Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical

kanji

Meaning

Face

Reading

Parts

𦣻Neck (首)八Eight 立Stand 厂Cliff 彡Fur

Example Word

顔: face. The Japanese noun '顔 (かお)' means 'face'. It refers to the front part of a person's head, from the forehead to the chin, including the eyes, nose, and mouth. This word is commonly used in everyday conversation and can also be used metaphorically to represent one's expression, appearance, or reputation. For example: She has a beautiful face「彼女は顔がきれいです」(かのじょはかおがきれいです). I can't show my face there「私はそこに顔を出せない」(わたしはそこにかおをだせない). The word '顔' can also be used in idiomatic expressions, such as '顔を出す (かおをだす)', which means 'to show up' or 'to make an appearance'.

Radical

頁

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

79

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Head

Reading

Parts

豆Beans 𦣻Neck (首)八Eight

Example Word

冒頭: beginning. The Japanese noun '冒頭 (ぼうとう)' refers to the 'beginning' or 'start' of something, such as a speech, story, or event. It is often used in formal or literary contexts to describe the opening part of a narrative or presentation. For example: at the beginning of the story「冒頭の部分」(ぼうとうのぶぶん). The speaker started with a joke at the beginning「スピーカーは冒頭でジョークを言った」(スピーカーはぼうとうでジョークをいった). This word emphasizes the initial part of something, setting the stage for what follows.

Radical

頁

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

129

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Approximate

Reading

Parts

匕Spoon 頁Page

Example Word

頃: time or period. The Japanese noun '頃 (ころ)' refers to a specific time or period, often implying a general or approximate time frame rather than an exact moment. It is commonly used to describe a period in the past, present, or future, and can be associated with seasons, events, or life stages. For example: around this time last year「去年のこの頃」(きょねんのこのころ). When I was a child「子供の頃」(こどものころ). It can also be used to indicate a suitable or appropriate time for something, as in 'it's about time to leave'「そろそろ帰る頃だ」(そろそろかえるころだ). The word carries a nuance of vagueness, making it useful for expressing general time frames without precision.

Radical

頁

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

227

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Topic

Reading

Parts

是Right, Absolutely 頁Page

Example Word

主題: theme. The Japanese noun '主題 (しゅだい)' means 'theme'. It refers to the main subject or central topic of a discussion, piece of writing, artwork, or any other form of expression. This word is commonly used in academic, literary, and artistic contexts. For example: the theme of the novel is love「小説の主題は愛です」(しょうせつのしゅだいはあいです). The theme of the conference is environmental protection「会議の主題は環境保護です」(かいぎのしゅだいはかんきょうほごです). It can also be used in music to describe the main melody or motif, as in 'the theme of the symphony is very memorable'「交響曲の主題はとても印象的です」(こうきょうきょくのしゅだいはとてもいんしょうてきです).

Radical

頁

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

285

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Kind, Type

Reading

Parts

类 頁Page

Example Word

親類: relative. The Japanese noun '親類 (しんるい)' refers to a 'relative' or 'relation', specifically someone connected by blood or marriage. It is a general term used to describe family members beyond the immediate family, such as cousins, aunts, uncles, or in-laws. For example: He is my relative「彼は私の親類です」(かれはわたしのしんるいです). We have many relatives「私たちは親類が多いです」(わたしたちはしんるいがおおいです). The word is often used in formal or neutral contexts and can sometimes imply a broader family network.

Radical

頁

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

407

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ask, Trust

Reading

Parts

束Bundle, Bind 頁Page

Example Word

頼り: reliance. The Japanese noun '頼り (たより)' means 'reliance' or 'dependence'. It refers to the act of relying on someone or something for support, help, or guidance. This word is often used in contexts where trust or dependence is implied, such as in relationships or when seeking assistance. For example: I have no one to rely on「頼りにする人がいない」(たよりにするひとがいない). He is my only reliance「彼が私の唯一の頼りだ」(かれがわたしのゆいいつのたよりだ). The word can also be used to describe something that serves as a source of support or information, such as a guide or reference.

