kanji

Meaning

Private, Me

Reading

Parts

禾Cereal 厶Private

Example Word

私的: personal. The Japanese adjectival noun '私的 (してき)' means 'personal'. It is used to describe something that is related to an individual's private life, opinions, or interests, rather than being public or official. This term often carries a nuance of being subjective or not related to formal or professional matters. For example: This is my personal opinion「これは私的な意見です」(これはしてきないけんです). He has a personal connection to the case「彼はその事件に私的なつながりがある」(かれはそのじけんにしてきなつながりがある). Note that '私的' is often used in contrast to '公的 (こうてき)', which means 'public' or 'official'.

Radical

禾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

15

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Kind, Variety

Reading

Parts

禾Cereal 重Heavy

Example Word

品種: breed or variety. The Japanese noun '品種 (ひんしゅ)' refers to a 'breed' or 'variety', particularly in the context of plants, animals, or agricultural products. It is commonly used to describe different types or classifications within a species. For example: this is a new breed of roses「これは新しい品種のバラです」(これはあたらしいひんしゅのバラです). We grow several varieties of apples「私たちはいくつかの品種のリンゴを育てています」(わたしたちはいくつかのひんしゅのリンゴをそだてています). The term is often used in scientific, agricultural, or horticultural contexts to specify distinct types within a category.

Radical

禾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

280

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Order, Extent

Reading

Parts

禾Cereal 呈Display, Present

Example Word

日程: schedule. The Japanese noun '日程 (にってい)' refers to a 'schedule' or 'itinerary'. It is commonly used to describe a planned sequence of events or activities, often in a formal or organized context. For example: the schedule for the meeting is set「会議の日程が決まった」(かいぎのにっていがきまった). Please check the itinerary for the trip「旅行の日程を確認してください」(りょこうのにっていをかくにんしてください). This word is often used in professional or planning contexts, such as business meetings, events, or travel arrangements.

Radical

禾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

307

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Section, Department

Reading

Parts

斗Ladle, Dipper 禾Cereal

Example Word

科学: science. The Japanese noun '科学 (かがく)' means 'science'. It refers to the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment. This term is commonly used in academic, professional, and everyday contexts to discuss scientific fields, research, or principles. For example: Science is important「科学は大切です」(かがくはたいせつです). He studies science「彼は科学を勉強しています」(かれはかがくをべんきょうしています). The word can also appear in compound terms like '科学者 (かがくしゃ)' (scientist) or '科学技術 (かがくぎじゅつ)' (science and technology).

Radical

禾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

473

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Autumn

Reading

Parts

火Fire 禾Cereal

Example Word

春夏秋冬: seasons. The Japanese noun '春夏秋冬 (しゅんかしゅうとう)' literally translates to 'spring, summer, autumn, winter,' collectively representing the four seasons. This word is often used to symbolize the passage of time or the cyclical nature of the year. It can be used in poetic or formal contexts to evoke imagery of nature and the changing seasons. For example: The beauty of the four seasons is unparalleled「春夏秋冬の美しさは比類ない」(しゅんかしゅうとうのうつくしさはひるいない). I love the rhythm of the seasons「私は春夏秋冬のリズムが好きです」(わたしはしゅんかしゅうとうのリズムがすきです). Note that this word is more formal and less commonly used in everyday conversation compared to simply saying '季節 (きせつ)' for 'season.'

Radical

禾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

527

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Accumulate

Reading

Parts

禾Cereal 責Blame, Liability

Example Word

積もる: accumulate or pile up. The Japanese verb '積もる (つもる)' primarily means 'to accumulate' or 'to pile up'. It is often used to describe things like snow, dust, or even abstract concepts like stress or debt. For example: snow has piled up「雪が積もった」(ゆきがつもった). Dust has accumulated on the desk「机にほこりが積もっている」(つくえにほこりがつもっている). It can also be used metaphorically, such as when describing accumulated feelings or experiences. For instance: years of stress have piled up「長年のストレスが積もっている」(ながねんのストレスがつもっている). Note that this verb is intransitive, meaning it does not take a direct object.

Radical

禾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

725

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Move, Transfer

Reading

Parts

禾Cereal 多Many

Example Word

移す: move or transfer. The Japanese verb '移す (うつす)' can mean 'to move' or 'to transfer'. It is used when something is physically moved from one place to another, or when something is transferred from one state or condition to another. For example: I moved the table to the corner「テーブルを隅に移した」(テーブルをすみにうつした). The company transferred him to the Tokyo office「会社は彼を東京支店に移した」(かいしゃはかれをとうきょうしてんにうつした). This verb can also be used in medical contexts to mean 'to infect' or 'to spread', as in 'The cold was transferred to the child「風邪が子供に移った」(かぜがこどもにうつった)'.

