Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical

kanji

Meaning

Laugh

Reading

Parts

⺮Bamboo (竹)禾Cereal

Example Word

可笑しな: strange. The Japanese determiner '可笑しな (おかしな)' means 'strange' or 'odd'. It is used to describe something that is unusual, peculiar, or out of the ordinary. This word often carries a slightly humorous or lighthearted nuance, depending on the context. For example: That's a strange story「それは可笑しな話だ」(それはおかしなはなしだ). He has a strange habit「彼は可笑しな癖がある」(かれはおかしなくせがある). Note that '可笑しな' is typically used before a noun to describe its quality, as in '可笑しな人 (おかしなひと) (strange person)'.

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

143

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Equal

Reading

Parts

⺮Bamboo (竹)寺Temple

Example Word

等々: etc. The Japanese suffix '等々 (とうとう)' is used to indicate that there are additional items or examples that are not explicitly listed, similar to 'etc.' or 'and so on' in English. It is often used in both formal and informal contexts to imply a continuation of a list without specifying every item. For example: I bought apples, oranges, etc.「りんごやオレンジ等々を買いました」(りんごやオレンジとうとうをかいました). The meeting discussed budgets, schedules, etc.「会議では予算やスケジュール等々について話し合いました」(かいぎではよさんやスケジュールとうとうについてはなしあいました). This suffix is versatile and can be used in various contexts to avoid listing every single item or detail.

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

164

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ordinal number

Reading

Parts

⺮Bamboo (竹)弟Younger brother

Example Word

落第: failure or flunking. The Japanese verbal noun '落第 (らくだい)' refers to failing or flunking, particularly in an academic context. It is commonly used to describe failing an exam, a course, or not meeting the required standards to advance to the next level. For example: He failed the exam「彼は試験に落第した」(かれはしけんにらくだいした). If you don't study, you'll flunk「勉強しないと落第するよ」(べんきょうしないとらくだいするよ). This term carries a strong connotation of not meeting expectations and is often used in educational settings.

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

173

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Answer

Reading

Parts

合Fit, Match 竹Bamboo

Example Word

問答: dialogue. The Japanese verbal noun '問答 (もんどう)' refers to a dialogue or discussion, typically involving questions and answers. It is often used to describe a formal or philosophical exchange of ideas, but can also be used in everyday contexts. For example: The teacher and student had a dialogue「先生と生徒が問答した」(せんせいとせいとがもんどうした). The politicians engaged in a heated discussion「政治家たちが激しい問答をした」(せいじかたちがはげしいもんどうをした). The word can also imply a back-and-forth exchange, sometimes with a sense of debate or argument.

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

392

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Season, Node

Reading

Parts

⺮Bamboo (竹)即Instant, Immediate

Example Word

調節: adjustment. The Japanese verbal noun '調節 (ちょうせつ)' means 'adjustment'. It refers to the act of regulating, controlling, or fine-tuning something to achieve a desired state or condition. This word is commonly used in contexts involving mechanical devices, environmental conditions, or personal habits. For example: I adjusted the temperature「温度を調節した」(おんどをちょうせつした). He adjusted the volume of the music「彼は音楽の音量を調節した」(かれはおんがくのおんりょうをちょうせつした). It can also be used metaphorically, such as adjusting one's schedule or lifestyle.

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

648

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Brush

Reading

Parts

⺮Bamboo (竹)聿Brush

Example Word

万年筆: fountain pen. The Japanese noun '万年筆 (まんねんひつ)' refers to a 'fountain pen'. This term is used to describe a type of pen that uses liquid ink stored in a reservoir, which is fed to the nib through capillary action. Fountain pens are often associated with elegance and are commonly used for formal writing or calligraphy. Example sentences: I bought a new fountain pen「新しい万年筆を買いました」(あたらしいまんねんひつをかいました). This fountain pen writes smoothly「この万年筆は書きやすいです」(このまんねんひつはかきやすいです).

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

665

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Bamboo

Reading

Parts

亅Barb 丨Stick 𠂉Person (人)

Example Word

竹: bamboo. The Japanese noun '竹 (たけ)' refers to 'bamboo', a fast-growing plant that is widely used in Japan for construction, crafts, and as a food source. Bamboo holds cultural significance in Japan and is often associated with strength, flexibility, and resilience. Example sentences: Bamboo grows quickly「竹は早く成長する」(たけははやくせいちょうする). The fence is made of bamboo「その柵は竹でできている」(そのさくはたけでできている). Bamboo shoots are a popular ingredient in Japanese cuisine「竹の子は日本料理で人気の食材です」(たけのこはにほんりょうりでにんきのしょくざいです).

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

705

Radical Form

⺮

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Cage, Basket

Reading

Parts

⺮Bamboo (竹)龍

Example Word

籠: basket. The Japanese noun '籠 (かご)' refers to a 'basket', typically made of woven materials like bamboo or straw. It is used to carry or store items, and can vary in size and shape depending on its purpose. For example: I bought a basket at the market「市場で籠を買いました」(いちばでかごをかいました). The fruits are in the basket「果物は籠の中です」(くだものはかごのなかです). This word can also be used metaphorically to describe something that holds or contains items, such as a 'basket of ideas'.

