kanji

Meaning

Nothing

Reading

Example Word

無用: useless or unnecessary. The Japanese adjectival noun '無用 (むよう)' can mean 'useless' or 'unnecessary'. It is used to describe something that has no practical value or is not needed. For example: this tool is useless「この道具は無用だ」(このどうぐはむようだ). It is unnecessary to worry「心配は無用です」(しんぱいはむようです). The word can also imply that something is not required or should be avoided, as in '無用な争い (むようなあらそい) (unnecessary conflict)'. Note that '無用' can carry a slightly formal tone and is often used in written or formal spoken contexts.

Radical

火

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

52

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Sort of thing, In that case

Reading

Parts

火Fire 肰

Example Word

当然: natural or obvious. The Japanese adjectival noun '当然 (とうぜん)' can mean 'natural' or 'obvious'. It is used to describe something that is expected, self-evident, or logically follows from a situation. This word often conveys a sense of inevitability or something that should be taken for granted. For example: It's natural that he won「彼が勝つのは当然だ」(かれがかつのはとうぜんだ). It's obvious that she would refuse「彼女が断るのは当然だ」(かのじょがことわるのはとうぜんだ). The word can also be used in contexts where something is considered a given or a matter of course, such as in '当然の結果 (とうぜんのけっか) (natural outcome)'.

Radical

火

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

73

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fire

Reading

Parts

人Person 丷Divide

Example Word

火山: volcano. The Japanese noun '火山 (かざん)' means 'volcano'. This term refers to a mountain or hill that has a crater or vent through which lava, rock fragments, hot vapor, and gas are or have been erupted from the earth's crust. It is commonly used in both scientific and everyday contexts. For example: Mount Fuji is a famous volcano「富士山は有名な火山です」(ふじさんはゆうめいなかざんです). The volcano erupted last night「その火山は昨夜噴火しました」(そのかざんはさくやふんかしました). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is explosive or intense, such as emotions or situations.

Radical

火

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

232

Radical Form

灬

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Point

Reading

Parts

灬Fire (火)占Fortune telling

Example Word

弱点: weakness. The Japanese noun '弱点 (じゃくてん)' means 'weakness'. It refers to a point of vulnerability or a flaw in someone or something. This term is often used in contexts such as personal traits, strategies, systems, or objects. For example: his weakness is his impatience「彼の弱点は短気なことだ」(かれのじゃくてんはたんきなことだ). The team's weakness was exposed「チームの弱点が露呈した」(チームのじゃくてんがろていした). It can also be used metaphorically to describe a weak point in an argument or plan.

Radical

火

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

332

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Do, Sake

Reading

Example Word

為る: do. The Japanese verb '為る (する)' means 'to do'. It is one of the most versatile and commonly used verbs in Japanese, often functioning as a placeholder verb for actions or activities. It can be used in a wide range of contexts, from performing tasks to describing states or conditions. For example: I will do my homework「宿題をする」(しゅくだいをする). What are you doing?「何をしているの？」(なにをしているの？). Additionally, 'する' is often used in compound verbs or to nominalize actions, such as '勉強する (べんきょうする)' (to study) or '旅行する (りょこうする)' (to travel). It is also used in many idiomatic expressions and set phrases.

Radical

火

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

436

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Heat, Temperature

Reading

Parts

埶 灬Fire (火)

Example Word

熱心: enthusiastic. The Japanese adjectival noun '熱心 (ねっしん)' means 'enthusiastic' or 'zealous'. It describes someone who is deeply committed, passionate, or earnest about something. This word is often used to describe a person's attitude or approach toward a task, hobby, or goal. For example: He is enthusiastic about studying「彼は勉強に熱心だ」(かれはべんきょうにねっしんだ). She is passionate about her work「彼女は仕事に熱心です」(かのじょはしごとにねっしんです). The word can also be used to describe a group or organization that is dedicated to a cause, such as '熱心なボランティア (ねっしんなぼらんてぃあ)' (enthusiastic volunteers).

