字Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical

kanji

Meaning

Minute, Part

Reading

Parts

八Eight 刀Sword

Example Word

自分: self. The Japanese noun '自分 (じぶん)' means 'self' and is used to refer to oneself in a general sense. It can be used in various contexts to indicate the speaker or the person being referred to. It is often used in reflexive contexts or when emphasizing one's own actions or feelings. For example: I did it myself「自分でやりました」(じぶんでやりました). He always thinks about himself「彼はいつも自分のことを考えている」(かれはいつもじぶんのことをかんがえている). Note that '自分' can sometimes be used to refer to others in certain contexts, especially in group settings or when speaking about someone in a respectful manner.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

10

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Before, Front

Reading

Parts

月Moon, Month 刂Sword (刀)䒑Herbs

Example Word

前: before or front. The Japanese noun '前 (まえ)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'front', referring to the forward-facing part or side of something. For example: the front of the house「家の前」(いえのまえ). The second meaning is 'before', indicating a time or event that precedes another. For example: before the meeting「会議の前」(かいぎのまえ). It's important to note that '前' can also be used in compound words to indicate precedence or priority, such as '前売り (まえうり)' meaning 'advance sale'. Additionally, '前' can be used in expressions like '前に (まえに)' to mean 'in front of' or 'before' in a temporal sense, as in 'before eating'「食べる前に」(たべるまえに).

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

32

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Cut

Reading

Parts

七Seven 刀Sword

Example Word

切る: cut or turn off. The Japanese verb '切る (きる)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'to cut', which refers to physically cutting something, such as paper, food, or objects. For example: I cut the paper「紙を切る」(かみをきる). The second meaning is 'to turn off', which is used when referring to turning off devices, lights, or machinery. For example: Please turn off the light「電気を切ってください」(でんきをきってください). The verb is versatile and widely used in both literal and figurative contexts. It is important to note that the meaning depends on the context in which it is used.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

123

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Separate

Reading

Parts

刂Sword (刀)叧

Example Word

別: different. The Japanese adjectival noun '別 (べつ)' primarily means 'different' or 'separate'. It is used to indicate that something is distinct or not the same as another thing. It can also imply a sense of division or separation. For example: That's a different matter「それは別の問題だ」(それはべつのもんだいだ). Let's consider it separately「別に考えましょう」(べつにかんがえましょう). In some contexts, '別' can also imply 'another' or 'additional', as in '別の日 (べつのひ) (another day)'. It's important to note that '別' is often used in formal or written contexts, and it can be combined with other words to form compound nouns, such as '別荘 (べっそう) (vacation home)'.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

181

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Beginning, First

Reading

Parts

刀Sword 衤

Example Word

最初: beginning. The Japanese noun '最初 (さいしょ)' means 'beginning' or 'the first'. It refers to the very start of something, such as an event, process, or period. This word is often used to emphasize the initial stage or point in time. For example: At the beginning, it was difficult「最初は難しかった」(さいしょはむずかしかった). Let's start from the beginning「最初から始めましょう」(さいしょからはじめましょう). It can also be used to describe the first occurrence of something, as in '最初の試み (さいしょのこころみ) (the first attempt)'. Note that '最初' is distinct from '始め (はじめ)', which can also mean 'beginning' but often refers to the start of an action or process rather than a specific point in time.

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

刂Sword (刀)半Half

Example Word

批判: criticism. The Japanese verbal noun '批判 (ひはん)' means 'criticism'. It refers to the act of analyzing and evaluating something, often pointing out its faults or shortcomings. This word is commonly used in contexts such as social commentary, reviews, or discussions where judgment or evaluation is involved. For example: His criticism was harsh「彼の批判は厳しかった」(かれのひはんはきびしかった). The media criticized the government「メディアは政府を批判した」(メディアはせいふをひはんした). Note that '批判' can carry a negative connotation, implying disapproval or fault-finding, but it can also be used neutrally in analytical contexts.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

330

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Engrave

Reading

Parts

刂Sword (刀)亥

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

刂Sword (刀)豦

Example Word

演劇: theater. The Japanese noun '演劇 (えんげき)' refers to 'theater' or 'drama' as a performing art. It encompasses plays, stage performances, and theatrical productions. This term is used to describe both the art form itself and the performances. For example: I enjoy watching theater「私は演劇を見るのが好きです」(わたしはえんげきをみるのがすきです). She is studying theater at university「彼女は大学で演劇を勉強しています」(かのじょはだいがくでえんげきをべんきょうしています). The word can also refer to the broader concept of dramatic arts, including acting, directing, and stagecraft.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

