kanji

Meaning

Move

Reading

Parts

重Heavy 力Power

Example Word

動向: trend. The Japanese noun '動向 (どうこう)' refers to the direction or trend in which something is developing or moving. It is often used in contexts such as politics, economics, or social movements to describe the general direction or tendency of events or opinions. For example: the trend of the market「市場の動向」(しじょうのどうこう). The political trend is unclear「政治の動向は不透明だ」(せいじのどうこうはふとうめいだ). This word is commonly used in formal or analytical contexts to discuss shifts or patterns in various fields.

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

106

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Power

Reading

Parts

勹Wrap 丿Katakana no

Example Word

協力: cooperation. The Japanese verbal noun '協力 (きょうりょく)' means 'cooperation'. It refers to the act of working together with others to achieve a common goal. This word is often used in contexts involving teamwork, collaboration, or mutual assistance. For example: Thank you for your cooperation「ご協力ありがとうございます」(ごきょうりょくありがとうございます). We need everyone's cooperation to succeed「成功するにはみんなの協力が必要です」(せいこうするにはみんなのきょうりょくがひつようです). The word can also be used in formal or informal settings, making it versatile in both professional and casual conversations.

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

116

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Help

Reading

Parts

且Moreover, Also 力Power

Example Word

援助: aid. The Japanese verbal noun '援助 (えんじょ)' means 'aid' or 'assistance'. It refers to the act of helping or supporting someone, often in a formal or organized manner. This word is commonly used in contexts such as financial aid, humanitarian aid, or assistance in achieving a goal. For example: The government provided aid to the disaster victims「政府は被災者に援助を提供した」(せいふはひさいしゃにえんじょをていきょうした). She received assistance from her colleagues「彼女は同僚から援助を受けた」(かのじょはどうりょうからえんじょをうけた). The word can also be used in a broader sense to describe any form of support or help, whether material, emotional, or otherwise.

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

200

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Join, Add

Reading

Parts

力Power 口Mouth

Example Word

付け加える: add. The Japanese verb '付け加える (つけくわえる)' means 'to add' or 'to append'. It is used when someone wants to include additional information, details, or elements to something that already exists. This verb is often used in both formal and informal contexts, such as in conversations, writing, or instructions. For example: I will add a comment to the report「レポートにコメントを付け加えます」(レポートにコメントをつけくわえます). She added some spices to the soup「彼女はスープにスパイスを付け加えた」(かのじょはスープにスパイスをつけくわえた). The nuance of this verb implies that the addition is supplementary or enhancing, rather than being the main focus.

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

労力: labor or effort. The Japanese noun '労力 (ろうりょく)' refers to the physical or mental effort expended to accomplish a task. It can also denote the labor or manpower required for a specific job or project. This word is often used in contexts involving work, construction, or any activity that requires significant exertion. For example: This project requires a lot of effort「このプロジェクトは多くの労力を必要とする」(このプロジェクトはおおくのろうりょくをひつようとする). We saved labor by using machines「機械を使って労力を節約した」(きかいをつかってろうりょくをせつやくした). The word emphasizes the amount of work or energy invested in achieving something.

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

587

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Duty, Task

Reading

Parts

矛Halberd 务

Example Word

実務: practical work. The Japanese noun '実務 (じつむ)' refers to practical work or tasks that are part of one's job or profession. It emphasizes the actual, hands-on aspects of work rather than theoretical or academic knowledge. This term is often used in professional or business contexts to describe day-to-day operations or responsibilities. For example: He is experienced in practical work「彼は実務に慣れている」(かれはじつむになれている). Practical work is essential for this job「この仕事には実務が不可欠だ」(このしごとにはじつむがふかけつだ).

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

709

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Brave

Reading

Parts

龴 男Man

Example Word

勇敢: brave. The Japanese adjectival noun '勇敢 (ゆうかん)' means 'brave'. It is used to describe someone who shows courage and fearlessness in the face of danger or difficulty. This word is often used to praise someone's actions or character. For example: He is a brave soldier「彼は勇敢な兵士です」(かれはゆうかんなへいしです). She faced the challenge bravely「彼女は勇敢にその挑戦に立ち向かった」(かのじょはゆうかんにそのちょうせんにたちむかった). The word can also be used in a more abstract sense, such as describing a brave decision「勇敢な決断」(ゆうかんなけつだん).

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

勘定: bill or calculation. The Japanese verbal noun '勘定 (かんじょう)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'bill', referring to the amount owed for services or goods, often used in restaurants or stores. For example: Please bring the bill「勘定をお願いします」(かんじょうをおねがいします). The second meaning is 'calculation', referring to the act of computing or figuring out numbers. For example: He is good at mental calculation「彼は暗算の勘定が得意です」(かれはあんざんのかんじょうがとくいです). The word can also imply careful consideration or planning in certain contexts, such as 'taking into account'.

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

勤勉: diligent. The Japanese adjectival noun '勤勉 (きんべん)' means 'diligent'. It describes someone who is hardworking, industrious, and consistently puts effort into their tasks or studies. This word is often used to praise someone's work ethic or dedication. For example: He is a diligent student「彼は勤勉な学生です」(かれはきんべんながくせいです). Her diligence is admirable「彼女の勤勉さは素晴らしい」(かのじょのきんべんさはすばらしい). Note that '勤勉' is often followed by the particle 'な' when modifying a noun, as in '勤勉な人 (きんべんなひと) (diligent person)'.

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1226

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Effective

Reading

Parts

交Mix 力Power

Example Word

効き目: effect. The Japanese noun '効き目 (ききめ)' refers to the 'effect' or 'efficacy' of something, often used in the context of medicine, remedies, or actions. It implies a noticeable or measurable result. For example: The medicine had a strong effect「薬の効き目が強かった」(くすりのききめがつよかった). This method has no effect「この方法には効き目がない」(このほうほうにはききめがない). The word is commonly used when discussing the effectiveness of treatments, strategies, or efforts.

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

勧める: urge or recommend. The Japanese verb '勧める (すすめる)' can mean 'to recommend' or 'to urge'. When used to mean 'recommend', it often refers to suggesting something to someone, such as a product, activity, or idea. For example: I recommend this book「この本を勧めます」(このほんをすすめます). When used to mean 'urge', it implies encouraging or persuading someone to take a specific action. For example: He urged me to apply for the job「彼は私にその仕事に応募するよう勧めた」(かれはわたしにそのしごとにおうぼするようすすめた). The verb is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, and its meaning depends on the situation and the speaker's intent.

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