Page 1
kanji
動Meaning
Move
Reading
kunyomiうごugo
onyomiどうdou
Parts
重Heavy 力Power
Example Word
感動: emotion or impression. The Japanese verbal noun '感動 (かんどう)' refers to a deep emotional response or being deeply moved by something. It can also mean being impressed or touched by an experience, event, or piece of art. This word is often used to describe the feeling one gets when witnessing something profoundly moving or inspiring. For example: I was deeply moved by the movie「映画に感動した」(えいがにかんどうした). The speech left a strong impression on me「スピーチに感動した」(スピーチにかんどうした). Note that '感動' is commonly used in contexts involving art, performances, speeches, or personal experiences that evoke strong emotions.
Radical
力
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
106
Handwriting
kanji
力Meaning
Power
Reading
kunyomiちからchikara
onyomiりきriki
りょくryoku
Parts
勹Wrap 丿Katakana no
Example Word
水力: waterpower. The Japanese noun '水力 (すいりょく)' refers to 'waterpower', which is the power generated by the movement or flow of water. This term is commonly used in contexts related to energy production, such as hydroelectric power. For example: This region relies on waterpower for electricity「この地域は電力に水力を使っている」(このちいきはでんりょくにすいりょくをつかっている). Waterpower is a renewable energy source「水力は再生可能エネルギー源です」(すいりょくはさいせいかのうエネルギーげんです). The term can also be used more broadly to describe the force or energy of water in natural settings, such as rivers or waterfalls.
Radical
力
Stroke Count
2JLPT
N4Grade
1Frequency
116
Handwriting
kanji
助Meaning
Help
Reading
kunyomiたすtasu
すけsuke
onyomiじょjo
Parts
且Moreover, Also 力Power
Example Word
助ける: help. The Japanese verb '助ける (たすける)' means 'to help' or 'to assist'. It is used when someone provides assistance or support to another person, often in a situation where the other person is in trouble or needs aid. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as helping someone physically, emotionally, or financially. For example: I helped my friend「友達を助けた」(ともだちをたすけた). She helped me with my homework「彼女は私の宿題を助けてくれた」(かのじょはわたしのしゅくだいをたすけてくれた). It can also imply saving someone from danger, as in: The lifeguard helped the drowning child「ライフガードは溺れている子供を助けた」(ライフガードはおぼれているこどもをたすけた). Note that '助ける' is often used in situations where the help is significant or impactful.
Radical
力
Stroke Count
7JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
200
Handwriting
kanji
加Meaning
Join, Add
Reading
kunyomiくわkuwa
onyomiかka
Parts
力Power 口Mouth
Example Word
加わる: join or add. The Japanese verb '加わる (くわわる)' has two primary meanings: 'to join' and 'to add'. When used to mean 'to join', it refers to becoming part of a group, activity, or event. For example: He joined the team「彼はチームに加わった」(かれはチームにくわわった). When used to mean 'to add', it refers to contributing something to an existing situation or mix. For example: A new flavor was added to the dish「新しい味が料理に加わった」(あたらしいあじがりょうりにくわわった). The verb is often used in contexts involving participation or enhancement, and its meaning depends on the context in which it is used.
Radical
力
Stroke Count
5JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
345
Handwriting
kanji
勢Meaning
Power, Force
Reading
kunyomiいきおikio
onyomiせいsei
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
13JLPT
N2Grade
5Frequency
357
Handwriting
kanji
勝Meaning
Victory
Reading
kunyomiかka
かつkatsu
onyomiしょうshou
Parts
月Moon, Month 劵Fatigue
Example Word
勝敗: outcome. The Japanese noun '勝敗 (しょうはい)' refers to the outcome or result of a competition, match, or battle, specifically whether it is a win or a loss. It is commonly used in contexts involving sports, games, or any competitive scenario. For example: The outcome of the game was decided「試合の勝敗が決まった」(しあいのしょうはいがきまった). The team focused on the outcome「チームは勝敗に集中した」(チームはしょうはいにしゅうちゅうした). This word emphasizes the final result rather than the process of competing.
