the foundation for a system of belief, behavior, or reasoning. It is often used in formal or academic contexts to describe guiding rules or standards. For example: The principle of equality is important「平等の原則は大切です」(びょうどうのげんそくはたいせつです). We must follow the principles of democracy「民主主義の原則に従わなければならない」(みんしゅしゅぎのげんそくにしたがわなければならない). This word is commonly used in discussions about ethics, law, or organizational policies.
Radical
刀
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N2Grade
5Frequency
1065
Handwriting
kanji
創Meaning
Create
Reading
kunyomiつくtsuku
onyomiそうsou
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
12JLPT
N1Grade
6Frequency
1090
Handwriting
kanji
刃Meaning
Blade
Reading
kunyomiはha
onyomiじんjin
にんnin
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
3JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
1539
Handwriting
kanji
剥Meaning
Peel off
Reading
kunyomiむmu
へhe
へずhezu
onyomiはくhaku
ほくhoku
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
10JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
1548
Handwriting
kanji
刊Meaning
Publish, Edition
Reading
onyomiかんkan
Parts
干Dry 刂Sword (刀)
Example Word
刊行: publication. The Japanese noun '刊行 (かんこう)' refers to the act of publishing or releasing a written work, such as a book, magazine, or journal. It is often used in formal contexts to describe the process of making a work available to the public. For example: The publication of the new book is scheduled for next month「新しい本の刊行は来月に予定されています」(あたらしいほんのかんこうはらいげつによていされています). This magazine has been in publication for over 50 years「この雑誌は50年以上刊行されています」(このざっしはごじゅうねんいじょうかんこうされています). The word can also be used in compound terms like '刊行物 (かんこうぶつ)', which means 'publication' or 'printed matter'.
Radical
刀
Stroke Count
5JLPT
N2Grade
5Frequency
1585
Handwriting
kanji
刷Meaning
Printing
Reading
kunyomiすsu
onyomiさつsatsu
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
8JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
1605
Handwriting
kanji
削Meaning
Plane, Cut by chipping
Reading
kunyomiけずkezu
onyomiさくsaku
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
9JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
1771
Handwriting
kanji
剖Meaning
Divide, Cut up
Reading
onyomiぼうbou
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
10JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
1816
Handwriting