Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical

kanji

Meaning

Minute, Part

Reading

Parts

八Eight 刀Sword

Example Word

区分: division or classification. The Japanese verbal noun '区分 (くぶん)' refers to the act of dividing or classifying something into distinct categories or sections. It is often used in contexts where organization or categorization is required, such as in administrative, academic, or logistical settings. For example: The books are divided by genre「本はジャンルで区分されています」(ほんはじゃんるでくぶんされています). We need to classify these documents「これらの書類を区分する必要があります」(これらのしょるいをくぶんするひつようがあります). Note that '区分' can also imply a systematic or logical separation, making it distinct from more casual terms like '分ける (わける)' which simply means 'to divide'.

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

直前: just before. The Japanese noun '直前 (ちょくぜん)' means 'just before.' It refers to the immediate period before an event or action takes place. This word is often used to describe the timeframe immediately prior to a specific event, such as departure, start time, or occurrence. For example: just before the departure of the train 「電車の出発の直前」 (でんしゃのしゅっぱつのちょくぜん). I realized it just before the deadline 「締め切りの直前に気づいた」 (しめきりのちょくぜんにきづいた). It can also be used to describe physical proximity, such as being right in front of something, but that usage is less common.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

32

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Cut

Reading

Parts

刀Sword 七Seven

Example Word

区切る: divide or separate. The Japanese verb '区切る (くぎる)' means 'to divide' or 'to separate'. It is used to describe the action of splitting something into distinct parts or sections, often by setting boundaries or markers. This verb can be applied to physical spaces, time periods, or abstract concepts. For example: divide the text into paragraphs「文章を段落で区切る」(ぶんしょうをだんらくでくぎる). Separate the room with a curtain「部屋をカーテンで区切る」(へやをカーテンでくぎる). The verb can also imply creating clear distinctions or organizing something into manageable parts.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

123

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Separate

Reading

Parts

叧 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

別に: particularly or separately. The Japanese adverb '別に (べつに)' has two primary meanings. The first meaning is 'particularly' or 'especially', often used in negative contexts to downplay something. For example: I don't particularly care「別に気にしない」(べつにきにしない). The second meaning is 'separately' or 'apart', indicating something is distinct or independent. For example: These are handled separately「これらは別に扱われる」(これらはべつにあつかわれる). The nuance of '別に' often conveys a sense of indifference or distinction, depending on the context.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

181

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Beginning, First

Reading

Parts

衤 刀Sword

Example Word

月初め: start. The Japanese noun '月初め (つきはじめ)' refers to the 'start' or 'beginning of the month'. It is commonly used to describe the first few days of a new month, often in contexts related to schedules, payments, or planning. For example: The rent is due at the start of the month「家賃は月初めに支払います」(やちんはつきはじめにしはらいます). We will start the project at the beginning of the month「プロジェクトは月初めに始めます」(プロジェクトはつきはじめにはじめます). Note that this word is specific to the temporal context of the month and is not used for other types of beginnings.

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

判例: precedent. The Japanese noun '判例 (はんれい)' refers to a legal precedent, which is a past judicial decision that serves as a reference for deciding similar cases in the future. This term is commonly used in legal contexts, such as in courts or legal discussions, to refer to previous rulings that can influence or guide current judgments. For example: This case follows a precedent「この事件は判例に従っている」(このじけんははんれいにしたがっている). The judge referred to a precedent「裁判官は判例を参照した」(さいばんかんははんれいをさんしょうした). It's important to note that '判例' is a formal term and is typically used in professional or academic settings related to law.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

330

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Engrave

Reading

Parts

亥 刂Sword (刀)

Example Word

時刻: time. The Japanese noun '時刻 (じこく)' refers to a specific point in time or the exact time of an event. It is often used in formal contexts or when precision regarding time is necessary. For example: What time is it now?「今の時刻は何時ですか？」(いまのじこくはなんじですか？). The train departs at 8:00 sharp「電車は8時ちょうどに発車します」(でんしゃは8じちょうどにはっしゃします). This word is commonly seen in schedules, announcements, and formal settings where exact timing is important.

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

強制: compulsion or enforcement. The Japanese verbal noun '強制 (きょうせい)' refers to the act of compelling or enforcing something, often against someone's will. It is commonly used in contexts where authority or rules are imposed on individuals or groups. For example: The government enforced new regulations「政府は新しい規制を強制した」(せいふはあたらしいきせいをきょうせいした). Compulsory education is enforced by law「義務教育は法律で強制されている」(ぎむきょういくはほうりつできょうせいされている). Note that '強制' carries a nuance of obligation or lack of choice, and it is often used in formal or legal contexts.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

730

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Divide, Split

Reading

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

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

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

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

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

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

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