kanji

Meaning

Third person pronoun, He

Reading

Parts

彳Stop 皮Skin

Example Word

彼れ: that. The Japanese pronoun '彼れ (あれ)' means 'that' and is used to refer to something distant from both the speaker and the listener, either physically or psychologically. It is often used when the specific object or subject is known to both parties but is not immediately present. For example: That is a mountain「あれは山です」(あれはやまです). That over there is my house「あれが私の家です」(あれがわたしのいえです). It can also be used to refer to something that is not tangible, such as an idea or a situation. For example: That was a difficult time「あれは大変な時期でした」(あれはたいへんなじきでした).

Radical

彳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

19

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

After, Behind

Reading

Parts

彳Stop 夂Late 幺Slight

Example Word

午後: afternoon. The Japanese noun '午後 (ごご)' refers to the time period of the 'afternoon'. It is commonly used to indicate the time of day from around 12:00 PM (noon) until evening, typically around 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM. This word is often used in schedules, appointments, or when specifying time. For example: I have a meeting in the afternoon「午後に会議があります」(ごごにかいぎがあります). Let's meet at 3 PM in the afternoon「午後3時に会いましょう」(ごごさんじにあいましょう). Note that '午後' is often paired with specific times, such as '午後2時 (ごごにじ)' for 2:00 PM.

Radical

彳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

45

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Honorable, General honorific term

Reading

Parts

彳Stop 卸Wholesale

Example Word

制御: control. The Japanese verbal noun '制御 (せいぎょ)' means 'control'. It refers to the act of managing, regulating, or directing something, often used in technical, mechanical, or abstract contexts. For example: controlling the temperature「温度を制御する」(おんどをせいぎょする). The system controls the flow of water「システムが水の流れを制御する」(システムがみずのながれをせいぎょする). This word is commonly used in engineering, computing, and everyday situations where regulation or management is required.

Radical

彳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

54

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Acquire

Reading

Parts

彳Stop 㝵

Example Word

得る: obtain. The Japanese verb '得る (える)' means 'to obtain' or 'to gain'. It is used to express the acquisition of something, whether it be a physical object, knowledge, or an abstract concept. This verb is often used in formal or written contexts. For example: He obtained valuable experience「彼は貴重な経験を得た」(かれはきちょうなけいけんをえた). It is also used in negative forms to indicate something that is difficult or impossible to obtain, as in '得られない (えない)' (cannot obtain). Note that '得る' can sometimes be used in a more abstract sense, such as gaining understanding or insight.

Radical

彳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

139

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Wait

Reading

Parts

寺Temple 彳Stop

Example Word

待ち望む: eagerly await. The Japanese verb '待ち望む (まちのぞむ)' means 'to eagerly await' or 'to look forward to with anticipation'. It conveys a sense of hopeful expectation, often for something positive or significant. This verb is commonly used in contexts where someone is waiting for an event, outcome, or person with great enthusiasm or longing. For example: I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of spring「春の到来を待ち望んでいる」(はるのとうらいをまちのぞんでいる). She eagerly awaited her friend's return「彼女は友達の帰りを待ち望んでいた」(かのじょはともだちのかえりをまちのぞんでいた). The verb combines '待つ (まつ)' (to wait) and '望む (のぞむ)' (to hope or desire), emphasizing both the waiting and the hopeful anticipation.

Radical

彳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

241

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Duty

Reading

Parts

彳Stop 殳Pike

Example Word

市役所: city hall. The Japanese noun '市役所 (しやくしょ)' refers to a 'city hall' or 'municipal office'. This is the administrative center of a city where local government services are provided, such as issuing official documents, handling taxes, and managing public services. For example: I went to the city hall to register my address「市役所に住所を登録しに行きました」(しやくしょにじゅうしょをとうろくしにいきました). The city hall is located in the center of the city「市役所は市の中心にあります」(しやくしょはしのちゅうしんにあります). This term is commonly used in daily life when dealing with administrative tasks or local government matters.

