Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical

kanji

Meaning

Occasion

Reading

Parts

⻖ 祭Ritual

Example Word

実際: actually. The Japanese adverb '実際 (じっさい)' means 'actually' or 'in reality'. It is used to emphasize the truth or reality of a situation, often contrasting with assumptions or appearances. This word is commonly used in both spoken and written Japanese to clarify or confirm facts. For example: Actually, I don't know「実際、知りません」(じっさい、しりません). In reality, it's not that expensive「実際、そんなに高くない」(じっさい、そんなにたかくない). It can also be used to introduce a real-life example or experience, as in '実際に試してみた (じっさいにためしてみた) (I actually tried it).'

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

369

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Storey

Reading

Parts

皆All 阝Mound (阜)

Example Word

階: floor. The Japanese suffix '階 (かい)' is used to indicate the floor or level of a building. It is commonly attached to numbers to specify which floor something is on. For example: second floor「二階」(にかい). This suffix is essential for giving directions or describing locations within multi-story buildings. It is important to note that '階' is always used in combination with a number or counter, and it cannot stand alone to mean 'floor'. Additional examples include: third floor「三階」(さんかい), first floor「一階」(いっかい).

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

375

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Limit

Reading

Parts

⻖ 艮Stopping

Example Word

期限: deadline. The Japanese noun '期限 (きげん)' refers to a 'deadline' or 'time limit'. It is commonly used in contexts where a specific period or date is set for the completion of a task, submission of documents, or expiration of something. For example: The deadline for the report is tomorrow「レポートの期限は明日です」(レポートのきげんはあしたです). The expiration date of this product is next month「この商品の期限は来月です」(このしょうひんのきげんはらいげつです). This word is often used in formal or professional settings, such as work, school, or legal matters.

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

419

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Descend, Fall

Reading

Parts

⻖ 夅

Example Word

雨降り: rainfall. The Japanese noun '雨降り (あめふり)' refers to the act or state of rain falling, or simply 'rainfall'. It is often used to describe rainy weather or a rainy day. For example: today is a day of rainfall「今日は雨降りの日です」(きょうはあめふりのひです). The rainfall stopped「雨降りが止んだ」(あめふりがやんだ). This word is commonly used in everyday conversation to describe weather conditions, and it can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation where something is falling or descending like rain.

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

444

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Attach, Affixed

Reading

Parts

⻖ 付Attach

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

536

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Institution

Reading

Parts

完Complete 阝Mound (阜)

Example Word

参議院: House of Councilors. The Japanese noun '参議院 (さんぎいん)' refers to the 'House of Councilors,' which is the upper house of the National Diet of Japan. It is one of the two houses in the Japanese legislative system, along with the House of Representatives (衆議院, しゅうぎいん). The House of Councillors plays a key role in passing laws and overseeing the government. Example: Members of the House of Councillors are directly elected by the people 「参議院の議員は国民によって直接選ばれる」 (さんぎいんのぎいんはこくみんによってちょくせつえらばれる). The House of Councillors has 242 seats 「参議院は242議席ある」 (さんぎいんは242ぎせきある).

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

542

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Hide

Reading

Parts

⻖ 㥯

Example Word

隠れる: hide. The Japanese verb '隠れる (かくれる)' means 'to hide'. It is used to describe the action of concealing oneself or something from view. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as physically hiding, being hidden by something, or even metaphorically hiding emotions or intentions. For example: The child hid behind the tree「子供は木の後ろに隠れた」(こどもはきのうしろにかくれた). The sun is hidden behind the clouds「太陽は雲の後ろに隠れている」(たいようはくものうしろにかくれている). It is important to note that '隠れる' often implies that the subject is hidden by something else, rather than actively hiding themselves.

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

558

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Sunshine

Reading

Parts

昜Sunray 阝Mound (阜)

Example Word

太陽: sun. The Japanese noun '太陽 (たいよう)' means 'sun'. It refers to the star at the center of our solar system, which provides light and heat to Earth. This word is commonly used in both scientific and everyday contexts. For example: The sun is bright today「今日の太陽は明るい」(きょうのたいようはあかるい). The sun rises in the east「太陽は東から昇る」(たいようはひがしからのぼる). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something or someone as a source of light or energy, such as in the phrase '彼は私の太陽 (かれはわたしのたいよう)' (He is my sun).

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

676

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Squad

Reading

Parts

⻖ 㒸

Example Word

兵隊: soldier. The Japanese noun '兵隊 (へいたい)' refers to a 'soldier'. It is commonly used to describe a member of the military, particularly in the context of ground forces. The term can be used in both historical and modern contexts, but it often carries a slightly informal or colloquial tone compared to more formal terms like '軍人 (ぐんじん)'. Example sentences: The soldiers marched through the town「兵隊が町を行進した」(へいたいがまちをこうしんした). He became a soldier「彼は兵隊になった」(かれはへいたいになった).

