kanji

Meaning

Laugh

Reading

Parts

⺮Bamboo (竹)禾Cereal

Example Word

可笑しい: strange or funny. The Japanese adjective '可笑しい (おかしい)' can mean both 'funny' and 'strange', depending on the context. When used to describe something as 'funny', it refers to something that is humorous or amusing. For example: That joke was funny「その冗談は可笑しかった」(そのじょうだんはおかしかった). When used to describe something as 'strange', it refers to something that is odd, unusual, or out of the ordinary. For example: His behavior is strange「彼の行動は可笑しい」(かれのこうどうはおかしい). The nuance of the word can shift based on tone and context, so it's important to pay attention to how it's used in conversation.

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

143

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Equal

Reading

Parts

⺮Bamboo (竹)寺Temple

Example Word

等: etc. The Japanese suffix '等 (とう)' is used to indicate a list of items or examples, similar to 'etc.' or 'and so on' in English. It is often attached to nouns to imply that there are additional, unspecified items in the same category. For example: fruits like apples, oranges, etc.「りんご、オレンジ等の果物」(りんご、オレンジとうのかぶつ). books, pens, etc.「本、ペン等」(ほん、ペンとう). This suffix is commonly used in both written and spoken Japanese to avoid listing every single item explicitly. It is important to note that '等' can also be read as 'など' in some contexts, but 'とう' is the more formal reading.

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

164

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ordinal number

Reading

Parts

⺮Bamboo (竹)弟Younger brother

Example Word

第: ordinal. The Japanese prefix '第 (だい)' is used to indicate ordinal numbers, similar to '1st', '2nd', '3rd' in English. It is commonly attached to numbers to denote order, rank, or sequence. For example: first place「第一位」(だいいちい). Second chapter「第二章」(だいにしょう). Third time「第三回」(だいさんかい). This prefix is often used in formal or structured contexts, such as academic chapters, competition rankings, or event iterations. It is important to note that '第' is always followed by a number and does not stand alone as a word.

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

173

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Answer

Reading

Parts

合Fit, Match 竹Bamboo

Example Word

答え: answer. The Japanese noun '答え (こたえ)' means 'answer'. It is used to refer to a response to a question, problem, or situation. This word is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. For example: What is the answer?「答えは何ですか？」(こたえはなんですか？). I know the answer「答えを知っています」(こたえをしっています). It can also be used metaphorically to describe a solution or resolution to a problem. For instance: The answer to this problem is simple「この問題の答えは簡単です」(このもんだいのこたえはかんたんです).

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

392

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Season, Node

Reading

Parts

⺮Bamboo (竹)即Instant, Immediate

Example Word

節: tune or joint. The Japanese noun '節 (ふし)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning refers to a 'joint' or 'node', such as the joints in bamboo or the nodes in a plant stem. For example: the bamboo has many joints「竹には節が多い」(たけにはふしがおおい). The second meaning refers to a 'tune' or 'melody', often used in the context of traditional Japanese music or songs. For example: she sang a beautiful tune「彼女は美しい節を歌った」(かのじょはうつくしいふしをうたった). These two meanings are unrelated and should be considered separately.

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

648

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Brush

Reading

Parts

⺮Bamboo (竹)聿Brush

Example Word

筆: brush. The Japanese noun '筆 (ふで)' refers to a 'brush', specifically a writing or painting brush. This term is commonly used in the context of traditional Japanese calligraphy (書道, しょどう) and painting. The brush is an essential tool in these art forms, and the quality of the brush can significantly affect the outcome of the work. For example: I bought a new brush「新しい筆を買いました」(あたらしいふでをかいました). She is skilled with a brush「彼女は筆が上手です」(かのじょはふでがじょうずです). In addition to its literal meaning, '筆' can also be used metaphorically to refer to someone's writing style or ability, as in '彼の筆は鋭い (かれのふではするどい)' (His writing is sharp).

