字Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical

kanji

Meaning

Occasion

Reading

Parts

⻖ 祭Ritual

Example Word

際: occasion. The Japanese noun '際 (さい)' refers to a specific moment, occasion, or juncture. It is often used to describe a critical or significant point in time when something happens or is about to happen. For example: at the time of departure「出発の際」(しゅっぱつのさい). On the occasion of the meeting「会議の際」(かいぎのさい). This word can also imply a sense of urgency or importance, as in 'in case of emergency'「緊急の際」(きんきゅうのさい). It is commonly used in formal or written contexts.

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

369

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Storey

Reading

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

375

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Limit

Reading

Parts

⻖ 艮Stopping

Example Word

限り: extent or limit. The Japanese noun '限り (かぎり)' primarily means 'limit' or 'extent'. It is used to describe the boundary or scope of something, whether physical, temporal, or conceptual. For example: There is no limit to human potential「人間の可能性に限りはない」(にんげんのかのうせいにかぎりはない). As far as I know, he is innocent「私の知る限り、彼は無実です」(わたしのしるかぎり、かれはむじつです). The word can also imply 'as long as' or 'while' in certain contexts, such as: As long as I live, I will protect you「私が生きている限り、あなたを守ります」(わたしがいきているかぎり、あなたをまもります). Note that '限り' is often used in formal or written contexts and carries a nuanced sense of finality or completeness.

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

419

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Descend, Fall

Reading

Parts

夅 ⻖

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

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

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

542

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Hide

Reading

Parts

㥯 ⻖

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

㒸 ⻖

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

707

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Neighbor, Neighbouring

Reading

Parts

粦 ⻖

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

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

820

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Shade

Reading

Parts

侌 ⻖

Example Word

御陰: thanks. The Japanese noun '御陰 (おかげ)' means 'thanks' or 'owing to'. It is used to express gratitude or to indicate that something positive has happened because of someone or something else. It often carries a nuance of appreciation or acknowledgment of help or support. For example: Thanks to you, I succeeded「あなたのおかげで成功しました」(あなたのおかげでせいこうしました). Thanks to the rain, the plants grew well「雨のおかげで植物がよく育ちました」(あめのおかげでしょくぶつがよくそだちました). Note that 'おかげ' can also be used sarcastically to imply that something negative happened because 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

禺 ⻖

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

章Chapter, Badge ⻖

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

迶 ⻖

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

坴 ⻖

Example Word

陸軍: army. The Japanese noun '陸軍 (りくぐん)' refers specifically to the 'army' or 'land forces' of a military. It is used to describe the branch of a nation's armed forces that conducts land-based military operations. This term is distinct from other branches like the navy (海軍, かいぐん) or air force (空軍, くうぐん). For example: The army is conducting exercises「陸軍が演習を行っている」(りくぐんがえんしゅうをおこなっている). He joined the army「彼は陸軍に入った」(かれはりくぐんにはいった). The term is often used in historical or formal contexts, particularly when discussing military organizations or strategies.

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

964

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Camp, Battle formation

Reading

Parts

車Car ⻖

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

㑒 ⻖

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

余Excess ⻖

Example Word

除く: exclude. The Japanese verb '除く (のぞく)' primarily means 'to exclude' or 'to remove'. It is used to indicate that something or someone is being left out or omitted from a group, list, or consideration. For example: Please exclude him from the list「彼をリストから除いてください」(かれをリストからのぞいてください). This rule applies to everyone, excluding children「このルールは子供を除いて全員に適用されます」(このルールはこどもをのぞいてぜんいんにてきようされます). Additionally, '除く' can sometimes imply 'except for' or 'apart from', as in: All members, excluding the president, attended the meeting「会長を除いて全員が会議に出席しました」(かいちょうをのぞいてぜんいんがかいぎにしゅっせきしました).

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1003

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Prevent, Defend

Reading

Parts

方Direction ⻖

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

反Anti ⻖

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

旧Old, Past ⻖ ⺈Wrap

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

生Life ⻖ 夂Late

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1504

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Exhibit, Line up

Reading

Parts

東East ⻖

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1523

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Pottery

Reading

Parts

匋 ⻖

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

坒 ⻖

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

且Moreover, Also ⻖

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

咅Spit ⻖

Radical

阜

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2098

Handwriting