Radical

彳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

354

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Follow, Obey

Reading

Parts

彳Stop 䒑Herbs 龰Stop (止)

Example Word

従来: tradition. The Japanese noun '従来 (じゅうらい)' refers to something that has been established or customary over time, often implying a sense of tradition or continuity. It is used to describe practices, methods, or ideas that have been in place for a long period. For example: We follow the traditional method「従来の方法に従います」(じゅうらいのほうほうにしたがいます). This approach is based on traditional practices「このアプローチは従来の慣習に基づいています」(このアプローチはじゅうらいのかんしゅうにもとづいています). The term can also imply a contrast with new or modern approaches, highlighting the difference between old and new ways of doing things.

Radical

彳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

466

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Virtue

Reading

Parts

彳Stop 十Ten 罒Net 心Heart

Example Word

道徳: morality. The Japanese noun '道徳 (どうとく)' refers to 'morality' or 'ethical principles'. It is used to describe the system of values and principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong behavior. This term is often used in discussions about societal norms, personal ethics, and philosophical teachings. For example: Morality is important in society「道徳は社会で重要です」(どうとくはしゃかいでじゅうようです). Teaching morality to children is essential「子供に道徳を教えることは大切です」(こどもにどうとくをおしえることはたいせつです). The word is commonly used in educational and philosophical contexts.

Radical

彳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

513

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Journey, Go on

Reading

Parts

彳Stop 主Master

Example Word

往復: roundtrip. The Japanese noun '往復 (おうふく)' refers to a round trip, meaning going to a destination and returning. It is commonly used in contexts like transportation (e.g., train or plane tickets) or communication (e.g., letters or emails). For example: I bought a round-trip ticket「往復のチケットを買いました」(おうふくのチケットをかいました). The round-trip fare is 5,000 yen「往復料金は5000円です」(おうふくりょうきんはごせんえんです). This word can also metaphorically describe the back-and-forth nature of communication or exchanges.

Radical

彳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

573

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Slight, Delicate

Reading

Parts

彳Stop

Example Word

微笑: smile. The Japanese noun '微笑 (びしょう)' refers to a 'smile', particularly a gentle or faint smile. It is often used in formal or literary contexts to describe a subtle, soft, or serene expression. For example: Her smile was gentle「彼女の微笑は優しかった」(かのじょのびしょうはやさしかった). The painting captured a faint smile「その絵はかすかな微笑をとらえていた」(そのえはかすかなびしょうをとらえていた). This word carries a nuance of quiet beauty and is less commonly used in casual conversation compared to '笑顔 (えがお)', which is a more general term for a smile.

Radical

彳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

619

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Follower, Junior

Reading

Parts

彳Stop 走Run

Example Word

生徒: student. The Japanese noun '生徒 (せいと)' refers to a 'student', typically in the context of elementary, middle, or high school. It is commonly used to describe someone who is enrolled in and attending a school. Unlike '学生 (がくせい)', which can refer to college or university students, '生徒' is more specific to younger students. For example: The student is studying「生徒は勉強しています」(せいとはべんきょうしています). She is a high school student「彼女は高校の生徒です」(かのじょはこうこうのせいとです). The teacher is guiding the students「先生は生徒を指導しています」(せんせいはせいとをしどうしています).

Radical

彳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

815

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Restore

Reading

Parts

彳Stop 复

Example Word

復興: recovery or revival. The Japanese noun '復興 (ふっこう)' refers to the act of recovering or reviving something, often after a period of decline or destruction. It is commonly used in contexts such as economic recovery, reconstruction after disasters, or cultural revival. For example: The town is in recovery after the earthquake「その町は地震の後、復興中です」(そのまちはじしんのあと、ふっこうちゅうです). The revival of traditional arts is important「伝統芸術の復興は重要です」(でんとうげいじゅつのふっこうはじゅうようです). Note that while 'recovery' and 'revival' are closely related, they can apply to different contexts, such as physical reconstruction versus cultural or economic resurgence.

