Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical

kanji

Meaning

Eye

Reading

Parts

二Two 口Mouth

Example Word

目: eye or sight. The Japanese noun '目 (め)' primarily means 'eye', referring to the physical organ used for seeing. It can also mean 'sight' or 'vision', referring to the ability to see. This word is used in various contexts, both literal and metaphorical. For example: my eyes hurt「目が痛い」(めがいたい). She has good eyesight「彼女は目がいい」(かのじょはめがいい). Additionally, '目' can be used in idiomatic expressions, such as '目が高い (めがたかい)', which means 'to have a good eye' or 'to be discerning'. It's important to note that '目' can also refer to the eye of a needle or the eye of a storm, showing its versatility in usage.

Radical

目

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

46

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Mutual

Reading

Parts

木Tree, Wood 目Eye

Example Word

相対: relative. The Japanese noun '相対 (そうたい)' means 'relative'. It refers to something that is considered in relation or comparison to something else, rather than being absolute. This term is often used in contexts involving comparison, relativity, or opposition. For example: relative position「相対的な位置」(そうたいてきないち). Relative truth「相対的な真実」(そうたいてきなしんじつ). The concept of '相対' is fundamental in discussions about perspectives, relationships, and comparisons in various fields such as philosophy, physics, and everyday life.

Radical

目

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

104

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Eyeball

Reading

Parts

目Eye 艮Stopping

Example Word

眼差し: gaze. The Japanese noun '眼差し (まなざし)' refers to the way someone looks at something or someone, often implying a certain emotion or intention behind the gaze. It can convey feelings such as affection, scrutiny, or intensity. For example: her gaze was full of love「彼女の眼差しは愛に満ちていた」(かのじょのまなざしはあいにみちていた). His gaze was sharp and piercing「彼の眼差しは鋭くて貫くようだった」(かれのまなざしはするどくてつらぬくようだった). This word is often used in literary or poetic contexts to describe the depth or quality of someone's look.

Radical

目

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

112

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Truth

Reading

Parts

十Ten 具Tool

Example Word

真心: sincerity. The Japanese noun '真心 (まごころ)' refers to 'sincerity' or 'genuine heart'. It conveys a deep sense of honesty, purity, and heartfelt emotion. This word is often used to describe actions or feelings that come from a place of true intention and goodwill, without any ulterior motives. For example: She accepted his sincerity「彼女は彼の真心を受け入れた」(かのじょはかれのまごころをうけいれた). His sincerity moved everyone「彼の真心はみんなを感動させた」(かれのまごころはみんなをかんどうさせた). The term is commonly used in contexts emphasizing genuine care, such as in relationships, art, or acts of kindness.

Radical

目

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

142

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Straight, Repair

Reading

Parts

十Ten 目Eye 𠃊Second (乙)

Example Word

直前: just before. The Japanese noun '直前 (ちょくぜん)' means 'just before.' It refers to the immediate period before an event or action takes place. This word is often used to describe the timeframe immediately prior to a specific event, such as departure, start time, or occurrence. For example: just before the departure of the train 「電車の出発の直前」 (でんしゃのしゅっぱつのちょくぜん). I realized it just before the deadline 「締め切りの直前に気づいた」 (しめきりのちょくぜんにきづいた). It can also be used to describe physical proximity, such as being right in front of something, but that usage is less common.

Radical

目

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

166

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Arrive, Wear

Reading

Parts

目Eye ⺶Sheep (羊)

Example Word

着陸: landing. The Japanese verbal noun '着陸 (ちゃくりく)' means 'landing'. It is specifically used to describe the act of an aircraft or spacecraft touching down on the ground or another surface. This term is commonly used in aviation and space contexts. For example: The airplane made a smooth landing「飛行機は着陸がスムーズだった」(ひこうきはちゃくりくがスムーズだった). The spacecraft will attempt a landing on Mars「宇宙船は火星に着陸を試みる」(うちゅうせんはかせいちゃくりくをこころみる). Note that '着陸' is distinct from '着地 (ちゃくち)', which can refer to landing in a broader sense, such as a person or object landing on the ground.