Radical

火

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

462

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Smoke

Reading

Parts

火Fire 垔

Example Word

煙: smoke. The Japanese noun '煙 (けむり)' means 'smoke'. It refers to the visible vapor and gases given off by burning materials, such as wood, tobacco, or other substances. This word is commonly used in everyday contexts, such as describing smoke from a fire, cigarette smoke, or even metaphorical uses like 'smoke and mirrors'. Example sentences: The smoke from the fire is thick「火事の煙が濃い」(かじのけむりがこい). Cigarette smoke filled the room「タバコの煙が部屋に充満した」(タバコのけむりがへやにじゅうまんした).

Radical

火

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

581

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Burn, Bake

Reading

Parts

火Fire 尭

Example Word

焼き肉: grilled meat. The Japanese noun '焼き肉 (やきにく)' refers to 'grilled meat', specifically meat that is grilled, often at the table, and is a popular style of dining in Japan. It is commonly associated with yakiniku restaurants where diners grill bite-sized pieces of meat (such as beef, pork, or chicken) themselves on a grill built into the table. Example sentences: Let's eat grilled meat tonight「今夜は焼き肉を食べよう」(こんやはやきにくをたべよう). Grilled meat is delicious「焼き肉は美味しい」(やきにくはおいしい). This word is often used in casual dining contexts and is a staple of Japanese barbecue culture.

Radical

火

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

688

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Shine, Illuminate

Reading

Parts

火Fire 昭Shining

Example Word

対照: contrast. The Japanese noun '対照 (たいしょう)' means 'contrast'. It refers to the state of being strikingly different from something else, typically in a way that highlights their differences. This word is often used in contexts where two or more things are compared to emphasize their dissimilarities. For example: the contrast between light and dark「光と闇の対照」(ひかりとやみのたいしょう). The contrast between the two cultures is striking「二つの文化の対照は際立っている」(ふたつのぶんかのたいしょうはきわだっている). It can also be used in more abstract contexts, such as contrasting ideas or theories.

Radical

火

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

703

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Light, Lamp

Reading

Parts

火Fire 丁Street

Example Word

灯油: kerosene. The Japanese noun '灯油 (とうゆ)' refers to 'kerosene', a type of fuel oil commonly used for heating, lighting, and cooking in Japan. It is widely used in portable stoves, heaters, and lamps, especially in rural areas or during power outages. Example sentences: Please buy some kerosene「灯油を買ってきてください」(とうゆをかってきてください). The kerosene heater is very warm「灯油ストーブはとても暖かいです」(とうゆストーブはとてもあたたかいです). Note that '灯油' is specifically used for kerosene and not for other types of fuel like gasoline or diesel.

Radical

火

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

755

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Burn

Reading

Parts

火Fire 然Sort of thing, In that case

Example Word

燃やす: burn. The Japanese verb '燃やす (もやす)' means 'to burn'. It is used to describe the action of setting something on fire or causing it to combust. This verb can be used for both literal and metaphorical contexts. For example: He burned the old letters「彼は古い手紙を燃やした」(かれはふるいてがみをもやした). The athlete burned with determination「その選手は決意に燃えていた」(そのせんしゅはけついにもえていた). In metaphorical usage, it often conveys intense emotion or passion, such as burning with desire or ambition.

Radical

火

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

990

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Intense, Violent

Reading

Parts

列File 灬Fire (火)

Example Word

強烈: intense. The Japanese adjective '強烈 (きょうれつ)' means 'intense'. It is used to describe something that is extremely strong, powerful, or impactful, often in a way that leaves a deep impression. This word can be applied to physical sensations, emotions, or even abstract concepts. For example: The flavor was intense「その味は強烈だった」(そのあじはきょうれつだった). He has an intense personality「彼は強烈な性格だ」(かれはきょうれつなせいかくだ). The word can also imply a sense of overwhelming or striking nature, such as in '強烈な印象 (きょうれつないんしょう) (intense impression)'.

