Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical

kanji

Meaning

Private, Me

Reading

Parts

禾Cereal 厶Private

Example Word

私たち: we. The Japanese noun '私たち (わたしたち)' means 'we'. It is a first-person plural pronoun used to refer to a group that includes the speaker. This word is gender-neutral and is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. For example: we are friends「私たちは友達です」(わたしたちはともだちです). We went to the park「私たちは公園に行きました」(わたしたちはこうえんにいきました). It is important to note that '私たち' is often used to emphasize inclusivity, as it explicitly includes the speaker in the group being referred to.

Radical

禾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

15

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Kind, Variety

Reading

Parts

禾Cereal 重Heavy

Example Word

一種: a kind. The Japanese adverb '一種 (いっしゅ)' means 'a kind' or 'a sort'. It is used to describe something as being of a particular type or category, often implying uniqueness or a special quality. For example: This is a kind of magic「これは一種の魔法だ」(これはいっしゅのまほうだ). He has a kind of charm「彼には一種の魅力がある」(かれにはいっしゅのみりょくがある). The word can also be used to express that something is somewhat or partially of a certain nature, as in 'a kind of happiness'「一種の幸せ」(いっしゅのしあわせ).

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

人文科学: humanities. The Japanese noun '人文科学 (じんぶんかがく)' refers to the academic discipline of the humanities, which includes the study of human culture, history, literature, philosophy, and art. It is often contrasted with the natural sciences (自然科学, しぜんかがく). For example: I study humanities at university「私は大学で人文科学を勉強しています」(わたしはだいがくでじんぶんかがくをべんきょうしています). The humanities are important for understanding human culture「人文科学は人間の文化を理解するために重要です」(じんぶんかがくはにんげんのぶんかをりかいするためにじゅうようです). This term is commonly used in academic and educational contexts.

Radical

禾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

473

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Autumn

Reading

Parts

火Fire 禾Cereal

Example Word

秋: autumn. The Japanese noun '秋 (あき)' means 'autumn' or 'fall'. It refers to the season between summer and winter, typically characterized by cooler weather and the changing colors of leaves. This word is commonly used in everyday conversation, poetry, and literature to evoke the imagery and feelings associated with autumn. For example: Autumn is the best season「秋が一番好きな季節です」(あきがいちばんすきなきせつです). The leaves turn red in autumn「秋には葉が赤くなります」(あきにははがあかくなります). In Japanese culture, autumn is also associated with harvest, moon viewing, and various seasonal foods.

Radical

禾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

527

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Accumulate

Reading

Parts

禾Cereal 責Blame, Liability

Example Word

積む: accumulate or pile. The Japanese verb '積む (つむ)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'to pile' or 'to stack', referring to physically placing objects on top of one another. For example: He piled up the books「彼は本を積んだ」(かれはほんをつんだ). The second meaning is 'to accumulate', often used in abstract contexts like accumulating experience or wealth. For example: She has accumulated a lot of experience「彼女は多くの経験を積んだ」(かのじょはおおくのけいけんをつんだ). The verb is versatile and can be used in both literal and figurative contexts.

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

秘密: secret. The Japanese adjectival noun '秘密 (ひみつ)' means 'secret'. It refers to something that is kept hidden or concealed from others, often because it is private, confidential, or sensitive. This word can be used to describe information, actions, or objects that are not meant to be disclosed. For example: This is a secret「これは秘密です」(これはひみつです). She told me her secret「彼女は秘密を教えてくれた」(かのじょはひみつをおしえてくれた). The word can also be used in compound phrases, such as '秘密の場所 (ひみつのばしょ)' (secret place) or '秘密を守る (ひみつをまもる)' (to keep a secret).

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

課税: taxation. The Japanese noun '課税 (かぜい)' refers to the act or system of imposing taxes. It is commonly used in legal, financial, and administrative contexts to describe the process of levying taxes on income, property, goods, or services. For example: The government imposes taxation on luxury goods「政府は贅沢品に課税する」(せいふはぜいたくひんにかぜいする). This income is subject to taxation「この所得は課税対象です」(このしょとくはかぜいたいしょうです). The term can also refer to the tax itself in certain contexts, but its primary meaning is the act of taxing.

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: immature. The Japanese adjectival noun '幼稚 (ようち)' means 'immature' or 'childish'. It is often used to describe behavior, thinking, or actions that are not appropriate for someone's age or position, suggesting a lack of maturity or sophistication. For example: His behavior is immature「彼の行動は幼稚だ」(かれのこうどうはようちだ). That idea is too childish「その考えは幼稚すぎる」(そのかんがえはようちすぎる). It can also refer to something being at an early stage of development, such as '幼稚な技術 (ようちなぎじゅつ)' (immature technology). Note that this word can carry a slightly negative connotation when used to describe people.

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