kanji

Meaning

Surface, Express

Reading

Parts

𧘇Garment (衣)龶Life (生)

Example Word

代表: representation or delegate. The Japanese verbal noun '代表 (だいひょう)' can mean 'representation' or 'delegate'. As 'representation', it refers to the act of speaking or acting on behalf of someone or something. As 'delegate', it refers to a person chosen or appointed to represent others. Example sentences: He is the representative of our company「彼は私たちの会社の代表です」(かれはわたしたちのかいしゃのだいひょうです). This painting is a representation of peace「この絵は平和の代表です」(このえはへいわのだいひょうです). The nuance here is that '代表' can refer to both the concept of representation and the person who represents, depending on context.

Radical

衣

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

251

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Inside, Rear

Reading

Parts

亠Lid 里Hometown

Example Word

裏: reverse or back. The Japanese noun '裏 (うら)' primarily means 'back' or 'reverse'. It refers to the opposite side or hidden aspect of something, whether physical or abstract. For example, it can describe the backside of an object, the reverse side of a situation, or even the hidden truth behind an event. Example sentences: The back of the house is quiet「家の裏は静かです」(いえのうらはしずかです). There is a park on the reverse side of the station「駅の裏には公園があります」(えきのうらにはこうえんがあります). The word can also imply something concealed or not immediately visible, such as in the phrase '裏の意味 (うらのいみ)' meaning 'hidden meaning'.

Radical

衣

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

497

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Clothes

Reading

Parts

亠Lid 𧘇Garment (衣)

Example Word

衣食住: necessities. The Japanese noun '衣食住 (いしょくじゅう)' refers to the basic necessities of life: clothing (衣), food (食), and shelter (住). It is often used to discuss the fundamental aspects of living or to emphasize the importance of these basic needs. For example: The government must ensure the necessities of life for its citizens「政府は国民の衣食住を確保しなければならない」(せいふはこくみんのいしょくじゅうをかくほしなければならない). In modern society, the concept of '衣食住' has expanded to include other essentials like healthcare and education. This term is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and reflects the importance of simplicity and practicality in daily life.

Radical

衣

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

600

Radical Form

𧘇

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Dress, Attire

Reading

Parts

衣Clothes 壮Grand, Robust

Example Word

装置: device. The Japanese noun '装置 (そうち)' refers to a 'device' or 'equipment'. It is commonly used to describe a mechanical or electronic device designed for a specific purpose. This term can be applied to a wide range of devices, from household appliances to industrial machinery. For example: This device is very useful「この装置はとても便利です」(このそうちはとてもべんりです). The factory has many advanced devices「その工場には多くの先進的な装置があります」(そのこうじょうにはおおくのせんしんてきなそうちがあります). The word can also be used in a more abstract sense to refer to systems or setups, such as in theatrical or artistic contexts, where it might describe the arrangement or setup of elements to create a particular effect.

Radical

衣

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

812

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Incur, Be subjected to

Reading

Parts

衤 皮Skin

Example Word

被告: defendant. The Japanese noun '被告 (ひこく)' refers to the 'defendant' in a legal context. This term is specifically used in court cases to denote the person or entity being accused or sued. It is a formal term commonly encountered in legal documents, news reports, and courtroom settings. For example: The defendant pleaded not guilty「被告は無罪を主張した」(ひこくはむざいをしゅちょうした). The defendant's lawyer presented new evidence「被告の弁護士が新しい証拠を提出した」(ひこくのべんごしがあたらしいしょうこをていしゅつした). This term is distinct from related legal terms like '原告 (げんこく)' (plaintiff) and '裁判官 (さいばんかん)' (judge).

Radical

衣

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

960

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Bag, Sack

Reading

Parts

代Substitute, Era 衣Clothes

Example Word

袋: bag. The Japanese noun '袋 (ふくろ)' means 'bag'. It refers to a flexible container made of paper, cloth, plastic, or other materials, used to carry or store items. This word is commonly used in everyday contexts, such as shopping or packaging. For example: Please put it in the bag「袋に入れてください」(ふくろにいれてください). This bag is heavy「この袋は重い」(このふくろはおもい). The word can also refer to pouches or sacks, depending on the context. It is a versatile term used in various situations involving containers.