Radical

火

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1080

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Bear

Reading

Parts

能Ability 灬Fire (火)

Example Word

熊: bear. The Japanese noun '熊 (くま)' refers to the animal 'bear'. It is commonly used to describe the large, furry mammal found in forests and mountains. This word can be used in various contexts, such as talking about wildlife, stories, or even as a metaphor for strength or danger. For example: I saw a bear in the forest「森で熊を見た」(もりでくまをみた). The bear is strong「熊は強い」(くまはつよい). In Japanese folklore, bears often symbolize power and protection, and they appear in many traditional tales and legends.

Radical

火

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1123

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ashes

Reading

Parts

厂Cliff 火Fire

Example Word

灰: ash. The Japanese noun '灰 (はい)' means 'ash'. This word refers to the powdery residue left after something has been burned, such as wood, paper, or other materials. It is commonly used in contexts related to fire, cremation, or cleaning up after burning something. For example: The ash fell from the cigarette「灰がタバコから落ちた」(はいがタバコからおちた). She cleaned the ash from the fireplace「彼女は暖炉の灰を掃除した」(かのじょはだんろのはいをそうじした). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something that has been reduced to nothing, as in 'all turned to ash'「すべて灰になった」(すべてはいになった).

Radical

火

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1227

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ripe, Mature

Reading

Parts

火Fire 孰

Example Word

熟す: master or digest. The Japanese verb '熟す (こなす)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'to master' or 'to become proficient in something'. This usage often refers to skills, tasks, or knowledge. For example: He mastered the art of cooking「彼は料理を熟した」(かれはりょうりをこなした). The second meaning is 'to digest', referring to the process of breaking down food in the body. For example: My stomach can't digest this food「私の胃はこの食べ物を熟せない」(わたしのいはこのたべものをこなせない). The verb is versatile and its meaning depends heavily on context. It is often used in both casual and formal settings, and its nuance can shift based on the subject and object of the sentence.

Radical

火

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1304

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Charcoal

Reading

Parts

山Mountain 灰Ashes

Example Word

炭素: carbon. The Japanese noun '炭素 (たんそ)' refers to the chemical element 'carbon'. It is commonly used in scientific, environmental, and industrial contexts. Carbon is a fundamental element in organic chemistry and is essential for life. Example sentences: Carbon is an essential element for life「炭素は生命にとって不可欠な元素です」(たんそはせいめいにとってふかけつなげんそです). This material contains carbon「この材料には炭素が含まれています」(このざいりょうにはたんそがふくまれています).

Radical

火

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1356

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Boil

Reading

Parts

火Fire 者Someone

Example Word

煮る: boil. The Japanese verb '煮る (にる)' means 'to boil' or 'to simmer'. It is used to describe the cooking process of boiling or simmering food, typically in water or broth, until it becomes tender or fully cooked. This verb is commonly used in recipes and cooking instructions. For example: I boiled the vegetables「野菜を煮た」(やさいをにた). Simmer the soup for 20 minutes「スープを20分煮てください」(スープをにじゅっぷんにてください). The verb can also imply a slow cooking process, often used for stews or dishes that require time to develop flavor.

Radical

火

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1368

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Char, Scorch

Reading

Parts

火Fire 隹Bird

Example Word

焦げる: burn. The Japanese verb '焦げる (こげる)' means 'to burn' or 'to be burnt'. It is specifically used to describe something that has been burned, often to the point of being charred or scorched. This verb is commonly used in the context of cooking, where food has been burned, but it can also be used more generally to describe any object that has been burned. For example: the toast burned「トーストが焦げた」(トーストがこげた). The pan burned the food「フライパンが食べ物を焦げさせた」(フライパンがたべものをこげさせた). It is important to note that '焦げる' is an intransitive verb, meaning it describes the state of something being burned rather than the action of burning something (which would be '焦がす (こがす)').

Radical

火

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1376

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Calamity

Reading

Parts

巛 火Fire

Example Word

災難: disaster. The Japanese noun '災難 (さいなん)' refers to a 'disaster' or 'calamity'. It is used to describe unfortunate events or misfortunes that cause significant harm or distress. This word can be applied to both natural disasters and personal misfortunes. For example: That was a terrible disaster「それはひどい災難だった」(それはひどいさいなんだった). He encountered a great misfortune「彼は大きな災難に遭った」(かれはおおきなさいなんにあった). The term carries a sense of severity and often implies an unexpected or unavoidable event.

