Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical

kanji

Meaning

Move

Reading

Parts

重Heavy 力Power

Example Word

運動会: sports day. The Japanese noun '運動会 (うんどうかい)' refers to a 'sports day' or 'athletic meet', typically held at schools or community centers. It is an event where students or community members participate in various sports and games, often as a way to promote physical fitness and teamwork. For example: The sports day is tomorrow「運動会は明日です」(うんどうかはあしたです). I participated in the sports day「私は運動会に参加しました」(わたしはうんどうかいにさんかしました). This event is usually held annually and is a significant part of Japanese school culture.

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

106

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Power

Reading

Parts

勹Wrap 丿Katakana no

Example Word

力強い: powerful or reassuring. The Japanese adjective '力強い (ちからづよい)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'powerful', referring to physical strength or force. For example: His punch is powerful「彼のパンチは力強い」(かれのパンチはちからづよい). The second meaning is 'reassuring', referring to something that provides emotional or mental strength, such as support or encouragement. For example: Her words were reassuring「彼女の言葉は力強かった」(かのじょのことばはちからづよかった). This word is often used to describe both physical and emotional contexts, making it versatile in usage.

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

116

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Help

Reading

Parts

且Moreover, Also 力Power

Example Word

助: help or assistance. The Japanese noun '助 (じょ)' primarily means 'help' or 'assistance'. It is often used in contexts where support or aid is provided to someone in need. This word can be used in both formal and informal situations. For example: I need your help「あなたの助が必要です」(あなたのじょがひつようです). He offered his assistance「彼は助を申し出た」(かれはじょをもうしでた). The word '助' can also be part of compound words, such as '助言 (じょげん)' which means 'advice' or 'suggestion'.

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

200

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Join, Add

Reading

Parts

力Power 口Mouth

Example Word

加盟: membership. The Japanese noun '加盟 (かめい)' refers to the act of joining or becoming a member of an organization, group, or alliance. It is commonly used in formal contexts, such as when a country joins an international organization or a company becomes part of a larger association. For example: Japan's membership in the United Nations「日本の国連への加盟」(にほんのこくれんへのかめい). The company decided to join the trade association「その会社はその業界団体への加盟を決めた」(そのかいしゃはそのぎょうかいだんたいへのかめいをきめた). The term emphasizes the formal and official nature of the membership.

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

345

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Power, Force

Reading

Parts

力Power 埶

Example Word

勢い: force or momentum. The Japanese noun '勢い (いきおい)' primarily refers to 'momentum' or 'force'. It describes the energy or power behind a movement, action, or trend. This word is often used to describe physical force, such as the force of water or wind, as well as abstract concepts like the momentum of a situation or the vigor of a person's actions. For example: The river flows with great force「川の勢いがすごい」(かわのいきおいがすごい). The team is gaining momentum「チームの勢いが増している」(チームのいきおいがふえている). It can also describe someone's enthusiasm or drive, as in: She works with great energy「彼女は勢いよく働く」(かのじょはいきおいよくはたらく).

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

357

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Victory

Reading

Parts

月Moon, Month 劵Fatigue

Example Word

決勝: final. The Japanese noun '決勝 (けっしょう)' refers to the final round or match in a competition, such as a sports tournament or a game. It is used to describe the ultimate stage where the winner is determined. For example: The final is tomorrow「決勝は明日です」(けっしょうはあすです). They won the final「彼らは決勝に勝った」(かれらはけっしょうにかった). This term is commonly used in contexts like sports, contests, or any competitive event that culminates in a decisive match or round.

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

377

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Labor

Reading

Parts

⺍Small 冖Crown 力Power

Example Word

過労: overwork. The Japanese noun '過労 (かろう)' refers to the state of being overworked or suffering from excessive fatigue due to prolonged work. It is often used in contexts related to health, workplace stress, or labor issues. For example: He collapsed from overwork「彼は過労で倒れた」(かれはかろうでたおれた). Overwork can lead to serious health problems「過労は深刻な健康問題を引き起こすことがある」(かろうはしんこくなけんこうもんだいをひきおこすことがある). This term is commonly associated with discussions about work-life balance and the negative effects of excessive working hours.