Radical

目

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

168

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Stare, Look out over

Reading

Parts

目Eye 兆Omen, Trillion

Example Word

眺め: view. The Japanese noun '眺め (ながめ)' refers to a 'view' or 'scene'. It is used to describe what one sees when looking at something, often from a distance or a specific vantage point. This word can be used for natural landscapes, cityscapes, or even abstract views. For example: the view from the mountain is beautiful「山からの眺めは美しい」(やまからのながめはうつくしい). I enjoy the view of the ocean「海の眺めを楽しむ」(うみのながめをたのしむ). The word can also imply a sense of contemplation or appreciation of the scene.

Radical

目

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

631

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Sleep, Sleepy

Reading

Parts

目Eye 民People, Nation

Example Word

睡眠: sleep. The Japanese verbal noun '睡眠 (すいみん)' refers to the act or state of sleeping. It is commonly used in contexts related to health, well-being, and daily routines. For example: I need more sleep「もっと睡眠が必要です」(もっとすいみんがひつようです). Good sleep is important for health「良い睡眠は健康に重要です」(よいすいみんはけんこうにじゅうようです). This word is often used in medical or scientific discussions about sleep quality, disorders, or habits. It can also appear in phrases like '睡眠不足 (すいみんぶそく)' (lack of sleep) or '睡眠時間 (すいみんじかん)' (sleep duration).

Radical

目

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

652

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Blink, Flash

Reading

Parts

目Eye 舜

Example Word

一瞬: instant. The Japanese noun '一瞬 (いっしゅん)' means 'instant' or 'moment'. It refers to an extremely short period of time, often emphasizing how quickly something happens. This word is commonly used to describe fleeting moments or events that occur in a blink of an eye. For example: In an instant, the bird flew away「一瞬で鳥が飛び去った」(いっしゅんでとりがとびさった). I saw it for just a moment「一瞬だけ見えた」(いっしゅんだけみえた). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something that feels brief or ephemeral, such as emotions or opportunities.

Radical

目

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

924

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Watch

Reading

Parts

手Hand 目Eye

Example Word

看護婦: nurse. The Japanese noun '看護婦 (かんごふ)' specifically refers to a 'female nurse'. This term is used to describe a woman who is trained to care for the sick or infirm, especially in a hospital setting. Historically, this term was commonly used, but in modern Japanese, the gender-neutral term '看護師 (かんごし)' is preferred to refer to nurses of any gender. Example sentences: The nurse is kind「看護婦は優しい」(かんごふはやさしい). She became a nurse「彼女は看護婦になった」(かのじょはかんごふになった). Note that while '看護婦' is still understood, it is considered outdated in professional contexts.

Radical

目

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1053

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Ministry, Conserve

Reading

Parts

少Few 目Eye

Example Word

省略: omission. The Japanese verbal noun '省略 (しょうりゃく)' means 'omission'. It refers to the act of leaving out or skipping over parts of something, such as words in a sentence, steps in a process, or details in a story. This term is often used in contexts where brevity or efficiency is desired. For example: Please omit the unnecessary details「不要な詳細は省略してください」(ふようなしさいはしょうりゃくしてください). The speaker omitted the introduction「スピーカーは導入部を省略した」(すぴーかーはどうにゅうぶをしょうりゃくした). It's important to note that '省略' can be used both in formal and informal contexts, and it often implies that the omitted parts are understood or can be inferred.

Radical

目

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1058

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Eyebrows

Reading

Parts

目Eye

Example Word

眉毛: eyebrow. The Japanese noun '眉毛 (まゆげ)' refers to the 'eyebrow', the strip of hair above the eye. This word is commonly used in everyday conversation and can be found in various contexts, such as describing facial features or discussing grooming. For example: Her eyebrows are thick「彼女の眉毛は濃い」(かのじょのまゆげはこい). I plucked my eyebrows「眉毛を抜いた」(まゆげをぬいた). The word is straightforward and does not carry additional nuanced meanings, making it easy to use in both casual and formal settings.