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

712

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Muscle, Tendon

Reading

Parts

⺮Bamboo (竹)肋

Example Word

筋肉: muscle. The Japanese noun '筋肉 (きんにく)' means 'muscle'. It refers to the tissue in the body that contracts to produce movement. This word is commonly used in contexts related to anatomy, fitness, and health. For example: He has strong muscles「彼は筋肉が強い」(かれはきんにくがつよい). I need to exercise to build muscle「筋肉をつけるために運動が必要だ」(きんにくをつけるためにうんどうがひつようだ). The term can also be used metaphorically to describe strength or effort, as in '筋肉労働 (きんにくろうどう) (manual labor)'.

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

805

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Box

Reading

Parts

⺮Bamboo (竹)相Mutual

Example Word

箱: box. The Japanese noun '箱 (はこ)' means 'box'. It refers to a container, typically with a lid, used for storing or transporting items. This word is commonly used in everyday contexts, such as packaging, storage, or even metaphorically. For example: Please put it in the box「それを箱に入れてください」(それをはこにいれてください). This box is heavy「この箱は重い」(このはこはおもい). The word can also be used in compound nouns, such as '郵便箱 (ゆうびんばこ)' (mailbox) or '宝石箱 (ほうせきばこ)' (jewelry box).

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

814

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Simplicity

Reading

Parts

⺮Bamboo (竹)間Interval, Space

Example Word

書簡: letter. The Japanese noun '書簡 (しょかん)' refers to a 'letter' or 'written correspondence'. It is a formal term often used to describe written communications, particularly in a literary or historical context. This word is more formal and less commonly used in everyday conversation compared to '手紙 (てがみ)', which also means 'letter'. Example sentences: I received a letter from my teacher「先生から書簡を受け取りました」(せんせいからしょかんをうけとりました). He wrote a letter to his friend「彼は友達に書簡を書いた」(かれはともだちにしょかんをかいた).

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1022

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Plan, Policy

Reading

Parts

⺮Bamboo (竹)朿

Example Word

策: plan. The Japanese noun '策 (さく)' means 'plan' or 'scheme'. It refers to a carefully devised strategy or course of action designed to achieve a specific goal. This word is often used in formal or strategic contexts, such as business, politics, or problem-solving. For example: We need a new plan「新しい策が必要だ」(あたらしいさくがひつようだ). His plan was successful「彼の策は成功した」(かれのさくはせいこうした). The word can also imply a level of cunning or cleverness in the plan, depending on the context.

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1104

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Calculate

Reading

Parts

廾Twenty 目Eye ⺮Bamboo (竹)

Example Word

割り算: division. The Japanese verbal noun '割り算 (わりざん)' refers to the mathematical operation of division. It is commonly used in educational contexts, such as in math classes or when explaining arithmetic operations. For example: I learned division in school today「今日学校で割り算を習った」(きょうがっこうでわりざんをならった). Division is harder than multiplication「割り算は掛け算より難しい」(わりざんはかけざんよりむずかしい). This term is often used alongside other arithmetic operations like addition (足し算, たしざん), subtraction (引き算, ひきざん), and multiplication (掛け算, かけざん).

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1109

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Build, Fabricate

Reading

Parts

⺮Bamboo (竹)筑

Example Word

新築: new construction. The Japanese verbal noun '新築 (しんちく)' refers to the act of constructing a new building or the state of a building being newly constructed. It is commonly used in contexts related to real estate, housing, and architecture. For example: They are planning new construction「彼らは新築を計画しています」(かれらはしんちくをけいかくしています). This house is newly built「この家は新築です」(このいえはしんちくです). The term emphasizes the freshness and newness of the construction, often implying that the building has not been previously occupied or used.

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1119

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Model, Pattern

Reading

Parts

⺮Bamboo (竹)車Car 㔾

Example Word

範囲: range. The Japanese noun '範囲 (はんい)' means 'range'. It refers to the extent or scope of something, such as a physical area, a set of values, or a field of activity. This word is commonly used in both everyday and technical contexts. For example: the range of the mountains「山の範囲」(やまのはんい). The temperature range is wide「温度の範囲は広い」(おんどのはんいはひろい). It can also be used metaphorically, as in 'the range of his knowledge is impressive'「彼の知識の範囲はすごい」(かれのちしきのはんいはすごい).

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1136

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Pipe

Reading

Parts

⺮Bamboo (竹)官Government, Bureaucrat

Example Word

管理: management. The Japanese verbal noun '管理 (かんり)' means 'management'. It refers to the act of controlling, overseeing, or administering something, such as a business, property, or system. This word is commonly used in professional and organizational contexts. For example: He is in charge of the management of the company「彼は会社の管理を担当しています」(かれはかいしゃのかんりをたんとうしています). Proper management of resources is essential「資源の適切な管理が不可欠です」(しげんのてきせつなかんりがふかけつです). The word can also be used in contexts like 'time management' (時間管理, じかんかんり) or 'stress management' (ストレス管理, ストレスかんり).

