kanji

Meaning

Move

Reading

Parts

重Heavy 力Power

Example Word

動揺: disturbance or agitation. The Japanese noun '動揺 (どうよう)' refers to a state of disturbance or agitation, often emotional or mental. It can describe a sense of unease, instability, or turmoil, whether in a person's feelings, a situation, or even a physical object. For example: Her voice showed signs of disturbance「彼女の声に動揺が見えた」(かのじょのこえにどうようがみえた). The political situation caused widespread agitation「政治的な状況が広範な動揺を引き起こした」(せいじてきなじょうきょうがこうはんなどうようをひきおこした). This word is often used in contexts where there is a noticeable disruption or emotional unrest.

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

106

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Power

Reading

Parts

勹Wrap 丿Katakana no

Example Word

能力: ability. The Japanese noun '能力 (のうりょく)' means 'ability'. It refers to the capacity or skill to do something, whether physical, mental, or technical. This word is often used in contexts related to personal skills, professional competencies, or innate talents. For example: He has the ability to solve problems quickly「彼は問題を素早く解決する能力がある」(かれはもんだいをすばやくかいけつするのうりょくがある). Improving your language ability is important「言語能力を向上させることは重要だ」(げんごのうりょくをこうじょうさせることはじゅうようだ). The word can also be used in broader contexts, such as organizational or technological capabilities.

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

116

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Help

Reading

Parts

且Moreover, Also 力Power

Example Word

助かる: saved. The Japanese verb '助かる (たすかる)' means 'to be saved' or 'to be rescued'. It is often used to express relief or gratitude when someone or something is saved from a difficult or dangerous situation. This verb can also imply being helped or assisted in a way that alleviates a burden. For example: I was saved by the doctor「医者に助かった」(いしゃにたすかった). It really helps me out「とても助かります」(とてもたすかります). The verb is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts, such as being saved from physical danger or being relieved from stress or work.

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

200

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Join, Add

Reading

Parts

力Power 口Mouth

Example Word

加える: add. The Japanese verb '加える (くわえる)' means 'to add'. It is used when incorporating something into a group, mixture, or situation. This verb can be applied in various contexts, such as adding ingredients to a recipe, adding information to a discussion, or adding a new member to a team. For example: add sugar to the tea「お茶に砂糖を加える」(おちゃにさとうをくわえる). He added a new rule to the game「彼はゲームに新しいルールを加えた」(かれはゲームにあたらしいルールをくわえた). Note that '加える' often implies a deliberate action of inclusion.

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

勝ち: victory. The Japanese noun '勝ち (かち)' means 'victory' or 'win'. It is used to describe the state of winning in a competition, game, or any contest. This word is often used in contexts related to sports, games, or battles. For example: The team achieved victory「チームは勝ちを収めた」(チームはかちをおさめた). Winning is important「勝ちが大切だ」(かちがたいせつだ). The nuance of this word emphasizes the result of overcoming an opponent or challenge. It can also be used metaphorically, such as in personal achievements or overcoming difficulties.

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

377

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Labor

Reading

Parts

⺍Small 冖Crown 力Power

Example Word

勤労: work or labor. The Japanese verbal noun '勤労 (きんろう)' refers to the act of labor or work, often in the context of employment or contributing to society. It is commonly used in formal or official contexts, such as discussing labor laws, workers' rights, or societal contributions. For example: Labor Day is a day to honor workers「勤労感謝の日は労働者を称える日です」(きんろうかんしゃのひはろうどうしゃをたたえるひです). He is dedicated to his work「彼は勤労に励んでいます」(かれはきんろうにはげんでいます). The term can also appear in compound words, such as '勤労意欲 (きんろういよく)' (work motivation) or '勤労者 (きんろうしゃ)' (worker).

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

587

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Duty, Task

Reading

Parts

矛Halberd 务

Example Word

財務: finance. The Japanese noun '財務 (ざいむ)' refers to 'finance' or 'financial affairs'. It is commonly used in contexts related to the management of money, especially in corporate or governmental settings. For example: The company's finance department is very efficient「会社の財務部門は非常に効率的です」(かいしゃのざいむぶもんはひじょうにこうりつてきです). He is in charge of the financial affairs of the organization「彼は組織の財務を担当しています」(かれはそしきのざいむをたんとうしています). This term is often used in formal or business contexts to discuss financial management, budgeting, or accounting.

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

勤労: work or labor. The Japanese verbal noun '勤労 (きんろう)' refers to the act of labor or work, often in the context of employment or contributing to society. It is commonly used in formal or official contexts, such as discussing labor laws, workers' rights, or societal contributions. For example: Labor Day is a day to honor workers「勤労感謝の日は労働者を称える日です」(きんろうかんしゃのひはろうどうしゃをたたえるひです). He is dedicated to his work「彼は勤労に励んでいます」(かれはきんろうにはげんでいます). The term can also appear in compound words, such as '勤労意欲 (きんろういよく)' (work motivation) or '勤労者 (きんろうしゃ)' (worker).

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