Page 1
kanji
際Meaning
Occasion
Reading
kunyomiきわkiwa
onyomiさいsai
Parts
⻖ 祭Ritual
Example Word
交際: dating. The Japanese verbal noun '交際 (こうさい)' primarily refers to the act of dating or being in a romantic relationship. It can also imply social interaction or association in a broader sense, but it is most commonly used to describe romantic relationships. For example: They are dating「彼らは交際している」(かれらはこうさいしている). I heard they started dating last month「先月から交際を始めたと聞いた」(せんげつからこうさいをはじめたときいた). The term is often used in formal contexts to describe the status of a relationship, such as in news reports or official statements.
Radical
阜
Stroke Count
14JLPT
N3Grade
5Frequency
369
Handwriting
kanji
階Meaning
Storey
Reading
onyomiかいkai
Parts
皆All 阝Mound (阜)
Example Word
階段: stairs. The Japanese noun '階段 (かいだん)' means 'stairs'. It refers to a series of steps that allow people to move from one level of a building to another. This word is commonly used in everyday conversation when referring to staircases in homes, offices, or public places. For example: Please use the stairs「階段を使ってください」(かいだん をつかってください). The stairs are over there「階段はあそこです」(かいだんはあそこです). It can also be used metaphorically to describe progress or steps in a process, though this usage is less common.
Radical
阜
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N2Grade
3Frequency
375
Handwriting
kanji
限Meaning
Limit
Reading
kunyomiかぎkagi
onyomiげんgen
Parts
⻖ 艮Stopping
Example Word
限度: limit. The Japanese noun '限度 (げんど)' refers to a 'limit' or 'boundary'. It is used to describe the maximum extent or degree of something that is possible or allowed. This word is often used in contexts where there is a restriction or a cap on quantity, capacity, or ability. For example: There is a limit to human patience「人間の忍耐には限度 がある」(にんげんのにんたいにはげんどがある). The credit card has a spending limit「クレジットカードには利用限度がある」(クレジットカードにはりようげんどがある). It can also be used in more abstract contexts, such as limits of knowledge or endurance.
Radical
阜
Stroke Count
9JLPT
N3Grade
5Frequency
419
Handwriting
kanji
降Meaning
Descend, Fall
Reading
kunyomiおo
ふfu
onyomiこうkou
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
10JLPT
N3Grade
6Frequency
444
Handwriting
kanji
院Meaning
Institution
Reading
onyomiいんin
Parts
完Complete 阝Mound (阜)
Example Word
病院: hospital. The Japanese noun '病院 (びょういん)' means 'hospital'. It refers to a medical institution where patients receive treatment, care, and diagnosis. This word is commonly used in everyday conversations when discussing health, medical visits, or emergencies. For example: I went to the hospital「病院に行きました」(びょういんにいきました). The hospital is nearby「病院は近くです」(びょういんはちかくです). It is important to note that '病院' is distinct from 'クリニック (くりにっく)', which typically refers to smaller clinics or private practices.
Radical
阜
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
542
Handwriting
kanji
隠Meaning
Hide
Reading
kunyomiかくkaku
onyomiいんin
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
14JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
558
Handwriting
kanji
陽Meaning
Sunshine
Reading
kunyomiひhi
onyomiようyou
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
12JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
676
Handwriting
kanji
隊Meaning
Squad
Reading
onyomiたいtai
Parts
⻖ 㒸
Example Word
隊: squad. The Japanese suffix '隊 (たい)' is used to denote a group, team, or squad, often with a specific purpose or function. It is commonly attached to nouns to form words that describe organized groups, such as military units, task forces, or specialized teams. For example: a rescue squad「救助隊」(きゅうじょたい). A fire brigade「消防隊」(しょうぼうたい). This suffix is frequently used in contexts involving organized efforts, such as emergency services, military, or even fan groups. It carries a sense of collective action and purpose.
Radical
阜
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N1Grade
4Frequency
707
Handwriting
kanji
隣Meaning
Neighbor, Neighbouring
Reading
kunyomiとなtona
となりtonari
onyomiりんrin
Parts
⻖ 粦
Example Word
隣り: neighbor. The Japanese noun '隣り (となり)' refers to something or someone that is adjacent or next to another. It is commonly used to describe the immediate proximity of people, places, or objects. For example: The house next door is quiet「隣りの家は静かです」(となりいえはしずかです). My neighbor is kind「私の隣り人は親切です」(わたしのとなりひとはしんせつです). This word can also be used in a more abstract sense to describe something that is closely related or connected in some way. For instance: The next topic is related「隣りの話題は関連しています」(となりわだいはかんれんしています).