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

587

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Duty, Task

Reading

Parts

矛Halberd 务

Example Word

総務: general affairs. The Japanese noun '総務 (そうむ)' refers to 'general affairs' or 'administrative matters.' It typically denotes the department or role within a company or organization that manages overall administrative functions, such as human resources, office operations, and general management tasks. Example: He is responsible for general affairs 「彼は総務を担当しています」 (かれはそうむをたんとうしています). The general affairs department handles various administrative tasks 「総務部はさまざまな管理業務を扱います」 (そうむぶはさまざまなかんりぎょうむをあつかいます). This term is commonly used in business contexts to describe administrative functions.

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

709

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Brave

Reading

Parts

龴 男Man

Example Word

勇気: courage. The Japanese noun '勇気 (ゆうき)' means 'courage'. It refers to the mental or moral strength to face danger, fear, or difficulty. This word is often used in contexts where someone overcomes fear or takes a bold step despite challenges. For example: He showed great courage「彼は大きな勇気を見せた」(かれはおおきなゆうきをみせた). It takes courage to speak the truth「真実を話すには勇気がいる」(しんじつをはなすにはゆうきがいる). The word can also be used in phrases like '勇気を出す (ゆうきをだす)', which means 'to muster courage'.

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

795

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Diligence

Reading

Parts

堇 力Power

Example Word

勤める: work. The Japanese verb '勤める (つとめる)' means 'to work' or 'to be employed'. It specifically refers to working at a job or being employed by a company or organization. This verb is often used to describe one's occupation or employment status. For example: I work at a bank「私は銀行に勤めています」(わたしはぎんこうにつとめています). He works for a big company「彼は大きな会社に勤めている」(かれはおおきなかいしゃにつとめている). Note that '勤める' is distinct from other work-related verbs like '働く (はたらく)', which is more general and can refer to any kind of work or labor.

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

962

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Check, Intuition

Reading

Parts

甚Extremely, Tremendously 力Power

Example Word

勘違い: misunderstanding. The Japanese verbal noun '勘違い (かんちがい)' means 'misunderstanding' or 'mistaken assumption'. It refers to a situation where someone has misunderstood or misinterpreted something, often leading to confusion or incorrect conclusions. This word is commonly used in everyday conversation to describe minor or significant errors in perception or judgment. For example: I misunderstood the time「時間を勘違いした」(じかんをかんちがいした). She thought I was angry, but it was a misunderstanding「彼女は私が怒っていると勘違いした」(かのじょはわたしがおこっているとかんちがいした). The term can also imply a sense of self-awareness when realizing one's own mistake, as in 'I was mistaken'「勘違いしていた」(かんちがいしていた).

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

982

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Merit, Achievement

Reading

Parts

力Power 工Construction

Example Word

成功: success. The Japanese verbal noun '成功 (せいこう)' means 'success'. It refers to the achievement of a desired goal or outcome. This word is commonly used in contexts related to personal, professional, or academic achievements. For example: His success was celebrated by everyone「彼の成功は皆に祝われた」(かれのせいこうはみんなにいわわれた). The project was a great success「そのプロジェクトは大成功だった」(そのプロジェクトはだいせいこうだった). Note that '成功' can also be used as a verb when combined with the auxiliary verb 'する', as in '成功する (せいこうする)', meaning 'to succeed'.

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

991

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Toil

Reading

Parts

奴Servant, Dude 力Power

Example Word

努める: strive. The Japanese verb '努める (つとめる)' means 'to strive' or 'to make an effort'. It is used to describe putting in effort or working diligently toward a goal. This verb is often used in formal or serious contexts, such as work, studies, or personal improvement. For example: I strive to improve my skills「私はスキルを向上させるよう努めています」(わたしはすきるをこうじょうさせるようつとめています). He strives to be a good father「彼は良い父親になるよう努めている」(かれはよいちちおやになるようつとめている). Note that '努める' can also imply a sense of duty or responsibility in the effort being made.

