Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical

kanji

Meaning

Occasion

Reading

Parts

⻖ 祭Ritual

Example Word

国際化: internationalization. The Japanese verbal noun '国際化 (こくさいか)' refers to the process of making something international in scope or application. It is often used in contexts such as business, education, and technology to describe the adaptation of products, services, or systems to operate across different countries and cultures. For example: The company is focusing on internationalization「その会社は国際化に力を入れている」(そのかいしゃはこくさいかにちからをいれている). The university promotes internationalization「その大学は国際化を推進している」(そのだいがくはこくさいかをすいしんしている). This term is commonly used in discussions about globalization and cross-cultural exchange.

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

限る: limit or restrict. The Japanese verb '限る (かぎる)' primarily means 'to limit' or 'to restrict'. It is used to indicate that something is confined to a specific condition, time, or scope. For example, it can express exclusivity or a boundary. Example sentences: Only members are allowed「会員に限る」(かいいんにかぎる). The offer is limited to today only「今日に限って特別価格」(きょうにかぎってとくべつかかく). Note that '限る' can also imply that something is the best or most suitable under certain conditions, as in 'この方法が一番だとは限らない' (このほうほうがいちばんだとはかぎらない) (This method isn't necessarily the best).

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

衆議院: House of Representatives. The Japanese noun '衆議院 (しゅうぎいん)' refers to the 'House of Representatives', which is the lower house of Japan's bicameral parliament, the National Diet. It is one of the two legislative chambers, the other being the House of Councilors (参議院, さんぎいん). The House of Representatives holds significant power, including the ability to override decisions made by the House of Councillors in certain situations. For example: The bill was passed by the House of Representatives「その法案は衆議院で可決された」(そのほうあんはしゅうぎいんでかけつされた). Members of the House of Representatives are elected by the public「衆議院議員は国民によって選ばれる」(しゅうぎいんぎいんはこくみんによってえらばれる).

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

542

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Hide

Reading

Parts

⻖ 㥯

Example Word

隠す: hide. The Japanese verb '隠す (かくす)' means 'to hide'. It is used when someone conceals something from view or keeps something secret. This verb can be applied to physical objects, emotions, or information. For example: she hid her feelings「彼女は気持ちを隠した」(かのじょはきもちをかくした). He hid the key under the mat「彼はマットの下に鍵を隠した」(かれはまっとのしたにかぎをかくした). The nuance of '隠す' often implies an intentional act of concealment, whether for protection, privacy, or deception.

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

艦隊: fleet. The Japanese noun '艦隊 (かんたい)' refers to a 'fleet', specifically a group of ships, particularly warships, operating together under one command. This term is often used in military or naval contexts. For example: the fleet is approaching「艦隊が接近している」(かんたいがせっきんしている). The admiral commands the fleet「提督が艦隊を指揮する」(ていとくがかんたいをしきする). It can also be used metaphorically to describe a large group of vehicles or objects moving together, though this usage is less common.

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

日陰: shade. The Japanese noun '日陰 (ひかげ)' refers to a place where sunlight is blocked, creating shade. It is commonly used to describe areas under trees, buildings, or other structures that block direct sunlight. For example: let's rest in the shade「日陰で休みましょう」(ひかげでやすみましょう). The flowers grow well in the shade「その花は日陰でよく育つ」(そのはなはひかげでよくそだつ). This word can also carry a metaphorical meaning, such as being in the shadow of someone or something, though this usage is less common.

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

障害: disability or obstacle. The Japanese noun '障害 (しょうがい)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'obstacle', referring to something that blocks or hinders progress. For example: There is an obstacle on the road「道路に障害がある」(どうろにしょうがいがある). The second meaning is 'disability', referring to a physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities. For example: She has a physical disability「彼女は身体障害がある」(かのじょはしんたいしょうがいがある). The word is used in various contexts, including sports, technology, and social issues, making it important to understand the specific context in which it is used.

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

内陸: inland. The Japanese noun '内陸 (ないりく)' refers to the 'inland' or 'interior' regions of a country, away from the coast. It is commonly used to describe areas that are geographically distant from the sea or ocean. For example: The city is located inland「その都市は内陸にある」(そのとしはないりくにある). Inland areas often have different climates compared to coastal regions「内陸地域は海岸地域と気候が異なることが多い」(ないりくちいきはかいがんちいきときこうがことなることがおおい). This term is particularly useful in geography, travel, and weather discussions.

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

保険: insurance. The Japanese noun '保険 (ほけん)' means 'insurance'. It refers to a system or contract where individuals or entities pay premiums to protect against financial loss or damage. This term is commonly used in contexts like health insurance, car insurance, or life insurance. For example: I have health insurance「私は健康保険を持っています」(わたしはけんこうほけんをもっています). Car insurance is mandatory「車の保険は必須です」(くるまのほけんはひっすです). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something that provides security or a safeguard against potential risks.

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

984

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Exclude, Remove

Reading

Parts

⻖ 余Excess

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

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1003

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Prevent, Defend

Reading

Parts

⻖ 方Direction

Example Word

消防署: fire station. The Japanese noun '消防署 (しょうぼうしょ)' refers to a 'fire station', which is a facility where firefighters and firefighting equipment are stationed. This term is commonly used in contexts related to emergency services, fire safety, and public safety infrastructure. For example: The fire station is near the park「消防署は公園の近くです」(しょうぼうしょはこうえんのちかくです). I called the fire station to report the fire「火事を報告するために消防署に電話しました」(かじをほうこくするためにしょうぼうしょにでんわしました). The word is a compound of '消防 (しょうぼう)', meaning 'firefighting', and '署 (しょ)', meaning 'office' or 'station'.

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