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

籠もる: seclude. The Japanese verb '籠もる (こもる)' means 'to seclude oneself' or 'to stay indoors'. It is often used to describe someone staying inside a place, such as a room or house, for an extended period of time, either by choice or due to external circumstances. For example: he secluded himself in his room「彼は部屋に籠もった」(かれはへやにこもった). During the storm, we stayed indoors「嵐の間、私たちは家に籠もっていた」(あらしのあいだ、わたしたちはいえにこもっていた). This verb can also imply a sense of isolation or withdrawal from the outside world.

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

712

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Muscle, Tendon

Reading

Parts

⺮Bamboo (竹)肋

Example Word

筋道: logic or sequence. The Japanese noun '筋道 (すじみち)' refers to a logical sequence or a coherent line of reasoning. It is often used to describe a well-structured argument, a clear process, or a systematic approach to solving a problem. For example: His explanation lacks logic「彼の説明には筋道がない」(かれのせつめいにはすじみちがない). Follow the proper sequence「筋道を追ってください」(すじみちをおってください). The word emphasizes the importance of clarity and order in thought or action.

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

簡単: easy. The Japanese adjectival noun '簡単 (かんたん)' means 'easy'. It is used to describe tasks, problems, or situations that are not difficult to understand or accomplish. This word is often used in casual and formal contexts alike. For example: This problem is easy「この問題は簡単です」(このもんだいはかんたんです). Cooking rice is easy「ご飯を炊くのは簡単です」(ごはんをたくのはかんたんです). Note that '簡単' can also imply simplicity or straightforwardness, as in '簡単な説明 (かんたんなせつめい) (simple explanation)'. It is commonly used in everyday conversation and is a versatile term for describing ease or simplicity.

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1022

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Plan, Policy

Reading

Parts

⺮Bamboo (竹)朿

Example Word

対策: countermeasure. The Japanese noun '対策 (たいさく)' means 'countermeasure' or 'measure'. It refers to actions or plans taken to prevent or deal with a problem or situation. This word is often used in contexts related to safety, security, or problem-solving. For example: We need to take countermeasures against cyber attacks「サイバー攻撃に対する対策が必要だ」(サイバーこうげきにたいするたいさくがひつようだ). The company implemented measures to reduce costs「会社はコスト削減の対策を実施した」(かいしゃはコストさくげんのたいさくをじっしした).

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1104

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Calculate

Reading

Parts

廾Twenty 目Eye ⺮Bamboo (竹)

Example Word

引き算: subtraction. The Japanese verbal noun '引き算 (ひきざん)' refers to the mathematical operation of subtraction. It is commonly used in educational contexts, such as in math classes or when explaining basic arithmetic. For example: I am practicing subtraction「引き算を練習しています」(ひきざんをれんしゅうしています). Subtraction is easier than addition「引き算は足し算より簡単です」(ひきざんはたしざんよりかんたんです). This term is often used alongside other arithmetic operations like '足し算 (たしざん) (addition)' and '掛け算 (かけざん) (multiplication)'.

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

保管: storage. The Japanese noun '保管 (ほかん)' means 'storage'. It refers to the act of keeping or storing something in a safe place for future use. This term is commonly used in contexts related to safekeeping, warehousing, or archiving items. For example: Please keep this document in storage「この書類を保管してください」(このしょるいをほかんしてください). The museum is responsible for the storage of ancient artifacts「博物館は古代の遺物の保管を担当しています」(はくぶつかんはこだいのいぶつのほかんをたんとうしています).

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

便箋: stationery. The Japanese noun '便箋 (びんせん)' refers to 'stationery' or specifically 'letter paper'. It is used to describe high-quality paper designed for writing letters or formal correspondence. This term is often associated with traditional Japanese aesthetics and is commonly used in formal or personal letter-writing contexts. For example: I bought some beautiful stationery「きれいな便箋を買いました」(きれいなびんせんをかいました). She wrote a letter on elegant stationery「彼女は上品な便箋に手紙を書いた」(かのじょはじょうひんなびんせんにてがみをかいた). Note that '便箋' is distinct from everyday paper and carries a sense of refinement.

Radical

竹

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2106

Handwriting