Radical

火

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1381

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Burst, Explode

Reading

Parts

火Fire 暴Violent, Outburst

Example Word

原爆: atomic bomb. The Japanese noun '原爆 (げんばく)' refers to an 'atomic bomb'. This term is historically significant, particularly in the context of World War II, when atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The word is often used in discussions about history, war, and peace. For example: The atomic bomb caused immense destruction「原爆は甚大な被害をもたらした」(げんばくはじんだいなひがいをもたらした). We must never forget the tragedy of the atomic bomb「原爆の悲劇を忘れてはならない」(げんばくのひげきをわすれてはならない). The term carries a heavy emotional weight and is often associated with themes of suffering and the importance of peace.

Radical

火

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1399

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Furnace

Reading

Parts

火Fire 戸Door

Example Word

炉: hearth. The Japanese noun '炉 (ろ)' refers to a 'hearth' or 'furnace'. It is commonly used to describe a fireplace or a structure used for heating or cooking. In traditional Japanese culture, the hearth holds significant importance, especially in tea ceremonies where the 'ro' is used to heat water. Example sentences: The hearth is warm「炉は暖かい」(ろはあたたかい). We gathered around the hearth「私たちは炉の周りに集まった」(わたしたちはろのまわりにあつまった).

Radical

火

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1476

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Vexed, Anxiety

Reading

Parts

火Fire 頁Page

Example Word

煩い: noisy or annoying. The Japanese adjective '煩い (うるさい)' can mean both 'noisy' and 'annoying'. It is commonly used to describe loud sounds or situations that are bothersome or irritating. For example: The construction noise is annoying「工事の音が煩い」(こうじのおとがうるさい). My little brother is being noisy「弟が煩い」(おとうとがうるさい). This word can also be used to describe someone who is overly critical or nagging, as in 'My mom is always nagging me「母がうるさい」(ははがうるさい)'. The nuance of the word depends on the context, but it generally conveys a sense of irritation or disturbance.

Radical

火

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1531

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Flame, Blaze

Reading

Parts

火Fire

Example Word

炎: flame. The Japanese noun '炎 (ほのお)' means 'flame'. It refers to the visible, gaseous part of a fire, often characterized by its brightness and heat. This word is commonly used to describe the flames of a fire, whether natural or man-made. For example: the flame of the candle is beautiful「ろうそくの炎は美しい」(ろうそくのほのおはうつくしい). The flames rose high into the sky「炎が空高く上がった」(ほのおがそらたかくあがった). It can also be used metaphorically to describe intense emotions or passion, such as 'the flame of love'「愛の炎」(あいのほのお).

Radical

火

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1550

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Boil, Cook

Reading

Parts

火Fire 欠Lack

Example Word

炊事: cooking. The Japanese verbal noun '炊事 (すいじ)' refers to the act of cooking or meal preparation, particularly in the context of daily household tasks. It often implies the process of preparing meals, including tasks like washing, cutting, and cooking ingredients. This term is commonly used in domestic settings and can also refer to the overall management of kitchen duties. Example sentences include: I do the cooking every day「毎日炊事をします」(まいにちすいじをします). She is good at cooking「彼女は炊事が上手です」(かのじょはすいじがじょうずです).

Radical

火

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1803

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Roast

Reading

Parts

前Before, Front 灬Fire (火)

Radical

火

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1928

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Dry, Parch, Dry up

Reading

Parts

火Fire 喿

Example Word

乾燥: drying or dryness. The Japanese verbal noun '乾燥 (かんそう)' primarily refers to the state of being dry or the process of drying. It is commonly used in contexts related to weather, food preservation, and materials. For example: The dryness of the air is intense「空気の乾燥が激しい」(くうきのかんそうがはげしい). Drying clothes in the sun「服を乾燥させる」(ふくをかんそうさせる). This word can also be used in scientific or technical contexts, such as in describing the drying process of paint or other substances.

Radical

火

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1939

Handwriting