Radical

頁

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

424

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Request, Wish

Reading

Parts

原Meadow, Original 頁Page

Example Word

本願: vow. The Japanese noun '本願 (ほんがん)' refers to a 'vow' or 'original vow', particularly in a religious or spiritual context. It is often used in Buddhism to describe the vows made by a Buddha or Bodhisattva to save all sentient beings. For example: Amida Buddha's original vow「阿弥陀仏の本願」(あみだぶつのほんがん). The monk spoke about the importance of the vow「僧侶は本願の重要性について話した」(そうりょはほんがんのじゅうようせいについてはなした). This term carries a deep spiritual significance and is commonly encountered in religious texts and discussions.

Radical

頁

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

599

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Territory

Reading

Parts

令Orders 頁Page

Example Word

領収書: receipt. The Japanese noun '領収書 (りょうしゅうしょ)' refers to a 'receipt', which is a document acknowledging that a payment has been made. This term is commonly used in business transactions, shopping, or any situation where proof of payment is required. For example: Please give me a receipt「領収書をください」(りょうしゅうしょをください). I lost the receipt「領収書をなくしました」(りょうしゅうしょをなくしました). In Japan, it is customary to request a '領収書' after making a payment, especially in formal or business settings. The word is often associated with financial accountability and is essential for record-keeping or reimbursement purposes.

Radical

頁

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

797

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Crown, Accept

Reading

Parts

丁Street 頁Page

Example Word

頂上: summit. The Japanese noun '頂上 (ちょうじょう)' refers to the highest point or peak of a mountain or hill. It can also be used metaphorically to describe the pinnacle or climax of something, such as a career or event. For example: we reached the summit「頂上に着いた」(ちょうじょうについた). The summit of his career「彼のキャリアの頂上」(かれのキャリアのちょうじょう). This word is often used in the context of mountain climbing or hiking, but can also be applied to other situations where reaching the highest point is significant.

Radical

頁

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

819

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Amount, Forehead

Reading

Parts

客Guest, Customer 頁Page

Example Word

額: forehead. The Japanese noun '額 (ひたい)' refers to the 'forehead', the part of the face above the eyebrows and below the hairline. It is commonly used in everyday conversation and can also appear in idiomatic expressions or descriptive contexts. For example: She has a wide forehead「彼女は額が広い」(かのじょはひたいがひろい). He wiped the sweat from his forehead「彼は額の汗を拭いた」(かれはひたいのあせをぬぐった). The word is straightforward and primarily used in its literal sense.

Radical

頁

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

929

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Order, Obey

Reading

Parts

川River 頁Page

Example Word

順々に: in order. The Japanese adverb '順々に (じゅんじゅんに)' means 'in order' or 'one after another.' It is used to describe things happening in a sequential or orderly manner, often implying a logical progression. For example: Please read the pages in order 「ページを順々に読んでください」 (ページをじゅんじゅんによんでください). The students entered the classroom one after another 「生徒たちは順々に教室に入った」 (せいとたちはじゅんじゅんにきょうしつにはいった). This adverb can also be used to describe events or actions occurring in a particular sequence, such as '順々に説明する (じゅんじゅんにせつめいする)', meaning 'to explain step by step.'

Radical

頁

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

954

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Jaw, Cheeks

Reading

Example Word

頬: cheek. The Japanese noun '頬 (ほお)' refers to the 'cheek', the part of the face below the eye and between the nose and ear. It is commonly used in everyday conversation and literature to describe this specific part of the face. For example: Her cheeks turned red「彼女の頬が赤くなった」(かのじょのほおがあかくなった). He gently touched her cheek「彼は優しく彼女の頬に触れた」(かれはやさしくかのじょのほおにふれた). The word can also be used metaphorically or in idiomatic expressions, such as '頬を染める (ほおをそめる)', which means 'to blush'.

Radical

頁

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

957

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Look back, Review

Reading

Parts

雇Employ, Hire 頁Page

Example Word

顧客: customer. The Japanese noun '顧客 (こきゃく)' means 'customer'. It refers to a person or entity that purchases goods or services from a business. This term is commonly used in business and retail contexts to describe clients or patrons. For example: The store values its customers「その店は顧客を大切にしている」(そのみせはこきゃくをたいせつにしている). We need to attract more customers「もっと顧客を集める必要がある」(もっとこきゃくをあつめるひつようがある). The word is neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal settings.