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

707

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Neighbor, Neighbouring

Reading

Parts

⻖ 粦

Example Word

隣り合う: adjacent. The Japanese verb '隣り合う (となりあう)' means 'to be adjacent' or 'to be next to each other'. It is used to describe things or people that are situated side by side or in close proximity. This verb often implies a sense of closeness or connection between the subjects. For example: The two houses are adjacent「その二つの家は隣り合っている」(そのふたつのいえはとなりあっている). The seats are next to each other「席が隣り合っている」(せきがとなりあっている). Note that this verb is commonly used in contexts where the relationship or positioning of two or more items is being described.

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

820

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Shade

Reading

Parts

⻖ 侌

Example Word

物陰: shadow. The Japanese noun '物陰 (ものかげ)' refers to a place that is hidden or obscured from view, often by an object or structure. It is commonly used to describe a shadowy or concealed spot where someone or something can hide. For example: He hid in the shadow of the tree「彼は木の物陰に隠れた」(かれはきのものかげにかくれた). The cat is hiding in the shadow of the wall「猫は壁の物陰に隠れている」(ねこはかべのものかげにかくれている). This word is often used in contexts involving secrecy or concealment.

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

887

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Corner, Nook

Reading

Parts

⻖ 禺

Example Word

隅: corner. The Japanese noun '隅 (すみ)' refers to a 'corner' or 'nook', typically describing the corner of a room, a street, or any space where two sides meet. It can also metaphorically refer to something being out of the way or overlooked. For example: There is a chair in the corner of the room「部屋の隅に椅子がある」(へやのすみにいすがある). He sat in a quiet corner of the café「彼はカフェの静かな隅に座った」(かれはカフェのしずかなすみにすわった). The word can also imply a sense of being hidden or unnoticed, as in '隅に追いやられる (すみにおいやられる)', meaning 'to be pushed to the sidelines'.

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

921

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Hinder, Hurt

Reading

Parts

⻖ 章Chapter, Badge

Example Word

保障: security or guarantee. The Japanese verbal noun '保障 (ほしょう)' primarily means 'guarantee' or 'security'. It refers to a promise or assurance that something will be provided or maintained, often in legal, financial, or social contexts. For example: The company provides a guarantee for its products「会社は製品に保障を提供します」(かいしゃはせいひんにほしょうをていきょうします). Social security is important for citizens「社会保障は市民にとって重要です」(しゃかいほしょうはしみんにとってじゅうようです). The word can also imply protection or assurance against risks, such as in insurance policies or contractual agreements.

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

947

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Follow, All

Reading

Parts

⻖ 迶

Example Word

随分: quite. The Japanese adverb '随分 (ずいぶん)' is used to express a considerable degree or extent of something, often implying that the degree is more than expected. It can be translated as 'quite', 'very', or 'considerably' in English. This word is often used in both positive and negative contexts, depending on the situation. For example: It's quite cold today「今日は随分寒いですね」(きょうはずいぶんさむいですね). She has changed quite a bit「彼女は随分変わった」(かのじょはずいぶんかわった). Note that '随分' can sometimes carry a nuance of surprise or unexpectedness, depending on the context.

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

948

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Land

Reading

Parts

⻖ 坴

Example Word

大陸: continent. The Japanese noun '大陸 (たいりく)' means 'continent'. It refers to a large, continuous landmass on Earth, such as Asia, Africa, or North America. This term is often used in geographical or scientific contexts. For example: Asia is the largest continent「アジアは一番大きい大陸です」(アジアはいちばんおおきいたいりくです). The continent of Africa is rich in resources「アフリカ大陸は資源が豊かです」(アフリカたいりくはしげんがゆたかです). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something vast or expansive, though this usage is less common.

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

964

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Camp, Battle formation

Reading

Parts

⻖ 車Car

Example Word

陣: camp. The Japanese noun '陣 (じん)' primarily means 'camp' and refers to a military encampment or a group of people organized for a specific purpose. It is often used in historical or strategic contexts, such as describing the location where troops are stationed. For example: the enemy's camp is nearby「敵の陣は近い」(てきのじんはちかい). They set up a camp in the forest「彼らは森に陣を張った」(かれらはもりにじんをはった). Additionally, '陣' can be used metaphorically to describe a group of people working together, such as a team or faction, though this usage is less common.

