Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical

kanji

Meaning

Move

Reading

Parts

重Heavy 力Power

Example Word

移動: movement or relocation. The Japanese verbal noun '移動 (いどう)' primarily means 'movement' or 'relocation'. It refers to the act of moving from one place to another, whether it's physical movement or the transfer of something. This word is commonly used in contexts involving travel, transportation, or changing locations. For example: The movement of people is restricted「人々の移動は制限されている」(ひとびとのいどうはせいげんされている). We are relocating the office to a new building「オフィスを新しいビルに移動します」(オフィスをあたらしいビルにいどうします). Note that '移動' can also be used in abstract contexts, such as the movement of data or ideas.

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

106

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Power

Reading

Parts

勹Wrap 丿Katakana no

Example Word

原子力: nuclear. The Japanese noun '原子力 (げんしりょく)' means 'nuclear' and refers to the energy or power derived from atomic reactions, particularly nuclear fission or fusion. This term is commonly used in contexts related to energy production, weapons, and scientific research. For example: nuclear power plant「原子力発電所」(げんしりょくはつでんしょ). The government is promoting nuclear energy「政府は原子力を推進している」(せいふはげんしりょくをすいしんしている). It's important to note that this term carries significant implications due to its association with both energy and weaponry, and its usage often reflects broader societal and political discussions.

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

116

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Help

Reading

Parts

且Moreover, Also 力Power

Example Word

補助: assistance or subsidy. The Japanese noun '補助 (ほじょ)' can mean 'assistance' or 'subsidy', depending on the context. When referring to 'assistance', it often implies support or help provided to someone or something, such as in a collaborative effort. For example: The government provides assistance to small businesses「政府は中小企業に補助を提供する」(せいふはちゅうしょうきぎょうにほじょをていきょうする). When referring to 'subsidy', it typically involves financial aid or support, often from a government or organization. For example: The project received a subsidy from the local government「そのプロジェクトは地方自治体から補助を受けた」(そのプロジェクトはちほうじちたいからほじょをうけた). The word is commonly used in formal or official contexts.

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

姿勢: posture. The Japanese noun '姿勢 (しせい)' primarily means 'posture'. It refers to the way in which someone holds their body, especially when standing or sitting. This word can also be used metaphorically to describe someone's attitude or stance towards a particular issue. For example: good posture is important「良い姿勢は大切です」(よいしせいはたいせつです). His posture towards work is very serious「彼の仕事に対する姿勢はとても真剣です」(かれのしごとにたいするしせいはとてもしんけんです). In both literal and metaphorical contexts, '姿勢' emphasizes the physical or mental alignment of a person.

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

357

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Victory

Reading

Parts

月Moon, Month 劵Fatigue

Example Word

優勝: victory or championship. The Japanese verbal noun '優勝 (ゆうしょう)' refers to winning a competition or tournament, often implying a championship or first-place finish. It is commonly used in sports, games, or contests. For example: Our team won the championship「私たちのチームが優勝した」(わたしたちのチームがゆうしょうした). He achieved victory in the tournament「彼はトーナメントで優勝した」(かれはトーナメントでゆうしょうした). The word carries a sense of achievement and is often associated with formal or competitive settings.

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

377

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Labor

Reading

Parts

⺍Small 冖Crown 力Power

Example Word

苦労: hardship. The Japanese verbal noun '苦労 (くろう)' refers to 'hardship' or 'difficulty'. It is often used to describe the struggles, efforts, or troubles one experiences in life or work. This word carries a nuance of enduring or overcoming challenges. For example: He went through a lot of hardship「彼はたくさんの苦労をした」(かれはたくさんのくろうをした). Raising children involves a lot of hardship「子供を育てるのは苦労が多い」(こどもをそだてるのはくろうがおおい). The word can also be used in expressions like '苦労する (くろうする)', meaning 'to struggle' or 'to go through difficulties'.

Radical

力

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

587

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Duty, Task

Reading

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

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

募集: recruitment. The Japanese verbal noun '募集 (ぼしゅう)' primarily means 'recruitment'. It is commonly used in contexts related to hiring, gathering participants, or collecting applications. For example: The company is recruiting new employees「会社は新しい従業員を募集している」(かいしゃはあたらしいじゅうぎょういんをぼしゅうしている). We are looking for volunteers「ボランティアを募集しています」(ぼらんてぃあをぼしゅうしています). The term can also be used in non-employment contexts, such as collecting ideas or entries for a contest. It is a formal term often seen in job postings, advertisements, or announcements.

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