Radical
力
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
3Frequency
377
Handwriting
kanji
労Meaning
Labor
Reading
onyomiろうrou
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
7JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
587
Handwriting
kanji
務Meaning
Duty, Task
Reading
kunyomiつとtsuto
onyomiむmu
Parts
矛Halberd 务
Example Word
債務: debt. The Japanese noun '債務 (さいむ)' refers to a financial obligation or debt. It is commonly used in legal, financial, or business contexts to describe liabilities or obligations that one party owes to another. For example: The company has a large debt「その会社は大 きな債務を抱えている」(そのかいしゃはおおきなさいむをかかえている). He is responsible for paying the debt「彼は債務を支払う責任がある」(かれはさいむをしはらうせきにんがある). This term is often used in formal settings and is distinct from more casual terms for debt like '借金 (しゃっきん)'.
Radical
力
Stroke Count
11JLPT
N3Grade
5Frequency
709
Handwriting
kanji
勇Meaning
Brave
Reading
kunyomiいさisa
onyomiゆうyuu
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
9JLPT
N2Grade
4Frequency
795
Handwriting
kanji
勤Meaning
Diligence
Reading
kunyomiつとtsuto
onyomiきんkin
ごんgon
Parts
堇 力Power
Example Word
勤め: duty. The Japanese noun '勤め (つとめ)' primarily means 'duty' or 'obligation'. It refers to a task or responsibility that one is expected to fulfill, often in a professional or societal context. This word can also imply a sense of moral or social obligation. For example: It is my duty to help「助けるのは私の勤めです」(たすけるのはわたしのつとめです). He fulfilled his duty「彼は勤めを果たした」(かれはつとめをはたした). Additionally, '勤め' can sometimes refer to one's job or employment, though this usage is less common and context-dependent.
Radical
力
Stroke Count
12JLPT
N3Grade
6Frequency
962
Handwriting
kanji
勘Meaning
Check, Intuition
Reading
onyomiかんkan
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
11JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
982
Handwriting
kanji
功Meaning
Merit, Achievement
Reading
onyomiくku
こうkou
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
5JLPT
N1Grade
4Frequency
991
Handwriting
kanji
努Meaning
Toil
Reading
kunyomiつとtsuto
onyomiどdo
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
7JLPT
N3Grade
4Frequency
1066
Handwriting
kanji
勉Meaning
Exertion
Reading
kunyomiつとtsuto
onyomiべんben
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
10JLPT
N4Grade
3Frequency
1226
Handwriting
kanji
効Meaning
Effective
Reading
kunyomiきki
onyomiこうkou
Parts
交Mix 力Power
Example Word
効果: effect. The Japanese noun '効果 (こうか)' means 'effect'. It refers to the result or impact of an action, event, or condition. This word is commonly used in various contexts, such as medicine, science, and everyday situations, to describe the outcome or influence of something. For example: The medicine had a good effect「薬は良い効果があった」(くすりはよいこうかがあった). The sound effects in the movie were impressive「映画の音響効果は印象的だった」(えいがのおんきょうこうかはいんしょうてきだった). It can also be used in a more abstract sense, such as the effect of a policy or strategy.
Radical
力
Stroke Count
8JLPT
N2Grade
5Frequency
1259
Handwriting
kanji
劣Meaning
Inferior, Inferiority
Reading
kunyomiおとoto
onyomiれつretsu
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
6JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
1400
Handwriting
kanji
勧Meaning
Urge, Recommend
Reading
kunyomiすすsusu
onyomiかんkan
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
13JLPT
N1Grade
7Frequency
1565
Handwriting
kanji
励Meaning
Strive, Encourage
Reading
kunyomiはげhage
onyomiれいrei
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
7JLPT
N1Grade
8Frequency
1648
Handwriting
kanji
募Meaning
Raise, Recruit
Reading
kunyomiつのtsuno
onyomiぼbo
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
12JLPT
N2Grade
8Frequency
1912
Handwriting