Radical

禾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

742

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Excel, Excellent

Reading

Parts

禾Cereal 乃

Example Word

優秀: excellent. The Japanese adjectival noun '優秀 (ゆうしゅう)' means 'excellent' and is used to describe someone or something that is outstanding, superior, or of high quality. It is often used to praise people, such as students, employees, or professionals, for their exceptional abilities or achievements. For example: He is an excellent student「彼は優秀な学生です」(かれはゆうしゅうながくせいです). This is an excellent product「これは優秀な製品です」(これはゆうしゅうなせいひんです). The term carries a formal tone and is commonly used in academic, professional, or evaluative contexts.

Radical

禾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

746

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Secret

Reading

Parts

禾Cereal 必Inevitable, Certain

Example Word

秘書: secretary. The Japanese noun '秘書 (ひしょ)' refers to a 'secretary', someone who assists in administrative tasks, manages schedules, and handles correspondence, often for executives or high-ranking officials. This term is commonly used in professional settings. Example sentences: She is the president's secretary「彼女は社長の秘書です」(かのじょはしゃちょうのひしょです). I need to hire a new secretary「新しい秘書を雇う必要があります」(あたらしいひしょをやとうひつようがあります). The role of a secretary often involves confidentiality and organizational skills.

Radical

禾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

778

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Appellation

Reading

Parts

禾Cereal 尓

Example Word

称える: praise. The Japanese verb '称える (たたえる)' means 'to praise' or 'to extol'. It is used to express admiration or high regard for someone's achievements, qualities, or actions. This verb often carries a formal or respectful tone and is commonly used in contexts such as ceremonies, speeches, or written commendations. For example: The teacher praised the student's hard work「先生は生徒の努力を称えた」(せんせいはせいとのどりょくをたたえた). The nation praised the hero's bravery「国は英雄の勇気を称えた」(くにはえいゆうのゆうきをたたえた). Note that '称える' can also imply a sense of honoring or celebrating someone's contributions.

Radical

禾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

953

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Think, Consider

Reading

Parts

禾Cereal 尤 旨Purport, Delicious

Example Word

稽古: practice. The Japanese verbal noun '稽古 (けいこ)' primarily means 'practice' or 'training'. It is commonly used in contexts related to learning or perfecting a skill, such as martial arts, traditional arts, or performing arts. For example: I have kendo practice today「今日は剣道の稽古があります」(きょうはけんどうのけいこがあります). She is practicing the tea ceremony「彼女は茶道の稽古をしています」(かのじょはさどうのけいこをしています). The word often carries a nuance of disciplined, repetitive training aimed at mastery, and it is frequently used in traditional or artistic contexts.

Radical

禾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1267

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Manuscript, Draft

Reading

Parts

禾Cereal 高High, Expensive

Example Word

原稿用紙: manuscript. The Japanese noun '原稿用紙 (げんこうようし)' refers to a specific type of paper used for writing manuscripts, essays, or other formal written works. It is typically grid-lined, with each square representing one character, making it easier to count and organize text. This paper is commonly used in schools, for literary submissions, or in professional writing. For example: I wrote my essay on manuscript paper「私は原稿用紙に作文を書いた」(わたしはげんこうようしにさくぶんをかいた). Please submit your work on manuscript paper「原稿用紙に作品を提出してください」(げんこうようしにさくひんをていしゅつしてください).

Radical

禾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1299

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Rice plant

Reading

Parts

禾Cereal 日Day, Sun

Example Word

稲: rice. The Japanese noun '稲 (いね)' refers specifically to the rice plant, particularly before it is harvested. This term is used in agricultural contexts and is distinct from '米 (こめ)', which refers to rice as a grain or food. '稲' is often associated with rice paddies and the cultivation process. For example: The rice plants are growing well「稲がよく育っている」(いねがよくそだっている). We planted rice in the field「田んぼに稲を植えた」(たんぼにいねをうえた).

Radical

禾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1357

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Tax

Reading

Parts

禾Cereal 兑

Example Word

免税: tax free. The Japanese verbal noun '免税 (めんぜい)' refers to the exemption from taxes, particularly in the context of shopping or transactions. It is commonly used in situations where goods are sold without the addition of tax, often to tourists or in duty-free shops. For example: This shop offers tax-free shopping「この店は免税です」(このみせはめんぜいです). I bought this bag tax-free「このバッグは免税で買いました」(このバッグはめんぜいでかいました). The term is also used in official contexts to describe tax exemptions on certain goods or services.