Radical
阜
Stroke Count
16JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
820
Handwriting
kanji
陰Meaning
Shade
Reading
kunyomiかげkage
onyomiいんin
Parts
⻖ 侌
Example Word
陰: shade or shadow. The Japanese noun '陰 (かげ)' primarily refers to 'shadow' or 'shade'. It describes the dark area or shape produced by an object blocking light. This word can also carry metaphorical meanings, such as the hidden or less visible aspects of something. For example: The tree casts a shadow「木が陰を作る」(きがかげをつくる). Let's rest in the shade「陰で休みましょう」(かげでやすみましょう). In some contexts, it can imply something concealed or not directly visible, such as in '陰で働く (かげではたらく)' meaning 'to work behind the scenes'.
Radical
阜
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
887
Handwriting
kanji
隅Meaning
Corner, Nook
Reading
kunyomiすみsumi
onyomiぐうguu
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
12JLPT
N2Grade
9Frequency
921
Handwriting
kanji
障Meaning
Hinder, Hurt
Reading
kunyomiさわsawa
onyomiしょうshou
Parts
⻖ 章Chapter, Badge
Example Word
障子: shoji. The Japanese noun '障子 (しょうじ)' refers to a traditional Japanese sliding door or room divider made of translucent paper over a wooden frame. Shoji are commonly used in Japanese architecture to separate rooms or provide privacy while allowing light to pass through. They are a key element in traditional Japanese homes and are often associated with a minimalist and serene aesthetic. Example sentences: The shoji lets in soft light「障子が柔らかい光を通します」(しょうじがやわらかいひかりをとおします). Please close the shoji「障子を閉めてください」(しょうじをしめてください).
Radical
阜
Stroke Count
14JLPT
N1Grade
6Frequency
947
Handwriting
kanji
随Meaning
Follow, All
Reading
kunyomiしたがshitaga
まにまmanima
onyomiずいzui
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
12JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
948
Handwriting
kanji
陸Meaning
Land
Reading
onyomiりくriku
Parts
⻖ 坴
Example Word
陸: land. The Japanese noun '陸 (りく)' means 'land' and refers to the solid part of the Earth's surface, as opposed to water or air. It is often used in contexts contrasting land with sea or ocean. For example: The ship approached the land「船が陸に近づいた」(ふねがりくにちかづいた). They traveled from the sea to the land「彼らは海から陸へ移動した」(かれらはうみからりくへいどうした). This word is commonly used in geographical or navigational contexts.
Radical
阜
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
964
Handwriting
kanji
陣Meaning
Camp, Battle formation
Reading
onyomiじんjin
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
10JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
965
Handwriting
kanji
険Meaning
Dangerous, Steep
Reading
kunyomiけわkewa
onyomiけんken
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
11JLPT
N3Grade
5Frequency
984
Handwriting
kanji
除Meaning
Exclude, Remove
Reading
kunyomiのぞnozo
onyomiじょjo
じji
Parts
⻖ 余Excess
Example Word
掃除機: vacuum. The Japanese noun '掃除機 (そうじき)' refers to a 'vacuum cleaner', a device used for cleaning floors and surfaces by suction. It is commonly used in households and workplaces. Example sentences: I bought a new vacuum「新しい掃除機を買いました」(あたらしいそうじきをかいました). Please use the vacuum to clean the room「部屋を掃除するために掃除機を使ってください」(へやをそうじするためにそうじきをつかってください). The word is a combination of '掃除 (そうじ)', meaning 'cleaning', and '機 (き)', meaning 'machine'.
Radical
阜
Stroke Count
10JLPT
N3Grade
6Frequency
1003
Handwriting
kanji
防Meaning
Prevent, Defend
Reading
kunyomiふせfuse
onyomiぼうbou
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
7JLPT
N2Grade
5Frequency
1088
Handwriting
kanji
隙Meaning
Crevice
Reading
kunyomiすきsuki
onyomiげきgeki
Parts
⻖
Example Word
隙: opportunity or gap. The Japanese noun '隙 (すき)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'gap', referring to a physical or metaphorical space between things. For example: there is a gap in the wall「壁に隙がある」(かべにすきがある). The second meaning is 'opportunity', often implying a chance or opening that can be taken advantage of. For example: he found an opportunity to speak「彼は話す隙を見つけた」(かれははなすすきをみつけた). The word can also imply a moment of vulnerability or weakness, as in '隙をつく (すきをつく)', which means to exploit someone's weakness or inattention. This dual meaning makes '隙' a versatile word in Japanese, used in both literal and figurative contexts.
Radical
阜
Stroke Count
13JLPT
UnknownGrade
10Frequency
1330
Handwriting
kanji
隔Meaning
Separate, Isolate
Reading
kunyomiへだheda
onyomiかくkaku
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
13JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
1370
Handwriting
kanji
陥Meaning
Fall in, Collapse
Reading
kunyomiおちいochii
おとしいotoshii
onyomiかんkan
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
10JLPT
N1Grade
9Frequency
1422
Handwriting
kanji
陛Meaning
Majesty
Reading
onyomiへいhei
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
10JLPT
N1Grade
6Frequency
1940
Handwriting