Jōyō KanjiOrganized by Radical

kanji

Meaning

Third person pronoun, He

Reading

Parts

彳Stop 皮Skin

Example Word

彼氏: boyfriend. The Japanese noun '彼氏 (かれし)' means 'boyfriend'. It is a commonly used term to refer to a male romantic partner. This word is casual and is often used in everyday conversation. For example: My boyfriend is kind「私の彼氏は優しい」(わたしのかれしはやさしい). I went to the movies with my boyfriend「彼氏と映画に行った」(かれしとえいがにいった). It is important to note that '彼氏' is specifically used for romantic relationships and not for male friends in general. The term '彼 (かれ)' can also mean 'he' or 'boyfriend', but '彼氏' is more commonly used to clearly indicate a romantic relationship.

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

御無沙汰: neglect. The Japanese verbal noun '御無沙汰 (ごぶさた)' refers to the act of neglecting to contact someone or not being in touch for a long time. It is often used in polite expressions to apologize for not having been in contact. For example: I'm sorry for not being in touch「ご無沙汰しております」(ごぶさたしております). It's been a long time since we last met「久しぶりに会いましたね」(ひさしぶりにあいましたね). This term is commonly used in formal or semi-formal contexts to express regret for not maintaining communication.

Radical

彳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

54

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Acquire

Reading

Parts

彳Stop 㝵

Example Word

取得: acquisition. The Japanese noun '取得 (しゅとく)' refers to the act of obtaining or acquiring something, such as rights, qualifications, or objects. It is commonly used in formal or legal contexts. For example: He obtained a driver's license「彼は運転免許を取得した」(かれはうんてんめんきょをしゅとくした). The company acquired new technology「その会社は新しい技術を取得した」(そのかいしゃはあたらしいぎじゅつをしゅとくした). This word emphasizes the process or result of gaining something through effort or legal means.

Radical

彳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

139

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Wait

Reading

Parts

寺Temple 彳Stop

Example Word

待ち遠しい: eagerly awaited. The Japanese adjective '待ち遠しい (まちどおしい)' conveys a sense of eager anticipation or longing for something that is expected to happen in the future. It is often used to describe feelings of excitement or impatience while waiting for a highly anticipated event, person, or thing. For example: I can't wait for the festival「祭りが待ち遠しい」(まつりがまちどおしい). The children are eagerly awaiting the summer vacation「子供たちは夏休みが待ち遠しい」(こどもたちはなつやすみがまちどおしい). This word is commonly used in contexts where the speaker is looking forward to something with great enthusiasm.

Radical

彳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

241

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Duty

Reading

Parts

彳Stop 殳Pike

Example Word

役者: actor. The Japanese noun '役者 (やくしゃ)' refers to an 'actor', someone who performs in plays, movies, or television shows. This term is commonly used in the context of theater and entertainment. For example: He is a famous actor「彼は有名な役者です」(かれはゆうめいなやくしゃです). She wants to become an actor「彼女は役者になりたい」(かのじょはやくしゃになりたい). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who is skilled at pretending or acting in social situations, though this usage is less common.

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

徒: follower. The Japanese noun '徒 (と)' means 'follower' or 'disciple'. It is often used to refer to someone who follows a particular person, group, or ideology. This term can carry a neutral or slightly negative connotation depending on the context, implying blind adherence or lack of independent thought. Example sentences: He is a follower of that philosophy「彼はその哲学の徒だ」(かれはそのてつがくのとだ). The followers of the cult were devoted「そのカルトの徒は熱心だった」(そのカルトのとはねっしんだった). Note that '徒' can also appear in compound words, such as '信徒 (しんと)' (believer) or '学徒 (がくと)' (student).

Radical

彳

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

815

Handwriting

kanji

Meaning

Restore

Reading

Parts

彳Stop 复

Example Word

復活: revival. The Japanese verbal noun '復活 (ふっかつ)' means 'revival' or 'resurrection'. It is used to describe the act of bringing something back to life, restoring it to a previous state, or making it active again. This word is often used in contexts such as cultural events, religious contexts, or even in everyday situations where something is being restored. For example: The festival was revived「祭りが復活した」(まつりがふっかつした). The old tradition has been brought back「古い伝統が復活した」(ふるいでんとうがふっかつした). It can also be used metaphorically, such as in the revival of a business or a trend.

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

象徴: symbol. The Japanese verbal noun '象徴 (しょうちょう)' means 'symbol'. It refers to something that represents or stands for an idea, quality, or concept. This word is often used in contexts where an object, person, or event embodies a larger meaning or represents a significant idea. For example: The dove is a symbol of peace「鳩は平和の象徴です」(はとはへいわのしょうちょうです). This building symbolizes the city's history「この建物は街の歴史を象徴しています」(このたてものはまちのれきしをしょうちょうしています). The term is commonly used in discussions about culture, art, and philosophy.

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

徹底的: thorough. The Japanese adjective '徹底的 (てっていてき)' means 'thorough'. It describes something that is done completely, meticulously, or exhaustively, leaving no room for oversight. This word is often used in contexts where precision, completeness, or intensity is emphasized. For example: He conducted a thorough investigation「彼は徹底的な調査を行った」(かれはてっていてきなちょうさをおこなった). The company implemented thorough reforms「その会社は徹底的な改革を実施した」(そのかいしゃはてっていてきなかいかくをじっしした). Note that '徹底的' is often used in formal or professional settings to emphasize the depth or completeness of an action.

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

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

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