Radical

頁

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1338

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Necessary

Reading

Parts

彡Fur 頁Page

Radical

頁

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1378

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Deposit

Reading

Parts

予Beforehand 頁Page

Example Word

預ける: entrust. The Japanese verb '預ける (あずける)' means 'to entrust' or 'to leave something in someone's care'. It is commonly used when you want to leave an object, responsibility, or even a person in the care of someone else. For example: I entrusted my bag to the hotel「ホテルに荷物を預けた」(ほてるににもつをあずけた). She left her child with her friend「彼女は友達に子供を預けた」(かのじょはともだちにこどもをあずけた). This verb implies a sense of trust and reliance on the person being entrusted. It can also be used in financial contexts, such as depositing money in a bank.

Radical

頁

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1417

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Appear, Manifest

Reading

Parts

显 頁Page

Example Word

顕著: remarkable. The Japanese adjectival noun '顕著 (けんちょ)' means 'remarkable' or 'notable'. It is used to describe something that is clearly visible, noticeable, or stands out due to its significance or impact. This word is often used in formal or academic contexts to highlight something that is particularly striking or evident. For example: The progress in technology is remarkable「技術の進歩は顕著だ」(ぎじゅつのしんぽはけんちょだ). The difference between the two groups was notable「二つのグループの違いは顕著だった」(ふたつのグループのちがいはけんちょだった). Note that '顕著' is typically used in written or formal speech rather than casual conversation.

Radical

頁

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1477

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Stubborn

Reading

Parts

元Origin 頁Page

Example Word

頑丈: sturdy. The Japanese adjectival noun '頑丈 (がんじょう)' means 'sturdy' or 'robust'. It is used to describe something that is strongly built, durable, or tough, often referring to physical objects or structures. For example: This table is sturdy「このテーブルは頑丈だ」(このテーブルはがんじょうだ). The bridge is robust「その橋は頑丈だ」(そのはしはがんじょうだ). It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone's health or resolve, as in 'He has a sturdy constitution'「彼は頑丈な体を持っている」(かれはがんじょうなからだをもっている).

Radical

頁

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1535

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Immediate

Reading

Parts

屯Barracks, Station troops 頁Page

Radical

頁

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1549

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Frequently, Frequent

Reading

Parts

步 頁Page

Example Word

頻りに: frequently. The Japanese adverb '頻りに (しきりに)' means 'frequently' or 'repeatedly'. It is used to describe actions or events that occur often or persistently. This word often carries a nuance of intensity or earnestness, emphasizing the frequency or persistence of the action. For example: He frequently asked about her「彼は頻りに彼女のことを尋ねた」(かれはしきりにかのじょのことをたずねた). It rained frequently yesterday「昨日は頻りに雨が降った」(きのうはしきりにあめがふった). The adverb can also imply a sense of urgency or eagerness, depending on the context.

Radical

頁

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1575

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Chin

Reading

Parts

咢 頁Page

Example Word

顎: jaw. The Japanese noun '顎 (あご)' refers to the 'jaw', the bony structure that forms the framework of the mouth and holds the teeth. It is commonly used in both anatomical and everyday contexts. For example: my jaw hurts「顎が痛い」(あごがいたい). He has a strong jaw「彼は顎が強い」(かれはあごがつよい). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe someone's determination or stubbornness, as in '顎が外れるほど笑う (あごがはずれるほどわらう)', which means 'to laugh so hard one's jaw might fall off'.

Radical

頁

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1654

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Clause, Paragraph

Reading

Parts

工Construction 頁Page

Example Word

要項: outline or essentials. The Japanese noun '要項 (ようこう)' refers to the key points, essentials, or an outline of something. It is often used in formal or academic contexts to describe the main points of a document, plan, or event. For example: Please check the outline of the event「イベントの要項を確認してください」(イベントのようこうをかくにんしてください). The essentials of the contract are summarized here「契約の要項はここにまとめられています」(けいやくのようこうはここにまとめられています). This word is commonly used in official documents, guidelines, or instructions to highlight the most important details.

Radical

頁

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1808

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Partition, Distribute widely

Reading

Parts

分Minute, Part 頁Page

Radical

頁

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2097

Handwriting