Radical

衣

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1002

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Manufacture

Reading

Parts

制System, Control 衣Clothes

Example Word

製造: manufacture. The Japanese verbal noun '製造 (せいぞう)' means 'manufacture' or 'production'. It refers to the process of making goods or products, typically on a large scale in factories or industrial settings. This term is commonly used in contexts related to industry, business, and technology. For example: The company manufactures cars「その会社は車を製造している」(そのかいしゃはくるまをせいぞうしている). This factory produces electronic devices「この工場は電子機器を製造している」(このこうじょうはでんしききをせいぞうしている). Note that '製造' is often used in compound words, such as '製造業 (せいぞうぎょう)' (manufacturing industry) or '製造工程 (せいぞうこうてい)' (manufacturing process).

Radical

衣

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1020

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Sleeve

Reading

Parts

衤 由Reason

Example Word

袖: sleeve. The Japanese noun '袖 (そで)' refers to the 'sleeve' of a piece of clothing. It is commonly used to describe the part of a garment that covers the arm. This word can also appear in idiomatic expressions or phrases, such as '袖を引く (そでをひく)', which means 'to tug at someone's sleeve' (often to get their attention). Example sentences: She rolled up her sleeves「彼女は袖をまくった」(かのじょはそでをまくった). The sleeves of this shirt are too long「このシャツの袖は長すぎる」(このシャツのそではながすぎる).

Radical

衣

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1068

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Attack, Inherit

Reading

Parts

衣Clothes 龍

Example Word

襲う: attack. The Japanese verb '襲う (おそう)' primarily means 'to attack'. This verb is used to describe a sudden and often violent action against someone or something. It can refer to physical attacks, such as an animal attacking a person, or more abstract forms of attack, like a sudden storm or a wave of emotions. For example: The bear attacked the hiker「熊がハイカーを襲った」(くまがハイカーをおそった). A sudden feeling of sadness attacked her「突然の悲しみが彼女を襲った」(とつぜんのかなしみがかのじょをおそった). The verb can also be used metaphorically to describe being overwhelmed by something, such as a wave of nostalgia or a sudden realization.

Radical

衣

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1102

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Judge

Reading

Parts

衣Clothes

Example Word

総裁: president. The Japanese noun '総裁 (そうさい)' refers to a 'president' or 'chief executive', particularly in the context of organizations, political parties, or institutions. It is often used to denote the highest-ranking leader in a formal or official capacity. For example: He was elected as the president of the party「彼は党の総裁に選ばれた」(かれはとうのそうさいにえらばれた). The president of the company made an important announcement「会社の総裁が重要な発表をした」(かいしゃのそうさいがじゅうようなはっぴょうをした). This term carries a formal tone and is commonly used in political or corporate settings.

Radical

衣

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1153

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Naked, Nude

Reading

Parts

衤 果Fruit

Example Word

裸: naked. The Japanese noun '裸 (はだか)' means 'naked'. It refers to the state of being without clothing or covering. This word can be used literally to describe a person or object that is uncovered, or metaphorically to describe something that is exposed or stripped down to its essentials. For example: He was naked「彼は裸だった」(かれははだかだった). The truth was laid bare「真実が裸になった」(しんじつがはだかになった). The word can also be used in compound words, such as '裸足 (はだし)' (barefoot) or '裸眼 (らがん)' (naked eye).

Radical

衣

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1296

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Split, Tear

Reading

Parts

列File 衣Clothes

Example Word

分裂: split or division. The Japanese verbal noun '分裂 (ぶんれつ)' refers to the act of splitting or dividing, often used in both physical and abstract contexts. It can describe the division of cells, groups, opinions, or even countries. For example: The cell split into two「細胞が分裂した」(さいぼうがぶんれつした). The political party experienced a division「政党が分裂した」(せいとうがぶんれつした). This word is commonly used in scientific, political, and social contexts to describe a clear separation or fragmentation.

Radical

衣

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1300

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Decline, Wane

Reading

Parts

衣Clothes

Example Word

衰える: weaken. The Japanese verb '衰える (おとろえる)' means 'to weaken' or 'to decline'. It is used to describe a decrease in strength, power, or intensity. This verb can be applied to physical strength, health, energy, or even abstract concepts like enthusiasm or influence. For example: his health is weakening「彼の健康は衰えている」(かれのけんこうはおとろえている). The company's influence is declining「その会社の影響力は衰えている」(そのかいしゃのえいきょうりょくはおとろえている). It is important to note that '衰える' often implies a gradual or continuous decline rather than a sudden loss.