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1066

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Exertion

Reading

Parts

免Excuse, Exempt 力Power

Example Word

勉強: study. The Japanese verbal noun '勉強 (べんきょう)' primarily means 'study'. It refers to the act of learning or acquiring knowledge, often through formal education or self-directed efforts. This word is commonly used in contexts related to education, such as studying for exams or learning new skills. For example: I study Japanese every day「毎日日本語を勉強します」(まいにちにほんごをべんきょうします). She is studying hard for her exams「彼女は試験のために一生懸命勉強しています」(かのじょはしけんのためにいっしょうけんめいべんきょうしています). Additionally, '勉強' can sometimes imply a sense of effort or hard work, not just academic study. It can also be used in a broader sense to mean 'learning through experience' or 'gaining knowledge through practice'.

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1226

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Effective

Reading

Parts

交Mix 力Power

Example Word

効力: effectiveness. The Japanese noun '効力 (こうりょく)' refers to the effectiveness, efficacy, or power of something to produce a desired result. It is often used in legal, medical, or technical contexts to describe the force or validity of a rule, law, medicine, or method. For example: This medicine has lost its effectiveness「この薬は効力を失った」(このくすりはこうりょくをうしなった). The new law will take effect next month「新しい法律は来月効力を持つ」(あたらしいほうりつはらいげつこうりょくをもつ). Note that '効力' emphasizes the practical impact or result of something, rather than its theoretical potential.

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1259

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Inferior, Inferiority

Reading

Parts

少Few 力Power

Example Word

劣る: inferior. The Japanese verb '劣る (おとる)' means 'to be inferior' or 'to be worse than'. It is used to compare two things, where one is of lesser quality, ability, or value compared to the other. This verb often carries a nuance of being lacking or not measuring up to a standard. For example: His skills are inferior to hers「彼のスキルは彼女に劣る」(かれのスキルはかのじょにおとる). This product is inferior to the previous model「この製品は前のモデルに劣る」(このせいひんはまえのモデルにおとる). Note that '劣る' is typically used in formal or written contexts and is less common in casual conversation.

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1400

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Urge, Recommend

Reading

Parts

隹Bird 力Power

Example Word

勧め: recommendation. The Japanese noun '勧め (すすめる)' means 'recommendation' or 'advice'. It is used when someone suggests or advises something to another person. This word often implies that the recommendation is made with good intentions, aiming to benefit the recipient. For example: I followed his recommendation「彼の勧めに従った」(かれのすすめにしたがった). She gave me a recommendation to read this book「彼女はこの本を読むように勧めてくれた」(かのじょはこのほんをよむようにすすめてくれた). Note that '勧め' can also be used in formal contexts, such as professional advice or suggestions.

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1565

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Strive, Encourage

Reading

Parts

厉 力Power

Example Word

励ます: encourage. The Japanese verb '励ます (はげます)' means 'to encourage'. It is used when someone is trying to cheer up or motivate another person, often in situations where the person is feeling down or facing difficulties. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as encouraging a friend, a colleague, or even oneself. For example: I encouraged my friend to keep trying「友達を励まして続けるように言った」(ともだちをはげましてつづけるようにいった). The teacher encouraged the students before the exam「先生は試験前に生徒を励ました」(せんせいはしけんまえにせいとをはげました). It's important to note that this verb often implies emotional support and motivation, rather than just giving advice or instructions.

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1648

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Raise, Recruit

Reading

Parts

莫 力Power

Example Word

応募: application. The Japanese verbal noun '応募 (おうぼ)' means 'application' and is used to refer to the act of applying for something, such as a job, contest, or event. It is commonly used in contexts where individuals submit their details or qualifications to be considered for a position or opportunity. For example: I applied for the job「私はその仕事に応募した」(わたしはそのしごとにおうぼした). She is applying for the scholarship「彼女は奨学金に応募している」(かのじょはしょうがくきんにおうぼしている). The word is often paired with verbs like 'する' to indicate the action of applying, as in '応募する (おうぼする)'.

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1912

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Imperial order, Imperial decree

Reading

Parts

束Bundle, Bind 力Power

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1921

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Rise, Suddenness

Reading

Parts

孛 力Power

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1959

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Merit

Reading

Parts

動Move ⺣

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1994

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Investigate, Censure

Reading

Parts

亥 力Power

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2135

Handwriting