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

965

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Dangerous, Steep

Reading

Parts

⻖ 㑒

Example Word

険しい: steep. The Japanese adjective '険しい (けわしい)' primarily means 'steep'. It is used to describe terrain or paths that are difficult to climb or traverse due to their steepness. For example: The mountain path is steep「山道は険しい」(やまみちはけわしい). Additionally, '険しい' can also describe a person's expression or situation as harsh or severe, though this usage is less common. For example: His expression was stern「彼の表情は険しかった」(かれのひょうじょうはけわしかった). The word is often used in contexts involving physical landscapes but can extend metaphorically to describe challenging situations or stern facial expressions.

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

984

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Exclude, Remove

Reading

Parts

⻖ 余Excess

Example Word

控除: deduction. The Japanese noun '控除 (こうじょ)' refers to a 'deduction', typically in financial or tax contexts. It is used to describe an amount subtracted from a total, such as taxes, expenses, or allowances. For example: tax deduction「税金の控除」(ぜいきんのこうじょ). The company allows a deduction for travel expenses「会社は旅費の控除を認めている」(かいしゃはりょひのこうじょをみとめている). This term is commonly used in official documents, financial statements, and discussions about income or expenses.

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1003

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Prevent, Defend

Reading

Parts

⻖ 方Direction

Example Word

消防車: firetruck. The Japanese noun '消防車 (しょうぼうしゃ)' refers to a 'firetruck', a vehicle equipped for firefighting. It is commonly used in contexts related to emergency services and firefighting. Example sentences include: The firetruck arrived quickly「消防車がすぐに到着した」(しょうぼうしゃがすぐにとうちゃくした). I saw a firetruck on the way to work「仕事に行く途中で消防車を見た」(しごとにいくとちゅうでしょうぼうしゃをみた).

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1088

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Slope, Heights

Reading

Parts

⻖ 反Anti

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1162

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Crevice

Reading

Parts

⻖

Example Word

隙間: gap. The Japanese noun '隙間 (すきま)' refers to a 'gap' or 'space' between objects. It is commonly used to describe physical spaces, such as gaps between walls, doors, or furniture, but can also be used metaphorically to describe gaps in time or relationships. For example: there is a gap between the wall and the desk「壁と机の間に隙間がある」(かべとつくえのあいだにすきまがある). I found a gap in my schedule「スケジュールに隙間を見つけた」(すけじゅーるにすきまをみつけた). The word can also imply a sense of something being overlooked or unnoticed, as in '隙間時間 (すきまじかん)', which refers to small pockets of free time.

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1330

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Separate, Isolate

Reading

Parts

⻖ 鬲

Example Word

間隔: interval. The Japanese noun '間隔 (かんかく)' refers to an 'interval' or 'gap' between objects, events, or points in time. It is commonly used to describe physical spaces, such as the distance between two objects, or temporal spaces, such as the time between events. For example: The interval between trains is 10 minutes「電車の間隔は10分です」(でんしゃのかんかくはじゅっぷんです). There is a gap between the two buildings「2つの建物の間に間隔がある」(ふたつのたてもののあいだにかんかくがある). This word is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1370

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fall in, Collapse

Reading

Parts

⻖ ⺈Wrap 旧Old, Past

Example Word

陥る: fall or sink. The Japanese verb '陥る (おちいる)' primarily means 'to fall into' or 'to sink into'. It is often used to describe falling into a state, condition, or situation, typically one that is negative or undesirable. For example: he fell into despair「彼は絶望に陥った」(かれはぜつぼうにおちいった). The company fell into financial trouble「その会社は財政難に陥った」(そのかいしゃはざいせいなんにおちいった). This verb can also imply a gradual or unintentional decline into a state, such as sinking into confusion or falling into a trap. It is commonly used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1422

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Hump, Prosper

Reading

Parts

⻖ 夂Late 生Life

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1504

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Exhibit, Line up

Reading

Parts

⻖ 東East

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1523

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Pottery

Reading

Parts

⻖ 匋

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1584

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Mausoleum, Imperial mausoleum

Reading

Parts

⻖ 夌

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1874

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Majesty

Reading

Parts

⻖ 坒

Example Word

陛下: majesty. The Japanese noun '陛下 (へいか)' is a term of respect used to refer to a reigning emperor or empress. It is a formal and honorific title, often used in official or ceremonial contexts. For example: His Majesty the Emperor「天皇陛下」(てんのうへいか). Her Majesty the Empress「皇后陛下」(こうごうへいか). The term is always used with the utmost respect and is not used in casual conversation. It is important to note that '陛下' is not used to refer to oneself or to address someone directly; it is used when speaking about the emperor or empress in the third person.

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1940

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Hinder, Thwart

Reading

Parts

⻖ 且Moreover, Also

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2023

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Mound

Reading

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2071

Radical Forms

⻏, 阝

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Accompany, Accompany a superior

Reading

Parts

⻖ 咅Spit

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2098

Handwriting