Radical

衣

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1409

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Hem

Reading

Parts

衤 居Reside, Be

Example Word

裾: hem. The Japanese noun '裾 (すそ)' refers to the hem or edge of a piece of clothing, such as the bottom of a skirt, pants, or kimono. It can also metaphorically refer to the lower edge or base of something, like the foot of a mountain. For example: The hem of her dress is dirty「彼女のドレスの裾が汚れている」(かのじょのドレスのすそがよごれている). The foot of the mountain is covered in mist「山の裾が霧に包まれている」(やまのすそがきりにつつまれている). This word is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts to describe the lower edge of an object or area.

Radical

衣

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1419

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Supplement

Reading

Parts

衤 甫

Example Word

補償: compensation. The Japanese noun '補償 (ほしょう)' means 'compensation'. It refers to something given to make up for a loss, damage, or inconvenience. This term is often used in legal, financial, or workplace contexts. For example: The company provided compensation for the damages「会社は損害の補償をした」(かいしゃはそんがいのほしょうをした). Compensation for the accident was paid「事故の補償が支払われた」(じこのほしょうがしはらわれた). The word can also imply reparation or restitution in broader contexts.

Radical

衣

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1420

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Duplicate

Reading

Parts

衤 复

Example Word

複合: combination. The Japanese noun '複合 (ふくごう)' refers to the act or state of combining multiple elements or factors into one. It is often used in contexts where different components are merged or integrated to form a complex whole. For example: the combination of technology and art「技術と芸術の複合」(ぎじゅつとげいじゅつのふくごう). This word is commonly used in fields like science, business, and art to describe hybrid or multifaceted concepts. Another example: the compound interest effect「複利の複合効果」(ふくりのふくごうこうか).

Radical

衣

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1428

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Neck, Collar

Reading

Parts

衤 禁Ban, Prohibition

Example Word

襟: collar. The Japanese noun '襟 (えり)' refers to the collar of a piece of clothing, such as a shirt, jacket, or coat. It is commonly used in fashion and everyday conversation to describe the part of clothing that fits around the neck. For example: This shirt has a stiff collar「このシャツは襟が硬い」(このシャツはえりがかたい). I like the design of this collar「この襟のデザインが好きです」(このえりのデザインがすきです). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something that resembles a collar in shape or position, though this usage is less common.

Radical

衣

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1450

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Abundant

Reading

Parts

衤 谷Valley

Example Word

余裕: leeway. The Japanese noun '余裕 (よゆう)' primarily means 'leeway' or 'margin'. It refers to having extra time, space, or resources beyond what is strictly necessary. This word is often used to describe a state of having enough capacity to handle something comfortably, or to indicate a relaxed attitude due to having ample resources. For example: There is enough leeway in the schedule「スケジュールに余裕がある」(スケジュールによゆうがある). He has the leeway to take on another project「彼は別のプロジェクトを引き受ける余裕がある」(かれはべつのプロジェクトをひきうけるよゆうがある). Additionally, '余裕' can imply a sense of composure or calmness, as in: She answered with composure「彼女は余裕を持って答えた」(かのじょはよゆうをもってこたえた).

Radical

衣

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1563

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Praise

Reading

Parts

亠Lid 保Preserve

Example Word

褒める: praise. The Japanese verb '褒める (ほめる)' means 'to praise' or 'to compliment'. It is used when expressing admiration or approval for someone's actions, qualities, or achievements. This verb is commonly used in both formal and informal settings. For example: The teacher praised the student「先生は生徒を褒めた」(せんせいはせいとをほめた). I praised my friend for her hard work「私は友達の努力を褒めた」(わたしはともだちのどりょくをほめた). Note that '褒める' is often used in contexts where positive reinforcement or encouragement is intended.

Radical

衣

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1736

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Brown, Woollen kimono

Reading

Parts

衤 日Day, Sun 匂Fragrance, Scent

Radical

衣

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1979

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Inmost, Inner heart

Reading

Parts

亠Lid 中Center

Radical

衣

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2049

Handwriting