Radical

彳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

867

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Law, Rhythm

Reading

Parts

彳Stop 聿Brush

Example Word

法律: law. The Japanese noun '法律 (ほうりつ)' refers to 'law' in the sense of a system of rules established by a government or authority. It is used to describe legal statutes, regulations, or the body of laws governing a society. This term is often used in formal or legal contexts. For example: This law protects the environment「この法律は環境を守る」(このほうりつはかんきょうをまもる). He studies law at university「彼は大学で法律を勉強している」(かれはだいがくでほうりつをべんきょうしている). The nuance of '法律' is broader than specific rules or regulations, as it refers to the overall legal framework.

Radical

彳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1095

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Levy, Symptom

Reading

Parts

彳Stop 山Mountain 王King 攵Strike

Example Word

特徴: feature. The Japanese noun '特徴 (とくちょう)' means 'feature' or 'characteristic'. It refers to a distinctive attribute or quality of something or someone. This word is often used to describe what makes something unique or different. For example: The main feature of this product is its durability「この製品の特徴は耐久性です」(このせいひんのとくちょうはたいきゅうせいです). Another example: The characteristic of this region is its rich culture「この地域の特徴は豊かな文化です」(このちいきのとくちょうはゆたかなぶんかです). The word is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to highlight specific traits or aspects.

Radical

彳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1266

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Penetrate, Go through

Reading

Parts

彳Stop 育Raise, Grow 攵Strike

Example Word

徹底: thoroughness. The Japanese noun '徹底 (てってい)' means 'thoroughness' or 'completeness'. It refers to the quality of being thorough, meticulous, or exhaustive in carrying out a task or understanding a concept. This word is often used in contexts where attention to detail and leaving no stone unturned are emphasized. For example: The company emphasizes thoroughness in its training「その会社は徹底を訓練に重視する」(そのかいしゃはてっていをくんれんにじゅうしする). His research is known for its thoroughness「彼の研究は徹底で知られている」(かれのけんきゅうはてっていでしられている). The word can also imply a sense of rigor or intensity in approach.

Radical

彳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1312

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Subjugate

Reading

Parts

彳Stop 正Correct

Radical

彳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1522

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Slowly, Gradually

Reading

Parts

彳Stop 余Excess

Example Word

徐々: gradually. The Japanese noun '徐々 (じょじょ)' means 'gradually'. It is used to describe something that happens slowly over time, step by step, or in a steady progression. This word is often used in contexts where change or development occurs at a measured pace. For example: The pain gradually subsided「痛みが徐々に和らいだ」(いたみがじょじょにやわらいだ). The company is gradually expanding its business「会社は徐々に事業を拡大している」(かいしゃはじょじょにじぎょうをかくだいしている). Note that '徐々' is often paired with particles like 'に' to function as an adverb in sentences.

Radical

彳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1645

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Path, Diameter

Reading

Parts

彳Stop 圣Holy

Example Word

半径: radius. The Japanese noun '半径 (はんけい)' means 'radius'. It is used in mathematics and geometry to describe the distance from the center of a circle to its circumference. This term is also used in everyday contexts to describe the range or extent of something circular or spherical. For example: the radius of the circle is 5 meters「円の半径は5メートルです」(えんのはんけいはごメートルです). The explosion affected everything within a 10-kilometer radius「爆発は半径10キロメートル以内に影響を及ぼした」(ばくはつははんけいじゅっキロメートルいないにえいきょうをおよぼした).

Radical

彳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1755

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Circulate, Sequential

Reading

Parts

彳Stop 盾Shield

Example Word

循環: circulation. The Japanese noun '循環 (じゅんかん)' means 'circulation'. It refers to the movement or flow of something in a circular or recurring pattern. This word is commonly used in contexts such as blood circulation, environmental cycles, or the circulation of goods and money. For example: blood circulation is important for health「血液の循環は健康に重要です」(けつえきのじゅんかんはけんこうにじゅうようです). The circulation of money stimulates the economy「お金の循環が経済を活性化します」(おかねのじゅんかんがけいざいをかっせいかします). It can also be used metaphorically to describe the cyclical nature of events or ideas.

Radical

彳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2068

Handwriting