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1184

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Flute

Reading

Parts

竹Bamboo 由Reason

Example Word

笛: flute. The Japanese noun '笛 (ふえ)' refers to a 'flute', a musical instrument that produces sound from the flow of air across an opening. It is commonly used in traditional Japanese music, but can also refer to flutes in general. Example sentences: He plays the flute「彼は笛を吹く」(かれはふえをふく). The sound of the flute is beautiful「笛の音が美しい」(ふえのねがうつくしい). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something that resembles the sound or shape of a flute, though this is less common.

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1281

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Pipe, Cylinder

Reading

Parts

⺮Bamboo (竹)同Same

Example Word

封筒: envelope. The Japanese noun '封筒 (ふうとう)' refers to an 'envelope', a flat paper container used to hold letters or documents. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, such as mailing letters or storing important papers. Example sentences: Please put the letter in the envelope「手紙を封筒に入れてください」(てがみをふうとうにいれてください). I bought a pack of envelopes「封筒を一冊買いました」(ふうとうをいっさつかいました). The word is often paired with verbs like '入れる (いれる)' (to put in) or '送る (おくる)' (to send).

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1473

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Item, Counter for articles

Reading

Parts

⺮Bamboo (竹)固Hard

Example Word

箇国: countries. The Japanese suffix '箇国 (かこく)' is used to count or refer to multiple countries. It is often used in formal or written contexts, such as in legal documents, reports, or academic discussions. For example: three countries「三箇国」(さんかこく). This suffix is typically attached to numbers or quantifiers to specify the number of countries being discussed. It is important to note that '箇国' is more formal and less commonly used in everyday conversation compared to '国 (くに)' when referring to countries. Example sentences: The treaty involves five countries「その条約は五箇国が関わっている」(そのじょうやくはごかこくがかかわっている). The survey covers ten countries「その調査は十箇国を対象としている」(そのちょうさはじゅっかこくをたいしょうとしている).

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1525

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Enroll, Register

Reading

Parts

⺮Bamboo (竹)耤

Example Word

国籍: nationality. The Japanese noun '国籍 (こくせき)' refers to the legal status of belonging to a particular nation or country. It is commonly used in contexts related to citizenship, legal documents, or discussions about one's country of origin. For example: What is your nationality?「あなたの国籍は何ですか？」(あなたのこくせきはなんですか？). He has dual nationality「彼は二重国籍を持っています」(かれはにじゅうこくせきをもっています). The word is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings.

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1618

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Token, Symbol

Reading

Parts

⺮Bamboo (竹)付Attach

Example Word

切符: ticket. The Japanese noun '切符 (きっぷ)' refers to a 'ticket', typically used for transportation such as trains, buses, or airplanes. It can also refer to tickets for events or other services. This word is commonly used in daily life when purchasing or using tickets. For example: I bought a train ticket「電車の切符を買いました」(でんしゃのきっぷをかいました). Please show your ticket「切符を見せてください」(きっぷをみせてください). The word is straightforward and widely understood in contexts involving travel or entry to events.

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1629

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Chopsticks

Reading

Parts

⺮Bamboo (竹)者Someone

Example Word

割り箸: chopsticks. The Japanese noun '割り箸 (わりばし)' refers to disposable wooden chopsticks that are typically used in Japanese cuisine. These chopsticks are made from a single piece of wood that is partially split down the middle, allowing the user to easily separate them into two individual chopsticks. They are commonly found in restaurants, bento boxes, and for takeout meals. Example sentences: Please use these disposable chopsticks「この割り箸を使ってください」(このわりばしをつかってください). The restaurant provides disposable chopsticks「そのレストランは割り箸を提供します」(そのレストランはわりばしをていきょうします).

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1733

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Fervent, Devoted

Reading

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1842

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Notebook for record, Record book

Reading

Example Word

名簿: roster. The Japanese noun '名簿 (めいぼ)' refers to a 'roster' or 'register', which is a list of names, typically used in formal or organizational contexts. It is commonly used in schools, companies, or events to keep track of participants, members, or attendees. For example: Please check the roster for your name「名簿に名前があるか確認してください」(めいぼになまえがあるかかくにんしてください). The teacher updated the class roster「先生がクラスの名簿を更新しました」(せんせいがクラスのめいぼをこうしんしました). This word is often associated with administrative or official settings.

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1943

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Stationery

Reading

Example Word

箋: paper. The Japanese noun '箋 (せん)' refers to a small piece of paper, often used for writing notes, labels, or memos. It can also refer to a slip of paper used in traditional Japanese contexts, such as for writing poetry or as a bookmark. For example: I wrote a note on a slip of paper「箋にメモを書いた」(せんにめもをかいた). The poem was written on a small piece of paper「その詩は箋に書かれていた」(そのしはせんにかかれていた). This word is often used in formal or literary contexts and is less common in everyday conversation.

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2106

Handwriting