Page 1
kanji
際Meaning
Occasion
Reading
kunyomiきわkiwa
onyomiさいsai
Parts
⻖ 祭Ritual
Example Word
国際的: international. The Japanese adjective '国際的 (こくさいてき)' means 'international'. It is used to describe something that involves or relates to multiple countries or has a global scope. This word is often used in contexts such as international relations, global business, or cultural exchanges. For example: This conference is international「この会議は国際的です」(このかいぎはこくさいてきです). She has an international perspective「彼女は国際的な視野を持っています」(かのじょはこくさいてきなしやをもっています). The adjective can also modify nouns, as in '国際的な問題 (こくさいてきなもんだい) (international issue)'.
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
二階: second floor. The Japanese noun '二階 (にかい)' refers to the 'second floor' of a building. It is commonly used to describe the level above the ground floor in structures such as houses, offices, or stores. For example: The library is on the second floor「図書館は二階です」(としょかんはにかいです). I live on the second floor「私は二階に住んでいます」(わたしはにかいにすんでいます). This term is essential for giving or understanding directions within multi-story buildings.
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
制限: restriction. The Japanese verbal noun '制限 (せいげん)' means 'restriction'. It refers to a limitation or control placed on something, such as actions, quantities, or conditions. This word is often used in contexts involving rules, regulations, or boundaries. For example: There is a restriction on the number of participants「参加者数に制限があります」(さんかしゃすうにせいげんがあります). Speed restrictions are enforced on this road「この道路では速度制限が実施されています」(このどうろではそくどせいげんがじっしされています). The word can also be used in abstract contexts, such as time restrictions or resource limitations.
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
以降: after. The Japanese noun '以降 (いこう)' means 'after' or 'from a certain point onward'. It is used to indicate a time or event that marks the beginning of a period, and everything that follows it. This word is often used in formal or written contexts. For example: after 5 PM「5時以降」(ごじいこう). From tomorrow onward「明日以降」(あしたいこう). It can also be used to refer to events or situations that occur after a specific point in time, such as 'after the war'「戦争以降」(せんそういこう). Note that '以降' is typically used for time-related contexts and is more formal than other similar words like '後 (あと)'.
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
大学院: graduate school. The Japanese noun '大学院 (だいがくいん)' refers to 'graduate school', which is an institution of higher education where students pursue advanced studies beyond a bachelor's degree. It is commonly used in academic contexts to describe programs for master's or doctoral degrees. Example sentences: I am studying at graduate school「私は大学院で勉強しています」(わたしはだいがくいんでべんきょうしています). She is applying to graduate school「彼女は大学院に応募しています」(かのじょはだいがくいんにおうぼしています). The term is often associated with research and specialized academic training.
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
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
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
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
排除: exclusion or elimination. The Japanese noun '排除 (はいじょ)' refers to the act of excluding or eliminating something or someone. It is often used in contexts where something is removed or kept out, whether physically, socially, or conceptually. For example: the exclusion of harmful substances「有害物質の排除」(ゆうがいぶっしつのはいじょ). The elimination of outdated rules「古い規則の排除」(ふるいきそくのはいじょ). This word can be used in various contexts, such as social exclusion, elimination of waste, or removal of obstacles.
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
防ぐ: prevent. The Japanese verb '防ぐ (ふせぐ)' means 'to prevent' or 'to protect against'. It is used to describe actions taken to stop something undesirable from happening, such as preventing accidents, diseases, or damage. For example: We must prevent accidents「事故を防がなければならない」(じこをふせがなければならない). This vaccine prevents the disease「このワクチンは病気を防ぐ」(このワクチンはびょうきをふせぐ). The verb can also imply taking measures to protect against potential threats or risks. For instance: They built a wall to protect against floods「彼らは洪水を防ぐために壁を建てた」(かれらはこうずいをふせぐためにかべをたてた).
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
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