Radical

目

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1201

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Prefecture

Reading

Parts

𠃊Second (乙)目Eye 小Small

Example Word

県庁: prefecture office. The Japanese noun '県庁 (けんちょう)' refers to the 'prefecture office' or 'prefectural government office'. This is the administrative center of a prefecture in Japan, where local government affairs are managed. It is typically the main building where the governor and other government officials work. Example sentences include: The prefecture office is near the station 「県庁は駅の近くです」 (けんちょうはえきのちかくです). I went to the prefecture office today 「今日は県庁に行きました」 (きょうはけんちょうにいきました). Note that '県庁' is specifically used for the prefectural level, distinct from city or ward offices.

Radical

目

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1295

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Coach, Supervise

Reading

Parts

叔Uncle, Younger sibling of parent 目Eye

Example Word

監督: director or supervisor. The Japanese verbal noun '監督 (かんとく)' can mean 'director' or 'supervisor', depending on the context. As 'director', it refers to someone who directs films, plays, or other creative works. For example: He is the director of this movie「彼はこの映画の監督です」(かれはこのえいがのかんとくです). As 'supervisor', it refers to someone who oversees or manages a team, project, or organization. For example: The supervisor checked the work「監督が仕事を確認しました」(かんとくがしごとをかくにんしました). The word is versatile and widely used in both creative and professional settings.

Radical

目

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1360

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Sleep, Drowsy

Reading

Parts

目Eye 垂Hang down

Example Word

睡眠: sleep. The Japanese verbal noun '睡眠 (すいみん)' refers to the act or state of sleeping. It is commonly used in contexts related to health, well-being, and daily routines. For example: I need more sleep「もっと睡眠が必要です」(もっとすいみんがひつようです). Good sleep is important for health「良い睡眠は健康に重要です」(よいすいみんはけんこうにじゅうようです). This word is often used in medical or scientific discussions about sleep quality, disorders, or habits. It can also appear in phrases like '睡眠不足 (すいみんぶそく)' (lack of sleep) or '睡眠時間 (すいみんじかん)' (sleep duration).

Radical

目

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1441

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Blind

Reading

Parts

亡Death, Deceased 目Eye

Radical

目

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1488

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Shield

Reading

Parts

十Ten 目Eye ⺁

Example Word

矛盾: contradiction. The Japanese verbal noun '矛盾 (むじゅん)' means 'contradiction'. It refers to a situation where two or more statements, ideas, or actions are mutually incompatible or inconsistent. This term is often used in logical, philosophical, or everyday contexts to describe conflicting elements. For example: there is a contradiction in his story「彼の話には矛盾がある」(かれのはなしにはむじゅんがある). The policy is full of contradictions「その政策は矛盾だらけだ」(そのせいさくはむじゅんだらけだ). The word originates from an ancient Chinese fable about a spear that could pierce any shield and a shield that could block any spear, highlighting the inherent contradiction.

Radical

目

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1510

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Pupil

Reading

Parts

目Eye 童Juvenile

Example Word

瞳: pupil. The Japanese noun '瞳 (ひとみ)' primarily refers to the 'pupil' of the eye, the black circular opening in the center of the iris. It can also poetically or metaphorically refer to the eyes themselves, often evoking a sense of beauty or depth. For example: Her pupils are beautiful「彼女の瞳は美しい」(かのじょのひとみはうつくしい). The child's eyes sparkled「子供の瞳が輝いていた」(こどものひとみがかがやいていた). This word is often used in literary or emotional contexts to emphasize the expressiveness or allure of someone's eyes.

Radical

目

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1674

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Clear

Reading

Parts

目Eye 尞

Example Word

明瞭: clear. The Japanese adjectival noun '明瞭 (めいりょう)' means 'clear' and is used to describe something that is easy to understand, distinct, or unambiguous. It is often used in contexts where clarity of speech, thought, or expression is emphasized. For example: His explanation was clear「彼の説明は明瞭だった」(かれのせつめいはめいりょうだった). The image on the screen is clear「画面の映像は明瞭だ」(がめんのえいぞうはめいりょうだ). This word is commonly used in formal or technical contexts to describe precision and clarity.

Radical

目

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1722

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Friendly

Reading

Parts

目Eye 坴

Radical

目

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1982

Handwriting