629

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

System, Control

Reading

Parts

刂Sword (刀)巾Towel 牛Cow

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

730

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Divide, Split

Reading

Parts

刂Sword (刀)害Harm

Example Word

役割: role. The Japanese noun '役割 (やくわり)' means 'role'. It refers to the function or position someone or something has in a particular situation, group, or system. It can be used in various contexts, such as social roles, job responsibilities, or the role of an object in a process. For example: her role in the project is important「彼女のプロジェクトでの役割は重要だ」(かのじょのプロジェクトでのやくわりはじゅうようだ). Each tool has its own role「それぞれの道具には役割がある」(それぞれのどうぐにはやくわりがある). This word is often used to describe the expected behavior or contribution of a person or thing in a specific context.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

787

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

File

Reading

Parts

刂Sword (刀)歹Bad

Example Word

列車: train. The Japanese noun '列車 (れっしゃ)' refers to a 'train', specifically a railway vehicle that transports passengers or goods. It is commonly used in everyday conversation and formal contexts. For example: The train is late「列車が遅れています」(れっしゃがおくれています). I took the train to Tokyo「東京まで列車に乗りました」(とうきょうまでれっしゃにのりました). The word can also be used in compound nouns, such as '急行列車 (きゅうこうれっしゃ)' (express train) or '夜行列車 (やこうれっしゃ)' (night train).

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

836

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Reach, Arrival

Reading

Parts

刂Sword (刀)至Arrive, Climax

Example Word

到頭: finally. The Japanese adverb '到頭 (とうとう)' means 'finally' or 'at last'. It is used to indicate that something has happened after a long period of time or after much anticipation. This word often carries a nuance of relief, completion, or inevitability. For example: He finally arrived「彼は到頭到着した」(かれはとうとうとうちゃくした). The project is finally finished「そのプロジェクトは到頭終わった」(そのプロジェクトはとうとうおわった). Note that '到頭' is typically used in situations where the outcome was expected or inevitable, and it often implies a sense of closure.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

858

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Stab

Reading

Parts

刂Sword (刀)朿

Example Word

刺身: sashimi. The Japanese noun '刺身 (さしみ)' refers to 'sashimi', a dish consisting of thinly sliced raw fish or seafood, often served with garnishes like shredded daikon radish and shiso leaves, and accompanied by soy sauce and wasabi. It is a staple in Japanese cuisine and highlights the freshness and quality of the seafood. Example sentences: I love sashimi「刺身が大好きです」(さしみがだいすきです). This restaurant serves delicious sashimi「このレストランは美味しい刺身を出します」(このレストランはおいしいさしみをだします). Sashimi is often eaten with soy sauce and wasabi「刺身は醤油とわさびと一緒に食べます」(さしみはしょうゆとわさびといっしょにたべます).

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

刂Sword (刀)开Open

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

刂Sword (刀)貝Shellfish

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1065

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Create

Reading

Parts

刂Sword (刀)倉Warehouse

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

刀Sword 丶Dot

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

刂Sword (刀)巾Towel 尸Corpse

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

刂Sword (刀)岡Hill

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 刂Sword (刀)木Tree, Wood

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1782

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Divide, Cut up

Reading

Parts

刂Sword (刀)咅Spit

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

刂Sword (刀)畐Fill

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

刂Sword (刀)斉Uniform, Adjusted

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

入場券: ticket. The Japanese noun '入場券 (にゅうじょうけん)' refers to a 'ticket' specifically for entering a venue, such as a theater, museum, or event. It is commonly used in contexts where admission is required. For example: I bought a ticket for the concert「コンサートの入場券を買いました」(コンサートのにゅうじょうけんをかいました). Please show your ticket at the entrance「入り口で入場券を見せてください」(いりぐちでにゅうじょうけんをみせてください). This word is distinct from other types of tickets, such as transportation tickets, as it specifically pertains to entry.

Radical

刀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1946

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Surplus

Reading

Parts

刂Sword (刀)乗Ride

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