Radical

禾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1486

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Calm, Moderate

Reading

Parts

禾Cereal 㥯

Example Word

穏やか: calm. The Japanese adjective '穏やか (おだやか)' means 'calm'. It is used to describe a state of tranquility, peacefulness, or mildness. This word can be applied to various contexts, such as describing a person's demeanor, the weather, or a situation. For example: the sea is calm today「今日の海は穏やかだ」(きょうのうみはおだやかだ). She has a calm personality「彼女は穏やかな性格だ」(かのじょはおだやかなせいかくだ). It can also describe a gentle or mild manner, as in '穏やかな風 (おだやかなかぜ) (gentle breeze)'.

Radical

禾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1555

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Spike

Reading

Parts

禾Cereal 恵Favor, Bestow a favor

Radical

禾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1572

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Work, Earnings

Reading

Parts

禾Cereal 家House

Example Word

稼ぐ: earn. The Japanese verb '稼ぐ (かせぐ)' primarily means 'to earn' or 'to make money'. It is commonly used in contexts related to work, labor, or any activity that generates income. For example: He earns a lot of money「彼はたくさん稼ぐ」(かれはたくさんかせぐ). I need to earn more to support my family「家族を養うためにもっと稼ぐ必要がある」(かぞくをやしなうためにもっとかせぐひつようがある). Additionally, '稼ぐ' can also imply working hard or putting in effort to achieve something, not just financially. For instance: She worked hard to earn her promotion「彼女は昇進を稼ぐために一生懸命働いた」(かのじょはしょうしんをかせぐためにいっしょうけんめいはたらいた).

Radical

禾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1670

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Order, Regularity

Reading

Parts

禾Cereal 失Lose, Fault

Example Word

秩序: order. The Japanese noun '秩序 (ちつじょ)' means 'order' in the sense of a systematic or harmonious arrangement. It is often used to describe social, natural, or organizational systems where things are structured and functioning properly. For example: maintaining social order「社会の秩序を守る」(しゃかいのちつじょをまもる). The natural order of the ecosystem「生態系の秩序」(せいたいけいのちつじょ). This word is commonly used in formal or academic contexts to discuss stability, rules, or systems. It is not used to describe personal tidiness or neatness, which would be expressed with words like '整理 (せいり)'.

Radical

禾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1716

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Young, Immature

Reading

Parts

禾Cereal 隹Bird

Example Word

幼稚園: kindergarten. The Japanese noun '幼稚園 (ようちえん)' refers to a 'kindergarten', which is an educational institution for young children, typically between the ages of 3 and 6, before they enter elementary school. This term is commonly used in Japan to describe preschools that focus on early childhood education. For example: My child goes to kindergarten「私の子供は幼稚園に行きます」(わたしのこどもはようちえんにいきます). The kindergarten is near the park「その幼稚園は公園の近くです」(そのようちえんはこうえんのちかくです). It's important to note that '幼稚園' is distinct from '保育園 (ほいくえん)', which is more like a daycare center for younger children.

Radical

禾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1740

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Grain, Cereal

Reading

Parts

士Samurai 冖Crown 禾Cereal 殳Pike

Radical

禾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1768

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Second

Reading

Parts

禾Cereal 少Few

Example Word

秒: second. The Japanese suffix '秒 (びょう)' means 'second' and is used as a unit of time. It is commonly attached to numbers to indicate a specific number of seconds. For example: 10 seconds「10秒」(じゅうびょう). It can also be used in expressions like 'a few seconds'「数秒」(すうびょう). This suffix is essential for discussing time durations in Japanese, whether in everyday conversation or technical contexts. Note that '秒' is always used as a suffix and never stands alone as a word.

Radical

禾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1870

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Harvest

Reading

Parts

禾Cereal 蒦

Example Word

収穫: harvest. The Japanese verbal noun '収穫 (しゅうかく)' primarily means 'harvest'. It refers to the process or result of gathering crops from the fields. This word can also be used metaphorically to describe the fruits of one's labor or efforts in a broader sense. For example: The harvest this year was abundant「今年の収穫は豊かだった」(ことしのしゅうかくはゆたかだった). We are looking forward to the harvest of our hard work「私たちの努力の収穫を楽しみにしている」(わたしたちのどりょくのしゅうかくをたのしみにしている). It is important to note that '収穫' is often used in agricultural contexts but can extend to other areas where results or outcomes are gathered.

Radical

禾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1963

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Tariff, Land tax

Reading

Parts

禾Cereal 且Moreover, Also

Radical

禾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1977

Handwriting