字Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical

kanji

Meaning

Third person pronoun, He

Reading

Parts

皮Skin 彳Stop

Example Word

彼: he. The Japanese pronoun '彼 (かれ)' means 'he'. It is used to refer to a male person in the third person. This pronoun is commonly used in both spoken and written Japanese. For example: he is my friend「彼は私の友達です」(かれはわたしのともだちです). He went to the store「彼は店に行きました」(かれはみせにいきました). It's important to note that '彼' can also be used to refer to a boyfriend in certain contexts, but this usage is less formal and more colloquial. For example: my boyfriend is kind「彼は優しい」(かれはやさしい).

Radical

彳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

19

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

After, Behind

Reading

Parts

幺Slight 彳Stop 夂Late

Example Word

後: after. The Japanese adverb '後 (あと)' means 'after'. It is commonly used to indicate a sequence of events or time, such as something happening after another event. It can also imply 'later' or 'remaining'. For example: I'll eat after studying「勉強した後で食べます」(べんきょうしたあとでたべます). There are three left「後三つあります」(あとみっつあります). The word can also be used in phrases like '後で (あとで)' to mean 'later' or 'afterwards'. It is important to note that '後' can also function as a noun meaning 'later' or 'behind', but as an adverb, it primarily conveys the idea of 'after' in terms of time or sequence.

Radical

彳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

45

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Honorable, General honorific term

Reading

Parts

卸Wholesale 彳Stop

Example Word

御: honorific. The Japanese prefix '御 (お)' is an honorific prefix used to show respect or politeness. It is commonly attached to nouns, particularly in formal or polite contexts. This prefix does not change the core meaning of the word but elevates its tone. For example: tea「お茶」(おちゃ), money「お金」(おかね). It is also used in set phrases like 'thank you'「ありがとうございます」(ありがとうございます), where '御' is implied in the politeness of the expression. Note that '御' can also be read as 'ご' in some cases, such as 'ご飯 (ごはん)' (meal/rice), but the meaning remains the same.

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

待つ: wait. The Japanese verb '待つ (まつ)' means 'to wait'. It is used to describe the action of staying in a place or delaying action until a particular time or event occurs. This verb is commonly used in everyday conversations and can be paired with various particles to indicate what or whom one is waiting for. For example: I will wait for you「あなたを待つ」(あなたをまつ). Please wait a moment「ちょっと待ってください」(ちょっとまってください). The verb can also be used in more abstract contexts, such as waiting for an opportunity or waiting for something to happen. It is important to note that '待つ' is often used in its te-form '待って (まって)' when making requests or giving instructions.

Radical

彳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

241

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Duty

Reading

Parts

彳Stop 殳Pike

Example Word

役: role. The Japanese noun '役 (やく)' primarily means 'role'. It is used to describe a part or function that someone or something has in a particular situation, such as in a play, job, or society. For example: He played the role of a villain「彼は悪役を演じた」(かれはあくやくをえんじた). This word can also refer to a duty or responsibility, as in: It's my role to take care of the children「子供の世話をするのは私の役です」(こどものせわをするのはわたしのやくです). Additionally, '役' can be used in compound words like '役割 (やくわり)' which also means 'role' or 'function'.

Radical

彳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

354

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Follow, Obey

Reading

Parts

龰Stop (止)彳Stop 䒑Herbs

Example Word

従う: follow or obey. The Japanese verb '従う (したがう)' can mean 'to obey' or 'to follow'. When used to mean 'obey', it refers to complying with rules, orders, or authority. For example: obey the law「法律に従う」(ほうりつにしたがう). When used to mean 'follow', it can refer to following a path, a sequence, or someone's lead. For example: follow the instructions「指示に従う」(しじにしたがう). The verb can also imply following a natural course or logic, such as in: the river follows the valley「川は谷に従って流れる」(かわはたににしたがってながれる).

Radical

彳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

466

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Virtue

Reading

Parts

心Heart 罒Net 十Ten 彳Stop

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

微妙: subtle or doubtful. The Japanese adjectival noun '微妙 (びみょう)' can mean 'subtle' or 'doubtful', depending on the context. When used to mean 'subtle', it refers to something that is delicate, nuanced, or not easily noticeable. For example: The difference is subtle「その違いは微妙だ」(そのちがいはびみょうだ). When used to mean 'doubtful', it expresses uncertainty or skepticism about something. For example: I'm doubtful about his plan「彼の計画は微妙だ」(かれのけいかくはびみょうだ). This word is often used in casual conversation to express that something is 'questionable' or 'not quite right' without being overly negative. It can also be used to describe a situation that is hard to judge or evaluate clearly.

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

复 彳Stop

Example Word

復習: review. The Japanese verbal noun '復習 (ふくしゅう)' means 'review' or 'revision'. It refers to the act of going over previously learned material to reinforce understanding or memory. This term is commonly used in educational contexts, such as studying for exams or practicing skills. For example: I will review the lesson「復習をします」(ふくしゅうをします). She reviewed her notes before the test「彼女はテスト前にノートを復習した」(かのじょはテストまえにノートをふくしゅうした). The word emphasizes the repetition of learning to ensure retention and mastery.

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

山Mountain 攵Strike 彳Stop 王King

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

育Raise, Grow 攵Strike 彳Stop

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

余Excess 彳Stop

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

圣Holy 彳Stop

Example Word

直径: diameter. The Japanese noun '直径 (ちょっけい)' refers to the 'diameter' of a circle or sphere, which is the length of a straight line passing from one side to the other through the center. It is commonly used in mathematical, engineering, and everyday contexts. For example: The diameter of this circle is 10 cm「この円の直径は10センチです」(このえんのちょっけいは10センチです). Please measure the diameter of the pipe「パイプの直径を測ってください」(パイプのちょっけいをはかってください). This word is specific to the concept of diameter and does not have unrelated meanings.

Radical

彳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1755

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Circulate, Sequential

Reading

Parts

盾Shield 彳Stop

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